A Quick Quiz for Newaygo School Board Candidates

9 questions, 4 responses

With six contenders vying for three positions on the Newaygo School Board, we at N3 thought it might be a good idea to give voters a little glimpse at the candidates and perhaps provide a forum for prospective board members to share their views.
We came up with nine  questions based on community interest and these were sent to each of the candidates via email. We heard back from 4 of the six, Jami Schultz, Mary Spicer, Jamie Wiles, and Melinda Sheldon and have posted their responses below. 
The order was selected by drawing names out of a hat. Well, actually a bowl, but hat sounds more official. This is a lengthy read to be sure, but we believe it is a worthy one. And please take time to vote. Whether by mail or in person. Your vote matters.
-Near North Now

Melinda Sheldon

Why are you the best candidate for the school board position?
Although there are many good candidates, I believe that my vast experience as a retired teacher, combined with my educational training, and dedication to volunteerism in public education, positions me as a highly suitable school board candidate. 
My in-depth knowledge of state curriculum and student assessments was gained through my work with the Michigan Department of Education, where I contributed to writing general and special education curriculum standards and developing assessment questions. This experience has provided me with firsthand insight into the expectations for both staff and students.
My educational training encompasses critical areas such as school finances, state and federal law, grant writing, educational staff evaluations, and facilities management, all equipping me with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of school governance effectively.
Lastly, my lifelong commitment to the community is evident through my volunteer work with school-sponsored groups and activities, as well as my involvement in Newaygo Scouting programs that have directly benefited our district’s students.
With this blend of experience, training, and community engagement, I am well-prepared to contribute to the school board’s mission of enhancing educational outcomes for all students.

What is your own experience with public education?
My journey in public education began as a parent volunteer in the classroom, where I participated in events such as the carnival and Santa Shop. I also served as a substitute aide for the playground and lunch room. These early experiences and the dedication of the teachers at Vera Wilsie, inspired me to pursue a teaching degree. After earning my degree, I began my career as a  high school Spanish Teacher before finding my true passion as a middle school Special Education Teacher. I carried out my teaching career in that position until my retirement in 2018. Throughout my career, I was actively involved in various initiatives, including serving on school improvement teams, acting as a union representative, mentoring teachers, training one on one aides, leading CPI Teams, writing state, ISD, and local curriculum and assessments, and managing the MS Student Council activities for over 20 years. These diverse experiences have given me a comprehensive understanding of public education, the challenges faced by students and educators, and the importance of community involvement in fostering a supportive learning environment.

What do you see as your primary responsibilities as a board member?
As a board member, I believe the primary responsibility is to govern effectively. This involves the careful and responsible management of the school district’s resources including finances, facilities, and human resources. Board members must prioritize the impact of each decision on our students’ academic success ensuring that all actions taken align with the goal of fostering a positive and enriching educational environment. With this focus, we can make informed decisions that support the best interests of our students and the community.

What do you see as the strengths of the District?
Newaygo Public Schools has an impressive 95% graduation rate, which is in the top 5% in the state. This achievement is a result of several key factors, including the comprehensive wrap-around services offered, ie: mentoring programs, Arbor Circle support, academic and behavior interventions. Additionally, there is strong community support for Newaygo’s students, evident in the attendance at sporting events, elementary reward days, and middle school incentive trips, all made possible through fundraising, community donations, and booster groups. Newaygo Public Schools has a dedicated staff that takes on many different roles, both inside and outside of the classroom. This commitment is noticed by the community and fosters a positive and engaged educational environment.

What do you see as the biggest challenges?
One big challenge facing all school boards is the uncertainty surrounding the annual state funding, coupled with fluctuation in student enrollment. These factors can greatly impact budget planning and resource allocation. Additionally, state and federal school laws are constantly evolving, requiring school boards to adapt swiftly to ensure compliance and maintain effectiveness. Navigating these challenges will be crucial to supporting our students and staff effectively.

What is your vision for NPS?
My vision for Newaygo Public School is for the board and staff to collaborate effectively to enhance programs aimed at improving proficiency in math and reading. Currently, “Newaygo Public School District has an average math proficiency score of 20%, compared to the Michigan public school average of 34%, and reading proficiency score of 31%, compared to the 46% statewide average.” (source: Public School Review)
By focusing our efforts on targeted intervention, resources, and professional development, we can empower our students to achieve their full potential in these critical areas.
Public School Review: https://www.publicschoolreview.com/michigan/newaygo-public-school-district/2625320-school-district 

Can you tell about a time you made a decision that turned out to be the wrong way to go and how you handled it?
When I began my career as a high school Spanish teacher right out of college at Cedar Springs, I realized within just two days that I had made the wrong choice. I immediately shared my misgivings with my principal and he provided me with support and guidance. During one of his principal meetings with surrounding schools, he learned about staff shortages in other districts and the layoffs of teachers. As it turned out a Spanish teacher was laid off from Lowell, but they were still in need of a middle school Special Education teacher. My principal facilitated a mid-year trade between the two schools, where I transitioned into the special education position in Lowell. By being open and honest with my principal from the beginning, I was able to transition to a role where I truly belonged, as a middle school special education teacher. This experience taught me the importance of communication and adaptability in navigating challenges.

What is one change you would like to see in our schools?
One change I would advocate for is the addition of a Curriculum Coordinator to guide staff in developing a collaborative curriculum K-12 across all subjects. This role would help ensure consistency in educational standards and promote effective teaching strategies, ultimately enhancing student learning outcomes.

What was your favorite book in high school?
My favorite book from high school is The Grapes of Wrath. I often discuss it, as it had a profound impact on me. Dr. Angus was my Literature teacher, and while most of my classmates disliked reading the novel, I found it captivating and have read it over a dozen times. The story of the Joad family’s struggles as they migrated to California and the hardships they endured has always resonated with me.

Jamie Wiles

Why are you the best candidate for the school board position?
I don’t like to think of myself as “the best” candidate because I feel that we have a strong lineup of candidates, and everyone brings a wealth of perspectives and strengths. However, I believe I am an excellent candidate for the school board because of my extensive experience in business management, where I have honed skills in leadership, problem-solving, and strategic planning. These skills are essential for addressing the challenges our schools face and ensuring efficient use of resources. Additionally, as a lifelong member of this community and a parent of two children in the district, I am deeply invested in the success of Newaygo Public Schools. My background might differ from a generalized expectation of more education system experience, but I bring a fresh perspective, rooted in honesty, transparency, and a commitment to continuous improvement; values that I prioritize both in my professional and personal life, and would certainly carry with me in my school board role. 

What is your own experience with public education?
I am a proud graduate of Newaygo High School, Class of 2003, and have seen firsthand the opportunities and challenges within our district. My wife and I both grew up in this community, and now, with our two children currently attending Newaygo Public Schools (and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends), I continue to engage with and support the education system. I’d like to contribute more hence my decision to run for school board. My career has also involved managing teams, fostering development, and supporting growth, skills that I see as crucial to enhancing the educational experience for students.

What do you see as your primary responsibilities as a board member?
As a board member, my primary responsibilities would be to listen, represent, and advocate. Listening to the concerns and aspirations of parents, teachers, and students is key to understanding the needs of our community. Representing these voices ensures that our policies and decisions reflect the best interests of our community. Advocacy involves pushing for initiatives that enhance educational quality, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and maintaining transparency throughout the process.

What do you see as the strengths of the District?
No doubt in my mind that Newaygo Public Schools’ strengths lie in its dedicated staff, supportive community, and the diverse opportunities it offers students. I’ve experienced this firsthand as my wife and I are very involved in our children’s education and have taken full advantage of parent-teacher conferences and have always had enriching experiences with our children’s teachers and support staff. It is very apparent that all teachers and support staff are committed to fostering a positive learning environment, and our community’s involvement in school activities showcases a strong sense of unity and pride. Additionally, we can’t lose sight of the fact that our district provides a variety of programs that cater to different interests, from academics to arts and athletics, encouraging well-rounded development for our students.

What do you see as the biggest challenges?
One of the biggest challenges I see is ensuring equal access to educational resources and opportunities for all students. We must address disparities and provide the necessary support for students who might be struggling, whether academically, socially, or emotionally. Another challenge (nationwide) is attracting and retaining high-quality educators, which requires competitive compensation and a positive working environment.

What is your vision for NPS?
My vision is a district that provides a safe and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential. I envision a future where our schools are recognized for academic excellence, unmatched community ties, and innovation in teaching. This means not only focusing on core academics but also on programs that develop critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. I want to see NPS as a place where students feel supported, teachers feel valued, and families feel engaged.

Can you tell about a time you made a decision that turned out to be the wrong way to go and how you handled it?
In my career, I once implemented a new process that I believed would improve efficiency. However, it quickly became clear that it was creating more complications than it solved. I took responsibility for the oversight, engaged with my team to understand their concerns and generate ideas, then together we found a better solution. This experience was a stark reminder of the importance of adaptability and collaboration, which is only one example of a lesson I would bring to my role on the school board.

What is one change you would like to see in our schools?
I would like to see more focus on mental health and wellness. I think our current leaders have taken positive steps in this area, but I believe by increasing access to counseling services and providing resources for social-emotional learning, we can better support our students’ well-being. A huge concern today with the constant pressures associated with smartphones and social media. Addressing mental health proactively not only helps students cope with stress but also improves their ability to succeed academically and socially.

What was your favorite book in high school?
My favorite book in high school, okay let’s be honest, the only book I vividly recall is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This novel resonated with me because of its message about empathy, justice, and standing up for what is right. It’s a book that teaches the importance of seeing the world through others’ eyes, which is a principle I carry with me in both my personal and professional life.

Mary Spicer

Why are you the best candidate for the school board position?
NPS has some great candidates in place for the school board positions, but here is why I believe I would make a great fit:
I am passionate about promoting kindness in schools, which can lead to positive outcomes for students, staff, and the community.
I have a clear vision for improving the school environment by supporting programs and policies that prioritize empathy, respect, and compassion.
I understand the value of community engagement and collaboration in achieving the best outcomes for students.
I am dedicated to serving the needs of students, teachers, and families, and will work to ensure everyone's success.
Also, as the Vice President of the Hess Lake Improvement Association I have gained valuable experience in working together with community members and developing strategies to address local concerns. This background, combined with my passion for promoting kindness and improving the school environment, makes me a strong candidate for the school board position.

What is your own experience with public education?
My experience with public education includes my own time as a student, where I graduated from high school. As a parent, I have children who are currently enrolled at NPS. Additionally, I have actively volunteered within the school system, gaining further insights and experiences from that perspective. Currently, I remain actively engaged in the school community, continuing to volunteer and advocate for the needs of students, teachers, and families within the Newaygo Public School District.
 
What do you see as your primary responsibilities as a board member?
My primary responsibilities as a school board member will include setting policies, overseeing the budget, hiring, and evaluating leadership, engaging with the community, participating in strategic planning, and ensuring legal and ethical compliance—all to drive continuous improvement in student achievement and district performance.
 
What do you see as the strengths of the District?
I believe that Newaygo Public School District has several strengths:
Qualified and Experienced Teachers. We should recognize and applaud the hard work and dedication of our teachers and school staff. They are instrumental in shaping the lives of our children and ensuring their academic success.
Dedicated Students. Students in the district are motivated, enthusiastic, and actively participate in a wide array of academic and co-curricular activities, demonstrating their commitment to their education.
Community-Focused Board Members. Board members are committed to responsible budgeting, retaining high-quality staff, and considering the wishes of parents, indicating a focus on community engagement and transparency.
Vision for Growth and Improvement. Board members and stakeholders striving for growth, improvement, and providing a strong education for the district's youth.
 
 What do you see as the biggest challenges?
From what I understand, some challenges currently are:
Funding constraints: We often struggle with limited budgets, making it difficult to provide adequate resources and support for teachers and students.
Student well-being: Issues like bullying, mental health, and social-emotional learning are so important, and we must find ways to address these challenges.
Academic achievement gaps: We must work to close gaps in achievement between different groups of students and provide equal opportunities for all.
Parental engagement: Encouraging parents and families to be actively involved in their children's education.
 
What is your vision for NPS?
My vision for Newaygo Public Schools (NPS) is to support a district that empowers all students to reach their full potential, fosters a culture of kindness and inclusion, and continuously improves in the face of challenges. I envision NPS as a leader in strong K-12 education, providing high-quality instruction, nurturing the student’s and the staff’s well-being, and building strong community partnerships.
 
Can you tell about a time you made a decision that turned out to be the wrong way to go and how you handled it? 
When organizing the Hess Lake Run in 2023, I made the mistake of miscalculating the course distance, leading the half marathon to be a bit shorter than intended. As soon as I realized the error, I apologized to the runners and ensured they were aware of the correct distance. To prevent this in 2024, I implemented a double-check system with a team member to verify course measurements before race day.
 
What is one change you would like to see in our schools?
One change I'd like to see in our schools is a renewed focus on supporting teachers and providing them with the resources they need to succeed. This includes ensuring adequate classroom supplies, implementing self-care initiatives to prevent burnout, and aligning the curriculum from kindergarten through twelfth grade. By investing in our educators and fostering a collaborative, well-resourced environment, we can create a strong foundation for student success.
 
What was your favorite book in high school?
To be honest, I didn't have a favorite book in high school and mostly read what was assigned. But I've come to see how important it is to read and how books can help us learn from different points of view. This has made me even more committed to encouraging others to read and love learning.


Jami Schultz

Why are you the best candidate for the school board position?
When I ran for the school board six years ago, it was because I had two children close to starting school. I now have two children that are in school and a third that will start in the next few years, and I think it's extremely important to be active and involved in their education.  As an existing school board member I have participated in two superintendent searches, worked to get the bond proposal passed and have learned a lot about our community and school system and the ever changing environment that education is and would love to continue bringing my perspective to the table. 
 
What is your own experience with public education?
I attended NPS from 9th – 12th grade, I have two children who have been in public school, one going on her sixth year and another going on his fourth year and overall we have had positive experiences.  I have a variety of family members and friends that are retired or currently work in public education.  They help to bring varying perspectives and understanding of the successes and challenges that public education faces.    
 
What do you see as  your primary  responsibilities as a board member?
My responsibilities as a board member are to hire, evaluate and support the superintendent, set goals for the district, develop, establish, and follow policies, make decisions on curriculum and facilities, oversee the budget and engage with the community, while also ensuring the best interests of students are the primary focus of the decisions being made.  My role is not to make others believe what I believe but to listen to all perspectives and represent the people in the community.
 
What do you see as the strengths of the District?
The staff at NPS is one of the biggest strengths we have in our District.  The care and concern and vested interest that our staff has for all students is incredible, and continuously shows that all kids are worth whatever it takes. Community support, shown several ways but a recent example is passing the bond proposal in May.  Some other great strengths in our district; access to technical training, Promise Zone, Kickstart to Career, the PBIS initiative, Capturing Kids Hearts Process.
 
What do you see as the biggest challenges?
Education as a whole is facing a teacher shortage that has been a challenge for a number of years.  Education is constantly changing and one of the biggest things in the next few years will be the world of AI and what that looks like and staying in front of the additional challenges that will bring.  While NPS does a great job at being fiscally responsible, the unknowns of what will come from the state budget every year are a constant challenge.  Student behaviors is also a challenge that every district is facing, we need to make sure we are supporting staff and equipping them with the best tools to handle behaviors when they arise.
 
What is your vision for  NPS?
Strong schools = strong communities, my vision for NPS is that we continue as a strong school system and that while we continue to focus on student achievement, we also make development of the whole child a priority.
 
Can you tell about a time you made a decision that turned out to be the wrong way to go and how you handled it? 
In a previous project at work we decided to implement multiple new processes at the same time, doing this created an enormous amount of stress for my staff.  I acknowledged that the approach I took could have been done better, starting with a couple of processes, and slowly adding in more.  I discussed with my staff and asked for ideas on what we could do differently next time to eliminate the added stress.
 
What is one change you would like to see in our schools?
Our food service department has been doing a great job at bringing in new menu items and having different options for students, so thankful for the effort being put into this already.  I am hoping this change will continue and we will see more fresh options for students.  We need to be fueling kids with whole foods, not just empty calories.