Novi Education Association Endorses School Board Candidates

The Novi Education Association has endorsed three of the five school board candidates in the Nov. 4 general election after interviews by a screening and recommendation panel.

Voters will choose between four candidates – Paul D. Cook, Ann Glubzinski, Chris Harpenau, Willy Mena and Bob Peurach – for three six-year terms.

Here are the endorsements:

Ann Glubzinski

We felt her experience on the board was a huge benefit. She has done a good job in speaking her mind and recognizing the intended role of the Board of Education, one of policy establishment and oversight and not one of day-to-day management of the district. We felt her teaching position at Schoolcraft really gives her valuable perspective towards education. She understands the funding issues in Lansing and is working with our Legislative Action Network group to help lobby our legislators.

Bob Peurach

As a long time community member he feels like he wants to give back. He had two sons go through Novi schools. Bob understands the issues we are facing from a unique perspective because his wife, Joanne, is a teacher. I think we can expect an honest dialogue, and a well thought out opinion not based on any political ideology. Professionally, he is a bankruptcy attorney and has a lot of experience reviewing financial records and determining assets and liabilities. His experience on this front will be valuable as money from Lansing is still an issue.

Chris Harpenau

(He) has been very involved with the schools since his children started attending. They are still of elementary age and we felt it was important to support someone with young children in the district, something we haven’t had on our board in a long time. Chris’ perspective will be valuable as the Board of Education tackles any sort of policy issue. He is a proven leader, as demonstrated by his commitment as the Parkview Parent Teacher Organization President. He understands our Social Justice work and is interested in increasing its presence in the elementary schools.

Committee members who conducted the interviews were Brett Meyer, Jenna Grundstrom, Ann Donato, Maggie Sheeran, Deb Carley and Seth Furlow.

The panel also interviewed candidate Willy Mena. Paul D. Cook was unavailable.

» You can find out more about the candidates here.

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