When it comes to applicants for the Oxford Board of Education seat being vacated by Sue Tombrella June 13, the school district’s cup runneth over.
Seven people applied for the chance to help oversee the district until Dec. 31, 2009. All will be interviewed at the board’s special meeting 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 15.
William Keenist, Robert Martin, Bryan Cloutier, Laura Beck, Kimberly Shumaker, Delia Rose Gipson and Rhonda Yell have all applied for the seat and indicated a willingness to run for the office in the November 2009 election if appointed. Tombrella’s term officially expires Dec. 31, 2010.
‘We got a good response,? said Superintendent Dr. William Skilling. ‘We got a good mix. I don’t personally know all the people that applied, but just looking through the resumes, they’re real impressive . . . I think each one brings something different.?
Keenist, a 23-year Oxford resident, works for the Detroit Lions as a senior vice president in communications.
‘My professional exposure has also taught me how critical the high school experience ? often more than the college experience ? is to success in life,? he wrote in his application. ‘The path to success starts before our students enter the work force. It starts before they enter college ? it starts in our school district.?
As for district involvement, Keenist cochaired the schools? Facilities Steering Committee, served on the Strategic Planning Committee and is a member of the Oxford Athletic Boosters.
Keenist believes the district must explore new ways to generate revenue and ‘stay current with an ever-changing world? in order to prepare students for life after high school.
‘The ‘toughest? times often present the greatest opportunities for those who are both prepared and bold enough to see the possibilities rather than focus on the problems,? he wrote.
Employed as a maintenance worker for Oxford Township Parks and Recreation, Martin is a 12-year Oxford resident.
Over the years, he’s served on numerous committees involving the school district and pro-bond/millage campaigns.
‘Working on the bond committee allowed me the opportunity to become well acquainted with each of our school’s current needs and conditions,? he wrote in his application.
Martin was president of the Oxford Band Boosters, coached girls youth softball, cochaired the Kids Kingdom playground project and was named Adult Youth Volunteer of the Year in 2004 by the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce.
If appointed, he indicated his ‘willingness to actively interact with the public to seek their input and to arrive at conclusions only after hearing the ideas and opinions of theother board members on the issues.?
Cloutier, who’s been employed as director of the Oxford Public Library since May 2007 and lived here for a year, is looking to expand his involvement in the community.
He’s been a member of the village planning commission and Rotary Club of Oxford since February 2009.
‘This is arguably a pivotal point for Oxford Schools,? Cloutier wrote in his letter of interest. ‘I am confident that my successful background in budgeting coupled with leadership experience in organizing and planning millage campaigns could be an asset to the board as you readdress your facilities needs.?
‘Sometimes our goals and objectives are misunderstood or challenged by our community, but with effective communication, adequate justification and accountability, we can sometimes overcome these obstacles,? he noted.
Employed as a school counselor for Waterford Public Schools, Beck has been an Oxford resident for 16 years. She’s been involved with the PTO and served as chairperson for several events.
‘Although my family’s experience with Oxford Schools has definitely been positive, I think continued improvement is necessary,? she said. ‘I think we can do more to prepare our students . . . to be successful in all of their future endeavors.?
Beck has been a Master’s level social worker since 1991 and has worked extensively with Oakland County youth in both the private and public sectors.
‘I think I can be an asset to the board of education due to my professional experience as a social worker in a neighboring public school district, being an involved parent of two school-age children and from having an advanced level of personal education from Wayne State University,? she wrote.
An Oxford resident since August 2008, Shumaker is a dental hygienist and the owner of an interior decorating business.
A mother of four, she volunteers at the OMS school store, the concession stands during soccer games and wrestling meets. She also supplies the OHS Robotics Team with meals and scouts the other teams during competitions.
Shumaker previously served on Howell’s school board.
‘My experience as an appointee to a school board in another district is of utmost value,? she wrote in her application. ‘I am aware of the function of the board, have experienced board issues dealing with discipline, contract negotiations, privatization, deep budget cuts, hiring a superintendent and community concerns, and have wrestled with state mandates that come with no dollars attached.?
A resident of Metamora Township and the Oxford school district since May 1997, Gipson worked for Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., providing technical support to engineers, from September 1997 until her indefinite layoff May 29.
‘The experience I will bring to the board includes 26 years of engineering experience in both manufacturing and corporate environments,? she wrote. ‘My experiences have provided opportunities to plan, organize and implement projects on time and within budget.?
Gipson indicated, if appointed, she will bring a ‘love for learning, enthusiasm, creativity and dependability? to the school board.
Yell, a 10-year Oxford resident, is employed as a teacher with Lapeer Community Schools. Three of her four children currently attend Oxford Schools.
‘The experiences I have already had in education as a student, parent and teacher would benefit the board,? she wrote in her application. ‘I think that the community doesn’t always understand decisions made by administration. I could probably help deepen the community understanding by putting things in layman’s terms (i.e. school of choice/contiguous, etc.). I’m just an average person and I think that many in the community would relate well to that and might open up and become more supportive.?
As a member of Christ the King Church, Yell does volunteer work with the children’s ministry. She’s also been involved with Special Olympics, the Red Cross and American Cancer Society.
Yell listed her ‘ability to think outside the box? and willingness to ‘take the time to truly listen? to others as two of her skills.
‘Simply listening and getting the whole picture and then using creative thinking can solve many problems,? she wrote. other board members on the issues.?
Cloutier, who’s been employed as director of the Oxford Public Library since May 2007 and lived here for a year, is looking to expand his involvement in the community.
He’s been a member of the village planning commission and Rotary Club of Oxford since February 2009.
‘This is arguably a pivotal point for Oxford Schools,? Cloutier wrote in letter of interest. ‘I am confident that my successful background in budgeting coupled with leadership experience in organizing and planning millage campaigns could be an asset to the board as you readdress your facilities needs.?
‘Sometimes our goals and objectives are misunderstood or challenged by our community, but with effective communication, adequate justification and accountability, we can sometimes overcome these obstacles,? he noted.
Employed as a school counselor for Waterford Public Schools, Beck has been an Oxford resident for 16 years. She’s been involved with the PTO and served as chairperson for several events.
‘I think I can be an asset to the board of education due to my professional experience as a social worker in a neighboring public school district, being an involved parent of two school-age children and from having an advanced level of personal education from Wayne State University,? she wrote.
Beck has been a Master’s level social worker since 1991 and has worked extensively with Oakland County youth in both the private and public sectors.
An Oxford resident since August 2008, Shumaker is a dental hygienist and the owner of an interior decorating business.
Amother of four, she volunteers at the OMS school store, the concession stands during soccer games and wrestling meets. She also supplies the OHS Robotics Team with meals and scouts the other teams during competitions.
Shumaker previously served on Howell’s school board.
‘My experience as an appointee to a school board in another district is of utmost value,? she wrote in her application. ‘I am aware of the function of the board, have experienced board issues dealing with discipline, contract negotiations, privatization, deep budget cuts, hiring a superintendent and community concerns, and have wrestled with state mandates that come with no dollars attached.?
A resident of Metamora Township and the Oxford school district since May 1997, Gipson worked for Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., providing technical support to engineers, from September 1997 until her indefinite layoff May 29.
‘The experience I will bring to the board includes 26 years of engineering experience in both manufacturing and corporate environments,? she wrote. ‘My experiences have provided opportunities to plan, organize and implement projects on time and within budget.?
Gipson indicated, if appointed, she will bring a ‘love for learning, enthusiasm, creativity and dependability? to the school board.
Yell,a 10-year Oxford resident, is employed as a teacher with Lapeer Community Schools. Three of her four children currently attend Oxford Schools.
‘The experiences I have already had in education as a student, parent and teacher would benefit the board,? she wrote in her application. ‘I think that the community doesn’t always understand decisions made by administration. I could probably help deepen the community understanding by putting things in layman’s terms (i.e. school of choice/contiguous, etc.). I’m just an average person and I think that many in the community would relate well to that and might open up and become more supportive.?
As a member of Christ the King Church, Yell does volunteer work with the children’s ministry. She’s also been involved with Special Olympics, the Red Cross and American Cancer Society.