Whittie, Dennis - Hazel Park School District
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
I am continuing my pledge to serve my community. While I reside in Ferndale, I am a long-time resident of the Hazel Park School District. Many of my family members have graduated from Hazel Park High School including my mother, aunts, and uncles. I have nephews and nieces that are students and graduates of Hazel Park Schools.
I am a small business owner that continues to practice law in the tri-county area – including defending those that need help the most as a Public Defender.
I have served the community on many local Commissions and Committees (FernCare, Ferndale Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Healthcare Coalition and more). My law practice also sponsors many events and fundraisers for both organizations within the Hazel Park School District and beyond. These include Band Boosters and the Wrestling Club. I have also participated in Career Day for students.
I am a veteran Police Officer – that exposed wrongdoing within the department and spoke up and did the right thing.
I am currently Emergency Management Coordinator for Henry Ford Health Systems and as a contingent Advanced EMT responding to Detroit 911 calls. I will continue to work hard to keep our students, teachers, and staff safe.
Educationally, I hold a Juris Doctor degree, a Master of Public Administration degree, and a bachelor's degree in political science. Additionally, I have two associate degrees from Oakland Community College in Criminal Justice and Liberal Arts. I am also licensed through the State of Michigan as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician in addition to my license to practice law.
I am diversely qualified to represent you and our students on the Hazel Park School Board. Throughout my career path, I have experienced our government in action in the many roles in my background. I have served as a police officer and an EMT, as a volunteer probation officer, and a Youth Specialist at the Oakland County Children’s’ Village. As you can see, I have fulfilled the various roles enabling me to see many sides of an issue.
Endorsements
No official endorsements. I am seeing the endorsement of the voters.
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
I am self-funded in my campaign
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?
Many times, students, parents, our teachers and our staff do not feel they are heard. When a parent or student calls the School District with a question, the calls should be answered, and answers provided. As a board member, I will work to strengthen community relations and services for increased involvement of our students' families and support network.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
Discipline must be used in a way to learn from. In other words, discipline should be focused on correcting behavior and placing the student in a better position than prior to the discipline.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
First, as an entire society, we must make mental health a priority along with physical health issues. Next, and more specifically, for students, we must always ensure a safe and open environment where a student can express any issues they are having. Beyond, this we should have positive peer support networks, access to professional mental health resources, promote extracurricular activities that assists in building self-esteem, assure our teachers and staff are trained in mental health issues including recognizing signs that a student may be in distress, and lastly, we must always involve the parents and families within the student's educational career.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
Students should be educated with culturally relevant curriculum, have equal access to resources, and have ongoing education for educators in different students' culture's needs. Beyond that, my campaign has been about academics and overall student involvement in society beyond academics. I would seek to ensure mentorship programs and career exploration programs such as our current partnership with the Oakland Fire Academy for training while in high school.
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?
First, we must have school safety: I will use my background in public safety to improve safety measures for our students. Second, we must ensure fair and equitable learning environment for all students where they are free to express their opinions and any issues they may be having. Third, we must ensure we have equal opportunity for all students without regard to the race, gender identity, sexuality, disability, religion, and incomes status.
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?
To recruit staff, we must have competitive compensation, benefits, and assure we have inclusive hiring practices within our District. Additionally, we must have a safe and positive work environment with opportunity to excel in their role and beyond with career advancement opportunities. To attract all candidates including staff of color or LGBT staff members, we must advertise and make potential candidates aware of these opportunities.