Ciechorski, Tim - Royal Oak Schools
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
Brief Intro of Candidate
I have been a resident of Royal Oak for over 16 years. I work in municipal government for a nearby city. My dedication to my community and also the inner workings of local government fuel my passion for public service. I was first elected four years ago to the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education. I ran on a platform of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all aspects of the school district. Over the last 3.5 years we have made great strides in those areas. The Staff, curriculum and most other aspects of the district are looked at through a DEI lens. I am proud of the work that has been done, I want to help continue that work.
Endorsements
Everytown for Gun Safety, No Future Without Today, Gun Sense Candidate Designation from Moms Demand Action, Michigan Education Association, Michigan AFSCME 925, Metro Detroit AFL-CIO, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, LGBTQ Victory Fund. The Royal Oak Area Democratic Club.
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
As the race is uncontested, I have refunded all contributions i have received.
facebook.com/timforroschools
How would you engage and include parents, caregivers, community members and students in decision-making in your district around things like curriculum, budgeting and district policy?
I am active in many groups and organizations throughout the Royal Oak community. I encourage conversations. I am very approachable and find great value in the thoughts of others. There are also Board Committees for curriculum, finance and facilities, health and welfare, sex education, communications and sustainability that community members can join. These advisory committees are crucial in the decision making of the Board of Education.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
Unfortunately, there needs to be a process for discipline, this extends beyond school settings. There also needs to an awareness of implicit bias when assessing discipline. Discipline must be fair and consistent. Royal Oak Schools does use a restorative practice model. I find it important that there is a focus on developing communication skills and conflict resolution as opposed to punitive consequences.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
There is a mental health crisis! We must look at every possible way to help address it. There needs to improved access to mental health care, these services must also be welcoming to all. Making community connections is a way to find outside resources that are available to our student population. We must not forget the mental health need of staff. Michigan has the one of the worst student to counselor ratios in the country. Like most things, this comes down to a funding issue. We must fight to increase the funding for all of our schools and students.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
Listen!
We need to hear from our Black students. The work we need to do that improves Black student achievement must come from what those students say they need. Also, there should be a concerted effort to increase the representation of black history in all aspects of curricula. I fear that throughout the state many Black students only see people who look like them in February, as we celebrate Black history month.
What are your thoughts on how to ensure that all students and their families, regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, disability, religion, income status, etc., feel safe and included in your district?
Safety and inclusion is a non negotiable. By following the practices and policies passed by the Board of Education every student has the right to safety, inclusion and dignity. We can not relax these expectations. This is increasingly becoming the culture of each of our school buildings. Assemblies and other teachable moments are reinforcing these practices.
What are your thoughts on how to recruit and retain staff, particularly staff of color, in your district with regard to pay, benefits, and working conditions?
Communicating that Royal Oak Schools is an inclusive place to work at recruitment events. There has been effort by the district to reach out to students about to graduate from HBC's with information about working for Royal Oak Schools. We must ensure a culture of belonging and support to all staff, especially those of color, and LGBTQ staff. We must be sure that our compensation and benefits fit in line with comparable districts. Ideally, those benefits can be slightly higher than those comparable districts. Educators are highly trained and skilled professional, they must be compensated as such.