Editor’s note:Earlier this month, The Citizen e-mailed questions to candidates in Atlas, Brandon and Groveland townships. Candidates were limited to 30 word responses.Key: Incumbent (I), Republican (R), Democrat (D), No party affiliation (NPA)

Goodrich School Board vote for two

Name, age: Justin Gailitis, 37

Number of years in the district and school board meetings attended in last year:

9 years in district, 1 meeting

Education/Occupation:

Sports Television Graphics Producer & Real Estate Agent

Government-related experience:

None

Is funding the biggest issue facing the district?

Sound fiscal strategies that accurately assess the success of programs is essential. Programs that can demonstrate performance must continue.

What is the best way to improve education in the district?

Focus from an emphasis on teaching to one on learning. We can’t just teach a subject and move on. We must ensure students are learning what we teach.

Are you a supporter of Schools of Choice? Why or why not?

School of choice has benefits and drawbacks. It provides crucial funding to our school, but at the same time can create a disconnect with the community.

Would you support a Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Questioning (LGBTQ) policy for the district?

A legally sound policy based on equality for all that respects varying views is crucial. A welcoming safe environment for all students is necessary regardless of sexual orientation.

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Name, age:

Howard “Chip” Schultz, 48 years old.

Number of years in the district and school board meetings attended in last year: I have been in the District for the past 9 years. I have not been to a Board meeting in the past year. I did serve on the School Board for 3 years.

Education/Occupation:

A 1986 Graduate of Ferndale HS. I attended Oakland Community College for my EMS Education as well as my Law Enforcement Education. Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, 17 years in the jail and on road patrol; school Liaison Officer Milford School District and currently Detective/Fire Investigator for the past 8 years.

Government-related experience: I am employed with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. I was appointed to the Goodrich School Board in the summer of 2011, and served proudly until January of 2015 at which time I held the position of treasurer.

Is funding the biggest issue facing the district?

Yes, but we are not the only District with this problem. With the utilization of Schools of Choice, Charter Schools, and home schooling, every district in the state is suffering from poor funding.

What is the best way to improve education in the district?

Better utilization of our resources. We have some of the best principals, teachers, and adjunct staff in the county. We need to allow them to use the curriculum and allow them to teach without restrictions.

Are you a supporter of Schools of Choice? Why or why not? If utilized properly, school of choice works on multiple levels. It brings in some funding due to the state allowance per student. It also allows students who are seeking a better educational surrounding that they may not be getting where they are currently enrolled.

Would you support a Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Questioning (LGBTQ) policy for the district? I support the freedom of self-expression and being who you are, and not what society thinks you should be. I would not support any policy that would jeopardize our children and staff’s safety or well-being.

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Name, age:

Linda Jackson, 73 (I)

Number of years in the district and school meetings attended in the last year:

I grew up in Flint when it was a thriving city with an outstanding educational system. Moved to Goodrich for 9th – 12th grades. Have been a taxpayer in the district since 1967 (49 years).Attended all scheduled board meetings this year.Missed Graduation due to a granddaughter’s graduation the same day.

Education\Occupation:

BS, MA plus 30. Major: Speech/Language Pathology and Elementary Education. Minors: Science and Psychology Occupation. Taught Speech/Language Pathology, Kindergarten and 2nd grade for 40 years (37 at Goodrich).

Government-related experience:

As a teacher I served as Building Representative, President and Negotiator for the Goodrich Unit of the MEA/NEA. Elected Goodrich School 2007 (9 years). ‘Served as treasurer, presently Vice President.

Is funding the biggest issue facing the district?

Yes, in our district and across the state. Increases from the state do not make up for past cuts and increased costs.

What is the best way to improve education in the district?

Growing student achievement takes collaboration. Beginning with the Superintendent, Administrators, Principals and Staff they all must collaborate for success. Bd. support to facilitate action.

Are you a supporter of Schools of Choice? Why or why not?

No and Yes

No- Schools of Choice make winners and losers out of Michigan Schools. Districts losing students have fewer funds to provide quality education for remaining students. Yes- Goodrich is a “go to” district. We gain students and dollars to help keep programs. At the same time Choice students do not contribute to the local tax base that funds building and maintaining our facilities That is left to our local taxpayers.

Would you support a Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Questioning (LGBTQ) policy for the district?

At this point the state is leaving it to the individual school districts. The board will work with their attorney to be sure that they do not violate the rights of an individual student. Issues will be dealt with on an individual basis as with all of the student population.