U.S. Congress | CBS Detroit - Farmington School Board Superintendant Robert Herrera resigned along with School board Vice President Terri Johnson and President Pamela Green, citing online, public, and. In the past, she's been involved with the Oakland County School Board of Directors and is a former employee of Farmington Public. Donald sits on the TV-10 and IT advisory boards for North Farmington, and is a member of FAAPN, The Beloved Community Initiative and Community Equity Organization. } Currently, Mable is a consultant with Michigan Virtual. Olson: Most issues are certainly on the radar of the residents, but one that seems to be overlooked, but should not be, are improvement opportunities for the FPS Special Education Program. A Certified Public Accountant, she has volunteered with parent groups at her children's schools and, Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports. display: inline-block; background-color: green; All Dr. Herrera had to do was come to me and say, Angie I dont like how this is going. To learn more about county-wide races and ballot issues, visit Walker: I was appointed to the Farmington Public School Board in 2021, so I have the confidence of the current board. Farmington schools superintendent, 2 board members resign, citing board }); A University of Detroit-Mercy graduate in Communications, with a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a two time graduate of Specs Howard School of Media Arts, Donald Walker has worked in media and education for 30 years. How to run for office | Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. ", The larger problem she sees is a disconnect between the school board and the community. "I am embarrassed and I feel so bad because I feel like I let everyone down. More: Tolonen Family Pet Shop one of downtown Farmington's newest businesses, More: Farmington school board offers superintendent job to Walled Lake administrator, More: The Hawk in Farmington Hills prepares for June opening. FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) Farmington Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Herrera has resigned from his position, allegedly following allegations of racism toward Black students and staff in the district from another board member. legislators. Farmington Hills school board defends '21-day Equity Challenge' amid Smith: We should be focusing on the transition back to in person learning and the SEL initiatives for staff and students. Angie Smith, the Farmington Public Schools board secretary, was censured for "conduct unbecoming a board member" after the panel said she made public comments and social media posts. Farmington school board election 2022: Six file for six year-term [1] Elections 2016 See also: Farmington Public School District elections (2016) A graduate of Hillsdale College, his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org. Financial transparency is another issue that needs additional attention. color: white; The percentage of people below poverty level was 10.0 percent for the county, while it was 16.2 percent statewide.[7]. "It's really unfortunate that we've actually gotten to a position where we can't even disagree without being disagreeable We need some real change in this district and we need to hold people accountable," he said. It would be beneficial for the board to retain experience and knowledge so that we can continue to be a highly functioning board. Weems pointed to the boards decisions regarding in-person learning as evidence of that. Terri and her husband live in Farmington Hills and have three children who attend Farmington Public Schools. Though different factions present different reasons for Heitschs retirement, all say he left the district sooner than he wanted to because of board dysfunction. FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (FOX 2) - A lengthy school board meeting heard more than 80 people speak during public comment with a clear divide when it comes to the district's approach to teaching. Herrera did not respond to multiple interview requests. . .widget-key { Her currently works for the Detroit School of Arts. Several board members said Hererra's not the first to administrative leader to leave the district because of strained relations, sayingformer Superintendent George Heitschs retirement was premature. .widget-row.value-only.white { We will hold elections at the Town Hall. Contact reporterShelby Tankersley at stankersle@hometownlife.com or 248-305-0448. The current school board removedSmiths censure in January, wanting to puteveryone on the same footing as it moves forward. As a Farmington Hills resident, Angie served on numerous committees in the district. Elections in 2023 | "His skill set was like nothing we have ever seen in this district," she said. [7] The district was the 17th-largest school district in the state in the 20132014 school year and served 10,719 students. background-color: #f9d334; At the end of the meeting, Green then announced she also was resigning as ofFriday, saying "the dysfunctional behavior of two unnamed board members had interfered with further progress of district initiatives,as well as contributing to her health issues, ultimately requiring that she remove herself" from the board, district representatives said. The issue was so upsetting to Green and board Vice President Terry Johnson that they resigned. Smith is unapologetic for her approach. During the past six months, the number of public and internal comments that include disparaging, false and defamatory statements has increased and is in direct violation of district policies, Herrera wrote in the complaint. Mattie McKinney-Hatchett Endorses Levin - Andy Levin I love these kids, and Farmington just lost an amazing superintendent.. Former and veteran trustees say being on the Farmington school boardthe last five years was like dealing withschool bullies all over again. Bjorn Olson is looking to hold office for the first time. After the superintendent's resignation, the board passed a resolution censuring Smith, who has been a school board member since 2016. The resignation means the harassment complaint will no longer be pursued, according to the release. These seats included three seats with six-year terms and two seats with two-year terms. It's not just former board members alleging conflicts. Weems, who led all voting, has lived with her family in Farmington Hills since 2010. He and Green did not immediately respond to requests for comment late Monday. An emphasis on excellence across the curriculum will attract students to the school system. Walker: We have accomplished much. Farmington Public Schools will continue to serve the students and families well in our community; the district has a strong leadership team that will continue to move the district forward.. I would work with the districts financial advisers and work out a five year plan, and discuss with labor relations what their input would be, and to make sure that funds would be allocated in technology to keep us current. I believe the intent of the challenge was equality, but I think it did the opposite. $(document).ready(function () { "I don't like anything sticking," she said. Bestselling author and popular speaker Angie Smith is grateful that Christians are finally doing "what the Lord has called us to" engaging in genuine dialogue about "hard subjects" otherwise considered taboo in some circles, such as same-sex marriage and a woman's role in the Church. Farmington Hills resident Angie Smith has been a resident for almost 14 years, and daughters Nanesha, 23, Jasmine, 19, and Asha, 13, have all attended Farmington schools. Farmington Schools Volunteer, Parent Says She'll Vote 'No' on Bond $('span#sw-emailmask-156').replaceWith('' + encodedEmail + ''); $('span#sw-emailmask-157').replaceWith('' + encodedEmail + ''); Disclaimer: Farmington Public Schools shall not discriminate against an person based on race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability, height, weight, or marital status in any of its programs, services, activities or employment. I have lived in this community. Board Meeting Details. That email, and dozens of others Hometown Life obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, highlight some of the behind-the-scenes rancor among the elected officials. Smith said she has talked to teachers at the high school level who want to move back to semesters from the current trimester scheduling, a move she would support. Donald Walker was appointed to the board in 2021. ", 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper, 'Dysfunction' blamed for loss of Farmington's top three school officials. Claudia retired in 2015 after a 40 year career in education, teaching high school mathematics at Riverside High School in North Dearborn Heights, Mercy High School in Farmington Hills, and Stevenson High School in Livonia. The Michigan Education Association has given Andy Levin a "Highly Qualified" rating in his run for the 9th Congressional District seat. This is a community with over 87 nationalities.. }); Claudia Heinrich was elected in November 2020. Voters will also choose one candidate for a two-year term. She's been involved with the PTA, Women of Tomorrow and her homeowners association. Voter Guide - Minnesota Parents Alliance Farmington school board approves plan to require masks - KHBS [1][6], Farmington Public School District is located in Oakland County in southeastern Michigan. This creates an environment for FPS to be competitive for parents decisions. On Thursday, Greensaid through tears thatshe was exhausted bythe drama on the board. She earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, a Master of Education from the University of Phoenix, and a Michigan teacher certification. Elections are held bi-annually in November even years. Senator Bayer is proud to be endorsed by the following: Marcia Gershenson, Oakland County Commissioner and Board Vice Chairwoman. Notice Of Electronic Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Meeting - November 13, 2020, Notice Of Electronic Planning Meeting - May 10, 2021, Results Of The 2017 Water Quality Changes In The Rouge River Survey, Farmington Governor Warner Mansion Receives $85,000 State Grant. Walker: I believe all parents have the right to choose and that should not be taken away. Carr: Careful review of issues related to the delivery of excellence in education to all students tends to result in these types of discussions. Curricular transparency and accountability to parents remains on the public radar but has not received adequate support from the Board. $(document).ready(function () { Superintendent, leadership members resign from Farmington School Board When you see a staff member having to buy groceries with a Bridge card, that troubles me," she said. One individual sported a shirt that read: We do NOT CO-PARENT with the Government., Parents were protesting a 21-Day Equity Challenge held by the Farmington Public School District last fall. "You cant tell a board member to keep quiet, but that is what they like to do..