Five names will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot for three Grosse Pointe Public School System Board of Education seats, though only four candidates are actively campaigning.
Virginia “Ginny” Jeup, Walter Fitzpatrick, Thomas “Jake” Howlett and Michelle White are seeking election. Mariel Krupansky decided not to pursue the position after the withdrawal deadline, so her name remains on the ballot, according to Grosse Pointe News’ election coverage.
The three seats carry four-year terms. They are currently held by Jeup, Sean Cotton and Valarie St. John. Cotton and St. John are not seeking reelection, leaving Jeup as the only incumbent in the race.
Pointers for Academic Excellence, a local advocacy group, also lists the five ballot candidates and links to campaign information and questionnaires.
Candidates outline priorities
Jeup, a business owner and current trustee, said protecting classroom resources, extracurricular opportunities and student experiences would guide her decisions. She also supports expanding preschool and reopening Trombly Elementary School, according to her Grosse Pointe News profile.
Fitzpatrick, a retired GPPSS teacher and principal, emphasized financial stability and support for classroom instruction. Asked about a hypothetical $4 million budget shortfall, he said he would “look as far away from the students as we could and start there,” while acknowledging difficult trade-offs, according to his candidate profile.
Howlett, an attorney, identified enrollment as a priority. He said the district should work to attract families and encourage residents who choose other schools to consider GPPSS, according to his Sept. 24 profile.
White, a community volunteer, emphasized protecting teacher compensation, examining vendor contracts and understanding why some resident families choose other schools. She also called for respectful collaboration among trustees, according to her candidate profile.
Leadership and finances
The election follows the board’s unanimous March 9 appointment of Roy Bishop as superintendent. Jeup supported Bishop but criticized the decision not to conduct a superintendent search, C&G Newspapers reported.
Earlier in that meeting, Cotton proposed amending the agenda to add an item approving Bishop contingent on contract negotiations. That agenda amendment failed 3-4, with Cotton, Jeup and Tim Klepp voting in favor, according to the meeting minutes.
Teacher compensation has also been a recent issue. Teachers began the school year working under an expired agreement before a new agreement was reached, The Tower Pulse reported Oct. 11. Bishop said the agreement improved conditions for teachers while supporting the district’s long-term needs.
Candidate forum and voting
The Mothers’ Club of Grosse Pointe South will host a candidate forum at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, in Cleminson Hall. All candidates have been invited to give five-minute presentations, followed by informal conversation, according to the organizer’s event listing.
Early voting runs Oct. 24 through Nov. 1, according to the Grosse Pointe Times. Residents should check with their city clerk for voting locations and hours.
