At this time, Emily has not returned her questionnaire.

1. Tell us about yourself, including your educational background and relevant experience, and any past and current involvement in Grandville Public Schools? 

This is a gratitude run for me. My wife Susan and I have deep appreciation for the education GPS provided for our three children (now adults) as well as the community's PK-12 students. I am in a position at GVSU in which community service is valued, and this would be a good fit. I’ve spent 33 years in education as a teacher, building principal, central office administrator (including superintendent), and faculty member in the educational leadership program at GVSU. Currently, I spend my professional time working with principals who want to become superintendents. 

2. Since 1954 under the Michigan Election Law, a school board trustee is defined as a non-partisan role. How will you set aside partisan positions or opinions in making decisions? 

I completely agree that a Board of Education role is nonpartisan. The driving criteria for all decisions really needs to be what’s best for the students and community served. Further, I have been troubled by the polarization that has found its way into schools and even Board rooms. This motivated me to take a two-year endowed professorship for the Center for Civil Discourse at GVSU. Schools need to remain the marketplace of ideas where multiple perspectives are honored and openly discussed. 

3. What have you done (or what will you do) to understand the role and expectations of a school board trustee? 

I teach a course entitled “Board-Superintendent Relations” based on my experience as a superintendent and the relevant research in this area. That said, anyone can grow their understanding, and I’d be interested in training offered by the Michigan Association of School Boards to fill knowledge gaps I may have. 

4. How would you describe Grandville Public Schools to someone unfamiliar with our district? 

GPS is an excellent place for children to learn and grow. Quality relationships are prized between educators and students so that all kids are seen and known. Further, the opportunities afforded students empower them to graduate with a topflight education preparing them very well for what comes next. Our own three children were all accepted into their college of choice, equipped with scholarships and AP credits. We have not regretted choosing GPS.

 5. Generally, what do you see as the value or role of public education? 

We take all who show up. I grew up in private schools and while I received a quality education, the student body was limited by those whose parents could afford it. I intentionally chose public education for my career. An educated electorate is necessary for a democracy to function. Decisions made on a ballot are some of the most important made by a community. Finally, education is critical to economic development and an educated workforce. 

6. What would you say are the district’s three top priorities or most important issues? 

First, recruiting and retaining high-quality educators needs to be a priority. My experience and volumes of research tell me that the educators interacting directly with students are the most impactful in terms of their learning. A second issue is how AI will play out in PK-12 (higher education is also dealing with it). My hope is that we can help students use AI responsibly and keep the productive struggle that is so important to learning. 

7. What would you say the Grandville school district has done well or poorly in recent years? 

Done well: created an environment for kids in which they know adults care about them and are interested and invested in their growth. Could improve: GPS is not the most diverse setting.

 8. Are there programs or budget areas you would consider off limits to cuts, or that you would cut first? 

If budget cuts are needed, and I’ve been through this too many times, I like to think of a budget like a large target. The bullseye of the target are those programs and services that kids experience directly and are most impactful. Those, to me, are the cuts to avoid if possible. 

9. Who would you go to for advice and input in key decisions? 

A solid partnership that must be in place for any Board member is the Superintendent. I am very pleased to see John Philo in the role. Outside of that, my work requires that I remain current on the research within education, so certainly key theorists and researchers are valuable resources. Finally, I’ve also worked to maintain a professional network with educational leaders in the area. 

10. Please complete this sentence: As a school board candidate, I feel most passionately about…

 a compelling vision for student safety, student achievement for all, and financial responsibility.

1. Tell us about yourself, including your educational background and relevant experience, and any past and current involvement in Grandville Public Schools?

 I’m a Grandville parent of a fourth grader, a 10-year U.S. Air Force veteran, a youth sports coach, and president of Parents and Teachers for Central Elementary. I hold a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from GVSU and work as a production manager, where I lead a team, coordinate daily production, and solve problems in a fast-paced environment. During three years of PTC leadership, I have helped raise nearly $50,000 for school supplies, field trips, teacher appreciation, positive-behavior programs, and assistance for families. 

2. Since 1954 under the Michigan Election Law, a school board trustee is defined as a non-partisan role. How will you set aside partisan positions or opinions in making decisions? 

A trustee serves the whole community, not a political party. I would weigh student needs, the law, reliable district information, long-term costs, and the experiences of educators and families. I demonstrated this approach by spearheading the initiative that led Grandville’s City Council to adopt an ethics policy emphasizing integrity, fairness, transparency, accountability, and respect. That experience reinforced my belief that public service requires listening across differences, earning public trust, and making decisions based on what best serves the community. 

3. What have you done (or what will you do) to understand the role and expectations of a school board trustee?

 For the past three years, I’ve attended board meetings, reviewed policies, budgets, and academic reports, and spoken with administrators, teachers, and families. I followed the board’s appointment of Amy Campbell and its process for hiring Superintendent John Philo to understand the roles for each. I understand that trustees set policy, approve budgets, hire and evaluate the superintendent, and govern collectively—not manage daily operations. I will continue learning through formal training, careful preparation, and listening. 

4. How would you describe Grandville Public Schools to someone unfamiliar with our district? 

Grandville is a destination district with dedicated employees, families who care deeply about their schools, and a strong record of academic achievement that consistently outperforms statewide averages. Its strengths include identifying student needs early, offering many opportunities, and building relationships that help families feel supported. Maintaining that success will require dependable funding, attracting specialized staff, continuing to strengthen classroom instruction, and ensuring educators have the time and support to meet different student needs. 

5. Generally, what do you see as the value or role of public education? 

Public education gives every child, regardless of background or circumstances, access to knowledge, relationships, and opportunities that prepare them for adulthood. It also strengthens the community by bringing people together around a shared responsibility for children. At its best, public education recognizes individual needs, opens doors, helps students become informed and responsible citizens, and gives them the support and confidence to reach their full potential. 

6. What would you say are the district’s three top priorities or most important issues? 

Grandville’s top priorities are financial stability, a strong workforce, and giving educators the time and support to meet each student’s needs. Reliable funding helps protect effective programs. Competitive pay, manageable workloads, planning time, and professional support help attract and keep qualified employees. Strong classroom instruction, behavior support, and timely extra help ensure students are noticed early and given the opportunity to succeed. 

7. What would you say the Grandville school district has done well or poorly in recent years? 

Grandville has built strong academic programs, a respected system for identifying student needs and providing extra help, and school communities where many students and families feel known and supported. The district continues to face challenges filling some specialized positions, including special education and student-support roles. Opportunities for improvement include strengthening everyday classroom instruction, behavior support, training when new programs are introduced, and giving teachers adequate time to plan and work together. 

8. Are there programs or budget areas you would consider off limits to cuts, or that you would cut first? 

I would be cautious about naming permanent exceptions or choosing cuts before reviewing current facts, legal requirements, and the effect on students. Classroom teaching, special education, student safety, and early help for struggling students should receive the strongest protection. Before reducing services, I would review open positions, contracts, program results, spending outside classrooms and student services, money limited by law to certain uses, and long-term costs. Employees should help identify consequences and alternatives. 

9. Who would you go to for advice and input in key decisions? 

I would seek advice from the appropriate district leaders, teachers and support staff, the Grandville Education Association, students, families, and community members affected by the decision. I would also consult attorneys, auditors, or other experts when needed. No single viewpoint should control a decision. A trustee should compare people’s experiences with reliable information, ask who has not been heard, and then use independent judgment as part of the board. 

10. Please complete this sentence: As a school board candidate, I feel most passionately about ______________. 

As a school board candidate, I feel most passionately about helping students succeed by building strong relationships, partnering with teachers, and inviting every family into the shared work of strong public schools.

Roger has declined the opportunity to respond to the candidate survey during this election cycle.