Need, Greg - Clarkston Community Schools
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
Brief Intro of Candidate
Married for 32 years. Two children - both CHS graduates: 2017, and 2021
Lived in school district 33 years
Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education
Board member 2015-22; 2023-present
Treasurer 2016-2018; Vice President 2019-2022; President 2023-present
Policy Committee 2015-2019; Chair 2016-2019; Teaching and Learning Council (two years)
Recipient of Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) Award of Distinction (Level 3 with 395 education hours)
Endorsements
None sought
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
None sought
gregneed.com
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?
We actively seek stakeholder input through emails and surveys. We have a curriculum committee (Teaching and Learning Council) that thoroughly examines all new and revised curriculum and teaching materials. That committee includes teachers, administrators, parents and students.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
We seek to examine the reasons behind incidents that may give rise to discipline. We view expulsion as a last resort, rarely used if not statutorily required. Administration always utilizes restorative practices.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
No student can learn unless he or she is healthy, physically, and emotionally, engaged with learning, and feels safe and secure. I am proud of the efforts our district has made in being proactive in 1) allocating resources among our schools so that every child learns, and 2) to make connections with each and every child to ensure their well-being.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
Every student in our school district is different and has different learning needs. Every student starts the school year at his or her own academic level. A “one-size-fits-all” classroom approach is doomed to failure We take that student’s starting point and make sure that student has a learning plan to ensure they will show a year’s worth of academic growth every year they are with us. Our administration is constantly reviewing research in this area and provides the Board with suggestions for best teaching practices.
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?
As to safety, beginning with our 2016 bond, and continuing with our 2022 bond, CCS has consistently worked to upgrade our facilities, providing secure entryways and other building improvements. Our staff participates in ALICE training. We have recently increased the number of Oakland County Sheriff’s Department resource officers in our schools and have an active partnership with the Sheriff’s Department. An independent audit of CCS’s building security, policies and procedures found that our security is among the best of any school district in Michigan. We recently created the position of safety director for the district, That person will audit our security and suggest improvements necessary to ensure that all of our kids are safe. As to inclusion, we have one of the best student: counselor ratios in the state. We strive to make some kind of adult connection with every student.
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?
We strive to maintain a diverse workforce in hiring and retention. We treat our employees with respect, professionalism and the admiration and appreciation they deserve. We have excellent staff members in Clarkston, some with very long tenures with us, and we do everything we can to keep these employees who understand and live our family culture.