TCAPS Candidate: Mary Manner

This is not a very pleasant time for public education. The pressures on schools are immense both financially and politically. Why do you want to be on the school board at this time?

The financial situation is indeed difficult, and will continue to be so for many years.  What makes this period of economic upheaval unique is that recovery means making fundamental changes in the way we do business and how we use our resources.  This is true for TCAPS as well.  Our District faces great challenges, but with challenge comes opportunity.  We need school board members with proven leadership skills and the ability to think strategically to lead TCAPS in the years ahead. I want to be part of the team that helps TCAPS face the future with confidence and vision. 

What is the primary role of the school board and its members?

The primary role of the school board is to manage the financial health of the District, but the board has several other major functions.  One is strategic, developing and nurturing the vision which guides District policy and decision-making.  Another is hiring the chief administrator who works cooperatively with the board and executive team to implement the vision and achieve the District's goals.  Third is program oversight, ensuring that the District meets State guidelines and is responsive and appropriate to the needs of the students and families in the District.  And, finally, the board should inspire staff and administration to work creatively and collaboratively for the benefit of all students.

How do you identify a good school or school system?

A good school/school system is one that:  plans strategically and acts with integrity; values each student for her/his potential; works collaboratively with local, state and federal partners to provide authentic learning opportunities for students; identifies and institutes best practices in the classroom, the central office, and the boardroom; and has the capacity to reinvent itself in the face of change.

What are the indicators of success?

• Successful students (and by successful I mean the ability of a student to live and thrive in society, to have the skills to work independently and cooperatively to solve problems, to be able to think critically and use a variety of sources of information to form an opinion);
• comprehensive education offering a menu of programs that accommodate students with different needs
• out of school time programming that supports student achievement
• consistent and fair policies
• highly qualified staff who exhibit leadership and innovation
• mentoring programs for new teachers and administrators
• up-to-date technology and science laboratories
• buildings and equipment in good repair
• engaged parents
• effective communication
• highly qualified administrators
• partnerships with local organizations and businesses that benefit students and the community
• sound financial planning with multiple revenue sources
• proactive, informed leadership on the board level 

Evaluate TCAPS by the criteria you just described.

On the positive-successful students; many engaged parents; adequately maintained buildings and equipment; some partnerships; good financial planning; a comprehensive education available to all students; some choice of programming; and many effective administrators.

Areas needing improvement-encouraging and supporting teachers to lead and innovate; consistent and clearly stated policies in all schools; building new partnerships with local and regional businesses to leverage capacity; building the leadership and capacity of the school board; improving mentoring for new teachers and administrators.

Overall, in my opinion, TCAPS provides a comprehensive education for students, has attracted and retained a highly competent staff, and manages its financial resources well. The District needs to look for additional sources of revenue and new partnerships that leverage community resources, and to build its capacity for leadership and innovation in the classroom and the boardroom. 

Government officials in Lansing and Washington D.C. constantly talk about reform. Do you think TCAPS needs to be reformed? How?

The word "reform" is often used to indicate the need for change, but sometimes the call for reform amounts to little more than a demand to "do it my way" instead of "your way."  In education, true reform means making fundamental changes and engaging in strategic planning based on research and quantitative measures.  In my opinion, TCAPS school board should fully embrace true educational reform, and enable staff to get the data needed to make informed decisions, implement best practices that support student achievement, and provide relevant and authentic educational experiences. 

Do you think TCAPS has strong leadership? Explain where you see leadership failing or succeeding?

I think TCAPS has strong leadership potential, but in my opinion the school board struggles with its leadership role, partly because of inexperience and partly because of lack of clearly articulated vision, and this weakness has a trickle-down effect. Within the administration there are highly competent leaders whose experience and insight could be a resource for colleagues.  A important board initiative should be to develop leadership in all areas through mentoring and training. 

How do you stay informed about education and what is happening with schools in Michigan and Traverse City?

I read a variety of publications, both print and online, watch televised meetings on Channel 98, "Google" topics of interest, and regularly talk with parents, community members, and TCAPS staff (teachers, support staff, and administrators) about the issues.

How well has TCAPS responded to the competition of charter schools in the area?

Until TCAPS began conducting exit interviews with families who left the district for schools of choice, including charter schools, we had only anecdotal information and no coherent response.  As we know, a business that doesn't understand its competition is doomed, so investigating why families choose alternatives is the first step in understanding the strengths of these other programs.  With that information TCAPS can determine if which, if any, of these programs and activities could be successfully implemented in our public schools.   

TCAPS will likely have to make deep cuts in the years ahead. What would you most like to protect from cuts?

Our comprehensive education:  Academics-Arts-Athletics for all students.  We must provide options for students and choice for families.  I'm confident that we can succeed if we focus on efficiency and effectiveness in business practices and programs.