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Downing, Luke - Fowlerville Community Schools

Are you an incumbent?

No

Brief Intro of Candidate

I am a proud 2006 graduate of Fowlerville High School. My wife and I chose to return to the district after college because we love the community and wanted to raise our children here in Fowlerville. With two children currently in the district and one more to start next year, I have a long-term commitment to the students and the community. I will have one to three students in the district for the next 14 years. My wife and I also had guardianship of two other children that graduated from Fowlerville in the past 6 years.

I am a Certified Public Accountant and a partner at a top 100 public accounting firm. I specialize in governmental accounting and auditing. Additionally, I have been doing the legwork to help understand why we continue to lose students at alarming rates. My dedication to our community and my firsthand understanding of the issues we face make me well-equipped to serve on the school board.

My past experience in a board position within my HOA allowed me to turn around the finances of the Association to be better prepared for the future. Instead of having to ask homeowners for a large sum of money when we needed to make capital repairs, I helped budget and educate the community on why we needed to plan for the future and set money aside for those repairs. We went from having a reserve fund of about $25,000 to nearly $250,000 within four years. This approach would equate to not having to ask taxpayers for a bond to replace a roof on one of the schools when it becomes urgent, but rather to look ahead and plan for that expense to replace capital items before it is critical.

Endorsements

Nothing official as I entered the race late.

Top financials Contributors

Website and social media links

Self-funded

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?

Engaging and including parents, caregivers, community members, and students in district decision-making can be highly effective with a focus on communication, transparency, and continuous interaction. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Regular Communication Channels
Newsletters and Emails: Send out regular updates about district activities, upcoming decisions, and opportunities for input.
Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share information and gather feedback.
Town Hall Meetings: Host regular in-person and virtual meetings to discuss important topics and gather community input.

2. Transparency
Public Access to Information: Make all meeting agendas, minutes, and relevant documents easily accessible online.
Budget Transparency: Provide clear, understandable breakdowns of the district budget and how funds are allocated.
Curriculum Updates: Share detailed information about curriculum changes and the rationale behind them.

3. Interactive Feedback Mechanisms
Surveys and Polls: Regularly distribute surveys to gather opinions on various issues.
Focus Groups: Organize focus groups with diverse members of the community to discuss specific topics in depth.
Suggestion Boxes: Place physical and digital suggestion boxes for ongoing feedback.

4. Inclusive Decision-Making Bodies
Advisory Committees: Create committees that include parents, students, and community members to advise on key issues.
Student Councils: Empower student councils to have a voice in decision-making processes.
Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs): Strengthen the role of PTAs in district decisions.

5. Educational Workshops and Forums
Workshops: Offer workshops to educate the community about the decision-making process and how they can get involved.
Forums: Host forums on specific issues to provide detailed information and gather input.

6. Open Door Policy
Accessibility: Ensure that district leaders are accessible to the community for questions and discussions.
Office Hours: Set regular office hours where community members can meet with district officials.

7. Feedback Loop
Follow-Up: Always follow up on the feedback received, showing how it has been considered or implemented.
Updates: Provide updates on the progress of decisions and how community input has influenced outcomes.

By implementing these strategies, you can foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and heard in the decision-making process. How do you think these strategies would work in your district?

What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?

I think we need to take a look at school discipline holistically. I have heard some very concerning issues in regard to bullying within the district, how it was handled, and why it was handled that way. We need to make sure that everyone is treated the same way with a zero-tolerance policy regardless of which administrator knows a student’s parent, or their admin, board members, or teachers’ students.

Regarding school discipline, it’s crucial that we establish clear, consistent, and fair policies that are applied uniformly across the district. This means ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or connections, are subject to the same rules and consequences.

On the topic of restorative practices, I believe they can play a significant role in creating a more supportive and inclusive school environment. Restorative practices focus on repairing harm and restoring relationships rather than simply punishing students. This approach can help address the root causes of behavioral issues and promote a culture of accountability and empathy.

To address bullying effectively, we need to:

1. Implement comprehensive anti-bullying programs that educate students, staff, and parents about the signs of bullying and how to intervene.

2. Ensure that all reports of bullying are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly, with appropriate actions taken to support the victim and address the behavior of the bully.

3. Provide training for staff on how to handle bullying incidents and support students in a way that is consistent and fair.

By combining a zero-tolerance policy with restorative practices, we can create a balanced approach to discipline that maintains high standards of behavior while also fostering a supportive and understanding school community. This holistic approach will help ensure that all students feel safe, respected, and valued.

What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health

Improving student mental health is a multifaceted challenge that requires a comprehensive approach. Here are some thoughts on how we can address this critical issue:

1. Invest in Resources and Training
To properly address student mental health, we need to invest in the necessary resources and training. This includes hiring qualified mental health professionals, providing ongoing professional development for staff, and ensuring that all school personnel are equipped to recognize and respond to mental health issues.

2. Increase Mental Health Literacy
Education Programs: Implement classroom-based mental health education to help students understand mental health, reduce stigma, and know how to seek help.
Peer Support: Encourage peer-led initiatives where students can support each other and model positive mental health behaviors.

3. Provide Access to Mental Health Services
On-Site Counseling: Ensure that schools have access to qualified mental health professionals who can provide counseling and support.
Community Partnerships: Partner with local mental health organizations to provide additional resources and support for students and their families.

4. Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Physical Activity: Promote regular physical activity as it is closely linked to mental well-being.
Healthy Eating: Encourage nutritious eating habits to support overall health.
Sleep Hygiene: Educate students on the importance of good sleep hygiene and its impact on mental health.

By implementing these strategies and investing in the necessary resources and training, we can create an environment that supports and enhances student mental health, leading to better academic and personal outcomes.

What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?

Improving Black student achievement in our district and across Michigan requires a comprehensive and equitable approach but is part of a wholistic approach to ensure all students succeed. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Ensure Equal Access to Resources
We need to ensure that all students, regardless of race, have access to the same opportunities and resources. This includes advanced coursework, technology, extracurricular activities, and support services.

2. Culturally Relevant Teaching
Inclusive Curriculum: Integrate culturally relevant teaching into the curriculum to make learning more engaging and relatable for students of all backgrounds.

3. Parental and Community Engagement
Family Involvement: Engage parents and caregivers in their children’s education through regular communication, workshops, and involvement in school activities.

4. Creating a Supportive Environment
Support Spaces: Create support spaces where students can express themselves and feel supported.
Positive School Culture: Foster a school culture that celebrates diversity and actively combats discrimination.

5. Commitment to All Student Achievement
It’s essential to recognize that improving Black student achievement is part of a broader commitment to ensuring that all students succeed. Every student, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By focusing on equity and inclusion, we can create an educational environment where all students thrive.

By implementing these strategies and investing in the necessary resources and training, we can create an educational environment that supports and enhances the achievement of Black students and all students regardless of race, leading to better academic and personal outcomes.

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?

Ensuring that all students and their families feel safe and included in our district is a top priority. Here are some thoughts on how to achieve this:

1. Equal Access to Opportunities
We need to ensure that everyone, regardless of any difference, is afforded the same opportunities as any other student. This includes access to the same activities, learning assistance, and resources. It’s essential that both teachers and students are committed to this principle.

2. Inclusive Policies and Practices
Anti-Discrimination Policies: Implement and enforce strong anti-discrimination policies that protect all students and staff from bullying, harassment, and discrimination based on race, gender identity, sexuality, disability, religion, income status, and other factors.
Diverse Curriculum: Develop a curriculum that reflects the diversity of our student body and includes perspectives from various cultures and backgrounds.

3. Training and Professional Development
Cultural Competency Training: Provide ongoing training for teachers and staff on cultural competency, implicit bias, and inclusive practices to ensure they are equipped to support all students effectively.
Bullying Prevention: Offer training on bullying prevention and intervention strategies to create a safe and supportive school environment.

4. Supportive Environment
Supportive Spaces: Create means where students can express themselves and feel supported, such as clubs, cultural affinity groups, and support groups for students with disabilities.
Mental Health Resources: Ensure that mental health resources are available and accessible to all students, with counselors trained to address the unique needs of diverse student populations.

5. Community and Family Engagement
Inclusive Communication: Use inclusive communication strategies to engage with all families, ensuring that information is accessible in multiple languages and formats.
Family Involvement: Encourage family involvement in school activities and decision-making processes to foster a sense of belonging and partnership.

6. Prompt and Fair Response to Issues
When it is found that there is any type of bullying or discrimination, it needs to be addressed promptly and with the same rules that apply to everyone, regardless of who the student is. This ensures that all students feel protected and valued.

By implementing these strategies, we can create a school environment where every student and their family feels safe, included, and respected.

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?

Retaining teachers is crucial for maintaining a stable and effective educational environment. Here are some strategies to help retain teachers by focusing on pay, benefits, and working conditions:

1. Competitive Pay
Fair Compensation: Ensure that teacher salaries are competitive with other districts and professions. Regularly review and adjust pay scales to reflect the cost of living and inflation.

2. Comprehensive Benefits
Health and Wellness: Provide comprehensive health insurance plans, including mental health support and wellness programs. This has been a topic of conversation as health care costs increase.

3. Supportive Working Conditions
Positive School Culture: Foster a supportive and inclusive school culture where teachers feel valued and respected. We need to do more than lip service. We need to show it, not just talk about it.
Professional Development: Provide ongoing professional development opportunities tailored to teachers’ needs and career goals.
Mentorship Programs: Implement mentorship programs for new teachers to help them acclimate and grow within the school community.

4. Recognition and Advancement
Recognition Programs: Establish programs to recognize and celebrate teachers’ achievements and contributions.

5. Improved Facilities and Resources
Modern Classrooms: Invest in modern classroom facilities and provide the necessary resources and technology to support effective teaching.
Safe Environment: Ensure that schools are safe and well-maintained, creating a conducive environment for both teaching and learning. This would include ensuring teachers and students are safe in the classroom from disruptive students.

By implementing these strategies, schools can create an environment that not only attracts but also retains high-quality teachers, ultimately benefiting the entire educational community.

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