Commitment, Community, Communication

My name is Paul D. Cook and I come to you as one of the five candidates that are running for Novi Community Schools Board of Education Trustee. My wife Jennifer of 21 years and I have been living in Novi for 20 years. We are raising 2 wonderful boys, Conrad age 7 and Aidan age 5, who both attend Parkview Elementary this year. One of the reasons that we chose Novi, was the reputation of the school system.

When my boys were born, I was determined that they would have the means to investigate, learn anything that they put their minds to. I did not want them to be told no we can’t do that. If that means that I need to sharpen the saw, I will. So when the positions on the board opened this summer I felt that this would be a way to help with all children. It is my belief that all children are given the same opportunities to learn.

Doing the same for others is an opportunity that I have committed myself to. This has led me to Coach not one but two Jr. FIRST LEGO League robotic teams. These teams are made up of children ranging from 5 to 8. With the involvement of the parents these teams are learning S.T.E.M. fundamentals.

I feel that it is key to get the kids involved in activities that they are interested in. By giving them these opportunities, they can achieve great things. We just need to have dedicated parents that are willing to get involved and a communication network that can support them.

On November 4th, Novi voters will decide who will fill three of the seven seats on the School Board for the next six years. These seats will be in the heart of the expenditures related to the bond mileage that was passed in May. These funds need to be spent wisely and the Board of Education needs to oversee that spending. It is the Board’s responsibility to the community to listen to the proposals and do what is right for the students and community.

Some of the proposals have already been presented to the board. Others will be presented later this year. These proposals need to be communicated to the community. Presentations to the individual Parent Teacher Organizations should happen before they are made to the board, allowing the community time to voice the pleasure or concerns with the board members. After all it is our students that will have to live with these changes.

I would be honored to be selected to represent you on the board to ask the questions of the administration that concern you.