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Milan Schools Superintendent Dennis McComb led a candidates' forum April 17 featuring candidate John Leacher, incumbent Mary Mehringer and candidate Mary Wines-Hoevemeyer. Voters will elect two to the Board of Education May 6.
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The three candidates for two four-year seats on the Milan Area School Board took to the podium on the Milan High School theater stage April 16 to field questions and make their case for election.
Incumbent Mary Mehringer, who is seeking a second term, John Leacher and Mary Wines-Hoevemeyer took turns in the cordial forum answering five pre-determined questions and ones from the 20 or so attendees, most of whom were district employees.
All of the candidates said they were prepared to handle the time demands that come with serving as a board trustee.
"I juggle very well," Wines-Hoevemeyer said. "I'm a high-energy person. You have to choose your priorities."
Leacher, who before moving to Milan served five years on the school board in Airport, said his board service would take precedence.
"My family understands that," he said, adding that after moving to Milan he and his family "have been made to feel we lived here all our lives."
Mehringer said she's "got it made" when it comes to finding time for board business. "I'm retired," she said. "A part of each day is spent looking over board materials. It involves a tremendous amount of time - a lot more than I realized."
The candidates concurred on their desire to continue to promote the district's efforts to prepare all students for careers after high school.
"We need to create opportunities for all of our students regardless of their academic ability," Leacher said. "It has to be rigorous and relevant. If we make it relevant and challenging, they'll succeed."
Asked to characterize their leadership style, Wines-Hoevemeyer said she believes in leading by example and that her style varies according to the situation. Mehringer said she views herself as a team player and facilitator.
"Being a good listener is critical," she said. "I like to make sure all perspectives are being considered."
Leacher said as a leader he prefers to take an "assertive style" that was neither aggressive nor passive.
"You need to voice your opinion and stick with it," he said.
The candidates also agreed that there was room for improvement in the district's scores on the Michigan Educational Assessment Program tests.
"We would all like to see our MEAP scores improve," Mehringer said. "It's been very frustrating. We have to analyze where we're missing the mark and find ways to meet the mark."
"There's always room for improvement," said Wines-Hoevemeyer, adding she didn't believe MEAP scores should be the only measure of a district.
The candidates also found common ground in their stance on the schools of choice program, which allows a limited number of out-of-district students to attend Milan schools.
"Schools of choice is what has kept Milan afloat," Mehringer said. "I believe it is something that has enhanced the district."
Leacher said he thought the administration had done an "excellent job of monitoring the program," and Wines-Hoevemeyer said the program was a win-win situation.
"It gives students an opportunity to see things outside their community," she said.
Video of the forum is available on The Milan News-Leader Web site at www.milannews.com.
The election is May 6.
Staff Writer Brian Cox can be reached at 429-7380 or bcox@heritage.com.
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