As the co-chairman of the Brandon Schools Bond Extension Committee I felt compelled to write concerning the flurry of letters about District Superintendent Tom Miller. I have sat and read most of the comments both good and bad concerning Mr. Miller. During the campaign I got the chance to know Mr. Miller a little better than most. I found him to be truly concerned about the type of education our children receive. On many an occasion I had heard him say that, ‘in order for our kids to compete we must be able to provide them with the most up-to-date tools available.? As a citizen and father with four children attending Brandon Schools, I, too, agreed with this statement.
Anyone who has been in a new position of authority will tell you that the last thing you want to do your first year is to be controversial. But Mr. Miller saw an opportunity to quantum leap our district forward, by extending the bond. This was a great risk employment-wise. He could have sat and done little things that didn’t upset anyone, and no one would have said a word. But instead he put himself out there big time! The technology upgrades, new construction, renovation and facility improvements are only a dream in most districts. But our children are the beneficiaries of it! We now have one of the finest school districts in the state of Michigan with facilities that are second to none.
Now I have heard the complaints of teachers and parents alike about mistakes that have been made. I agree that there is always room for improvement. All sides must learn to work together for the common good. I believe that all parties must be willing to admit shortcomings and move on. And the old saying is never truer, that you can’t please everyone. I believe that Mr. Miller’s heart is in the right place but in his position if he pleases one group, he angers another.
For over 15 years, my office has been in one of the poorest, most dilapidated communities of Detroit. I have seen with my own eyes what poor morale amongst teachers really is. When they don’t have textbooks for any of their students. When they are operating with antiquated computer systems if they have any at all! When they have to fear for their lives on a daily basis. And lastly, when they feel that no one really cares. This, my friends, is ‘low morale.? I believe that the teachers of Brandon Schools do a wonderful job of educating our children and they are to be commended and supported. But instead of talking about low morale amongst teachers, why don’t we look at the positive things our district has to offer? We are operating from some of the finest facilities with some of the finest equipment available. The rest is ‘all negotiable!?
Every district is facing challenges of some type, we are no different. But I believe that if we work together, we can come up with the right answers. It’s easy to complain and be part of the problem. It’s much harder to be a part of the solution. My suggestion is that instead of villanizing Mr. Miller, why isn’t he approached under the concept of ‘How can we make this better??
Al Manfroni
Co-Chairman of the Bond
Extension Committee