(Publisher’s note: Friday, Nov. 4 is the last day Chelsea Update will run election-related letters to the editor.)
Dear Editor:
We are writing to strongly endorse two of the candidates running for our school board, Susie Catherman and Shawn Quilter.
Chelsea needs school board members that will put the needs of our students first and understand the challenges our teachers face in the classrooms in their efforts to give the best education and opportunities to all of our students.
Shawn Quilter is a professor at Eastern Michigan University and serves on a national board for teacher preparation. He will bring his perspective as an educational researcher and his work with college students to our school board. With two young children about to enter the Chelsea School District he will protect the long term goals of our district.
Shawn has repeatedly illustrated his goal of putting our students’ needs first. He is committed to engaging all of the stakeholders in the Chelsea School District; parents, students, teachers and community members. And, he is committed to making our schools a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment that all of our students can learn and grow in. That commitment extends to our teachers, administrators and staff. Shawn’s goals include making sure they are supported and respected in their shared endeavor of improving our students’ individual achievements.
Susie Catherman brings her perspective as a parent of a recently graduated Chelsea student, as the spouse of a dedicated Chelsea teacher, as having previously held a position in education, and as a long-time community volunteer.
Susie has made it clear that she will put our students’ and teachers’ needs first. She is committed to reducing class sizes. She will bring focus to the large student body that is not just in the top 20% or lower 20%, and is committed to making sure our students are valued and recognized at all levels.
Susie is a candidate that understands that thinking innovatively to fulfill our students’ needs through nurses, librarians and counselors is vital. She is also committed to making sure that all of the stakeholders are communicating; board members, parents, teachers, students and community members.
Both Susie and Shawn have the shared goals that truly reflect the values and integrity of our community. They will put our students first. They will ensure that all stakeholders are communicating. They are committed to making sure our schools are safe, welcoming environments for all of our students. They will work to invigorate our district and improve our students’ achievement, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
We, as a community, cannot afford not to vote for the incredible quality and commitment that these two candidates would bring to our school board, our district and our community.
Please vote for Susie Catherman and Shawn Quilter on Nov. 8.
To learn more about the candidates, please visit their Facebook pages. Additionally, you can visit Shawn Quilter’s website: https://www.livetext.com/doc/10343018.
Sincerely,
Susanne Vanden Bosch
Jason Eyster
Diana Newman
Scott and Karla DeMea
Chris and Emily Orlandi
Mrs. Jennifer Kundak
Mr. Jeff Cowall
Elaine Madigan
Mrs. Mary Lou Severin
Shauna Mote
Karen Findlay
Diane Jonas Locker
Donald Locker
Cheryl Caffrey
Amanda Ballard
Thomas Demske
It is amazing that Mrs. Catherman speaks about open, honest communications and transparency, but in two forums she has not brought up the fact that her husband is the Chelsea Education Association president. She says he is the band instructor, which is true, but not the entire truth. Other candidates may have conflicts as well, but this conflict is unheard of. Should Chelsea be under union control?
Thank you Kim Murphy! The fact that Mrs. Catherman’s husband is the President of the Teachers Union has not been mentioned by her nor Chelsea Community Cares. It is a huge conflict of interest and one that should be widely made known to the voters of our school district.
Mrs. Catherman has announced that Mr. Catherman is the president of the CEA on both her campaign Facebook page and in the Chelsea Community Cares group. Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. Hodder, neither of you are members of Chelsea Community Cares but you are more than welcome to join and read what’s there. This information is not being hidden. We would love to have you come explain your view that one vote out of seven would put our school district under union control. Please know that you are more than welcome to join the group and join the conversation!