A poster under the name Chris K had a post following Ken's. It apparently was deleted by the poster. I put this comment up so that there was a context for my following comming. Thanks.

My students will wear purple in support of THEIR high school.

Any individual who believes people sporting their school colors are supporting him/her is simply delusional.

Go Black Hawks.

Go Black Hawks!

Let's keep our focus on the issues and not the petty.
I have always found that Jenny Greenwell researches the issues and speaks to represent the majority of the district and its concerns. She is willing to question the "status quo" as she seeks excellence in our schools. I believe this is a reason that there are so many attack dogs that post consistently to her blog. It is evident that those on the school board (and their supporters) don't want anyone on the board that would threaten their consistent 7-0 votes. Jenny is willing to ask questions and get discussion going. Her goal seems to always be- excellence in our schools. How refreshing!

Well then, Jenny should have written about the issues and left wearing purple out of her blog. Instead she linked the two, in her attempt glom on to the new HS colors to benefit her campaign.

Thanks to Mac and Judy for giving me a reason to not give up purple. My family will wear purple to support the Bloomfield Hills Black Hawks, and on October 19th to speak out against bullying and to support GLBT youth.

Linda, I asked you previously if you had any children
that went to BHSD schools or elsewhere. Your charitable foundation has made frequent contributions to Cranbrook based on the required reporting statements. There is nothing wrong with that, of course. However, if you had children educated there it would be useful for readers to know where you're coming from. It would be a reasonable inference at this point to believe that's the case but let's give you another opportunity to answer so that people reading your posts can judge for themselves.

Perhaps they might want to present their candidacy as I have? Or perhaps they prefer to stay silent.
I think taxpayers and voters should know about the candidates who would like the authority to give direction to administration and spend education tax dollars.
The public has the right to know what's going on in races for public office, I think.
Jenny Greenwell

Mrs. Greenwell,

Perhaps they are actually spending time doing the work that they have been entrusted to do…you know the work of the school board! I would have to seriously wonder if they were doing their work if they were spending as much time promoting themselves as you do.

If you really think they aren't doing their utmost to "put students first, and to consider their academic, social and emotional needs and to set a priority of making sure the transition period between NOW and the consolidation of the two high schools to as 'seamless' as possible" then I fear you are seriously deluding yourself. As I have said before, with as much scrutiny they are under they are only going to go every mile and then some.

Being married to a doctor doesn't make one a doctor. The same holds true to you. Just because you are married to "Don Greenwell Jr., Senior VP Walbridge, P.E., Civil Eng. MSU 1974" doesn't make you more qualified to provide financial oversight for the construction. Can you share what your real qualifications are? Do you have an MBA, a teaching certificate, etc?

All of the candidates have the opportunity to present themselves to the public on October 2, 7 pm at the Doyle Center. I hope that between now and then the other candidates are doing the jobs they volunteered to do and supporting our students in some way other than wearing purple!!!!!!!

Ms. Weiner,
Thanks for pointing out the 19th. I couldn't tell what issue -- other than the new unified high school -- Ms. Greenwell was crassly trying to graft on to.

"Wear purple, to support our students, and for our schools."
That's a QUOTE from my blog.
Anyone have a problem with putting our students first? I sure don't. I think it's time to do just that: Put students FIRST. Students are the most important part of any school system. Jenny Greenwell

"Please: Wear Purple!" "Show your support for my candidacy, the generousity of BHSD taxpayers, and for our high school students!"

Also your QUOTE.....check it out on the main Patch Webpage.

I'm not afraid of Jenny, I'm afraid of the past of destruction she would cause. I'd probably feel safer with my kids walking the streets with a rabid animal on the loose than having Jenny sit on the school board. Why would we contemplate giving someone with her behaviors and traits the keys to the store?

The two candidates running against you, Jenny, are sitting board members whose candidacy, dedication, expertise and thoughtful consideration of all district business is on display at every board meeting. They regularly attend CPC meetings, study sessions and school visits. They fought long and hard to bring the consolidated Hugh school plan to fruition. They are integral in the planning and execution of the ongoing transition phase for our high school students, present and future. And lest anyone think that is their only focus...oh no...they have all 5500 students in the forefront of their minds.

These public servants are far from "silent," they are BUSY...doing the actual work of the district!

No one finds putting students first crass.

I am skeptical that a candidate who has no student affected by the transition, and whose vocal supporters do not have students affected by the transition, is more concerned about the welfare of students in transition than their parents are.

I am also skeptical that a candidate who spearheaded the divisive 20/20 and recall movements, and who is dismissive of BHSD residents in West Bloomfield, is "uniquely qualified to bring unity to our school community."

No problem, Amy. You also omitted the fact that the two candidates you praise were both appointed by the school board, or teachers union, or both , and not elected.

To The Village Malcontent,

Does the fact they were appointed diminish their contributions?

I am sorry to say that some of our Trustees have accepted campaign donations from the union, and I do not feel it is appropriate for those individuals to participate in votes to approve contracts with that union. "Follow the money....."
Students are more important to me than is compensation for adults.

Ms. Robovitsky,
I agree about the line being crossed. I can't think of anything more disrespectful to all citizens, parents, administrators, teachers, and students to regularly accuse them of crimes and ignorance and irresponsibility without evidence. 2020 supporters, including Ms. Greenwell, does this all the time. Ms. Greenwell knows full well, for example, that the current incumbents, Herner and Berndt, were appointed by the board -- not the union. So do you. Where is the response to this sort of inaccuracy? Want to act like a watchdog? Try flagging critiquing your own camp first. Let's do a search of Patch and see what turns up in the record.

Marcia: I get and appreciate that you like Jenny. When you posted on the school bond issue in the spring I said that you had an affinity for Jenny and you were somewhat defensive about it. It's okay not to be objective. Based on that I'm sure it's painful to see the strong comments made about her candidacy but--they're not about her personally, they're about what she has done and said in the past and what the likelihood of those things recurring is. This ample public record has been put out there by her, voluntarily and actively. To complain when people rely on that to say her candidacy is fatally flawed goes against logic. Again, it would be admirable to present her ideas to the board as a member of the community/taxpayer but I don't believe she'll be comfortable doing that.

While "J Arch" was not talking just about me, I do want to point out that at least one person does not consider themselves a "supporter" of the current Board and administration AND, also, finds 2020 now simply an obstructionist movement. I supported the bond proposal but not because of any deep affection for School Boards or administrators. Any board or administration that sits for too long (although it is silly to put Herner and Berndt in that category) can wall themselves off completely to groups of citizens or parents for all sorts of reasons. The community needs to find some way to find two way conversation between those that feel alienated. 2020 just isn't it. There has to be other options. I imagine some might vote for Ms. Greenwell -- not so much because they appreciate her -- but because they have some deep skepticism or concerns. It is shame that group of voters does not have anothe outlet.

Jon,
A fair and important point. Here is mine: Ms. Greenwell and 2020 are not the solution to the problem but they are symptomatic of a problem. All districts go through squabbles, but this is a bad one, particularly for BH which should not have to degenerate to this kind of thing (an argument, I think, Ms. Berndt makes, although somewhat too nostalgically for my taste). Nothing is more infuriating as a citizen or especially as a parent as when a Board or Administration doesn't respond in what you think is a fair and open way. I get it. I have been on the other side of this. I don't like Ms. Greenwell's tactics and I don't think she has much new to offer. But I can easily imagine the emotions that set off this kind of thing. People seem set in a permanent attack mode. BHSD still needs to deal with it...I am leery of thinking of myself of a "friend" or "supporter" of any board because without sufficient care that board can turn right back round on you in some unexpected way. Too many in BHSD feel that way for my comfort. It is toxic, for my kids and others. That needs to be addressed. False accusations, wear shoes today of you support me, etc. -- isn't the way, but that doesn't mean there isn't an issue.

Jon, just for clarity sake, and before anyone jumps on you...Ingrid Day is in her 5th year on the board. (elected in 2007) During her tenure, the board voted to move school elections to the November date, at the behest of many in the district, which extended her 4 year term to 5 years. She is now running for a six year term.

Also, technically Mrs. Berndt and Mr. Herner are running for election, not re-election, since they were appointed to fill terms of board members who moved out of the district.

At this critical juncture for our district, I think it important that we have a healthy mix of seasoned veteran board members who can bring historical perspective and a proven track record to the issues we now face. Regardless of the election outcome, BHS will have at least one brand new board member.

Thanks, Amy, for your corrections.

Ken, I agree. I do think "The Board" has been composed of shifting cast of characters over the years, and is far from monolithic. I also think that the current climate makes it hard to voice rational and thoughtful criticism of the district, as we have been divided into camps of "supporters" and "opponents". Like you, I support good decisions and oppose bad ones, and am pretty sure our administration is neither angelic nor demonic.

Jenny,

I do have a couple of questions regarding your goals and priorities listed in this blog. I copied and pasted the paragraph in question just because the comments are very long and I didn't want to have to scroll up and down to make sure I quoted accurately.

You write: "Decisions must be made as to the future use, sale or other disposition of various un-used or underutilized district assets. I expect this to occur over the next two years. I beleive these decisions should be made with taxpayer approval."

First, I don't necessarily disagree with the first two sentences. I think your statement about unused assets is right and believe the administration and current board members have said the same thing. My questions are with the second sentence regarding what you feel are the underutilized assets and the third sentence.

1. What assets are on your list as underutilized?
- Are you talking vacant properties like Wabeek,
- Buildings that will be empty in the future like Pine Lake and Hickory Grove,
- Leftover furniture from both Lahser & Andover,
- Do you mean the Farm and the Nature Center?

2. The way I read it the third sentence, you feel the taxpayers should vote on the use, sale or some other method of disposing of assets. Is that what you meant, or did you mean that the taxpayers should be given a chance to provide their opinions on how the assets should be dealt with?

Ms Greenwell,
In that spirit can you identify the "personal" attacks your supporters are asserting? It would be good to know. Otherwise this stands as just another vague charge against people who don't think you would be a good board candidate.

Ms. Robovitsky,
Since your are charging people with "personal" attacks could you specify what you mean and/or give me an example?

What are you referencing as a personal attack?

Mrs. Greenwell,

In your blog "Two Small High Schools or One Big Farm" (1/13/2012- Patch), you state that the farm is running at a deficit and that the district should sell off parts of it.

From your blog "Cash Rich District Should Not "Dump" Assets" (11/2/2011-Patch) "The BHSD also owns 88-acres at the school farm, along I-75 at Adams Rd. Wonder why they never discuss selling all or part of this parcel, which operates at a financial deficit?"

Now you state "We currently make good use of the Farm and Nature Center properties, I think, and those are assets that help make our district very special."

In less than 12 months you have changed your position. Why?

Jenny,

Thanks for responding. I am glad that you think that both the Nature Center and the Farm make our district special because I agree. Based on your past comments, you seemed to have changed your position because you previously suggested that the district should sell off parts of the Farm's acreage and that classes in farming do not provide educational value to our district. So while I am happy to see a change in your views, I have to admit that I am still wary of it, because you seemed so adamant in your previous positions just a few months ago....that learning farming wasn't important......that the acreage should be sold.

I personally feel that all the elementary schools have park-like grounds and as such that issue is the same regardless of whether we are talking about Hickory Grove or Pine Lake or any other school. According to the transition plan developed by the district, both buildings will be used during the transition.

I take your last sentence to mean that the community should be allowed to express opinions on the assets and not that they should vote on it. Am I right about that?

Just so you know.......my response is to Jenny's comment. While I was composing my thoughts, S Sera's comment was submitted. We both remembered the same past comments though.

Of course a school board candidate should list their academic credentials for consideration. If the academic credentials aren't particularly impressive that doesn't mean they wouldn't be good school board members but any candidate should be willing to address the issue. That can't be what all the stuff about "personal" attacks is, can it? I hope Ms. Robovitsky doesn't turn, too, to the 2020 habit of throwing out accusations and then refusing to be accountable for those accusations.

Mr. Jackson,

You are correct that sometimes just because someone's academic credentials aren't particularly impressive doesn't mean they wouldn't be a good school board member. People should turn to a candidate's "body of work/experiences". As has been much discussed there are many who view Mrs. Greenwell's "body of work" to be lacking (not talking about her being a fine person). So then what should the public look at as to what formal training she could bring to the table that makes her better able to make decisions that affect our children's lives? Her husband's qualifications are not hers but she claims that he is what makes her uniquely qualified. Unfortunately unless she has actually practiced what he does for a living I can't view it as her own qualification. I want to know her own credentials which make her a better choice than Rob Herner with a BBA and a MBA or Joan Berndt with a Bachelor and Masters in Music who has worked with students her whole life.

I too hope that Mrs. Robovitsky doesn't join in the habit of false accusations. I too am hopeful that she will respond to you. It was the only thing that I could see that she could consider remotely consider a personal attack. I also wish that Mrs. Greenwell would answer the question.

Sorry Jenny,

I think your comment above is in response to my last comment.....at this point, I agree with you that today it is not necessary to sell the Bowers Farm. I also admit that I don't have a crystal ball and can't predict if the State or the District will have a catastrophic collapse tomorrow or if they ever will. I expect if things were that bad, no one would want to buy the farm anyway and our community would be happy to have a place to grow food. I wanted to know your definition of underutilized assets, which you answered to my satisfaction.

Sigh, then I just wanted to know if your statement regarding the decisions for "the future use, sale or other disposition of various un-used or underutilized district assets........should be made with taxpayer approval" means you think the taxpayers should vote on the decision OR provide input and opinions prior to administration and board decision. At first, the way you worded it made me think that you expected a public vote prior to selling property. Then in your answer back it seemed as if you thought providing input into the process was what you meant. I guess I am stuck on the word approval….to me that implies a vote. Is that what you meant?

In January, you said the farm would be a great place for a Subway, gas station and Tim Hortons. Michigan was not bankrupt in January and had not stopped funding public ed (though funding continues to decline). Your claim was that selling the farm land would allow BHSD to keep two high schools open. Can you explain your numbers? Do they still work?

Thank you, Art! I am not personnally offended by any comments, and I respect the rights of others to speak. I would like the residents of the BHSD to continue to register their concerns, both publicly and privately. Clearly, there exists a lot of frustration in our community. In prior years, an effort was put forth to "heal" the wounds left by a Yes vs. No dispute...why not this time?
I hope we adults are able to behave properly for the sake of our students.

Thank you for your answer. I would add responsibility to the students too. As we have seen in the past, sometimes the needs of the one don't mesh with the view point or desires of the other. That is what makes for hard decisions.

Ms. Greenwell,
Do you really believe that if the State of Michigan goes bankrupt and decides to stop funding public education that the farm property will help anybody interested in education?

Mr. Charness,
Yes, Mr. Aisner exerted his editorial prerogative. One wishes he would do so, for example, when criminal charges without evidence are made on his pages. But I agree there is a pattern. Ms. Greenwell will continue to make accusations, avoid questions, and accuse those with concerns of "personal" attacks.

Thanks for your thoughts Ken. I suspect Art did it on his own but who knows. Jenny's blogs, etc, generate so many hits AOL (owner of the Patch) must think he's got it going well here.

More seriously, I think not giving Ms. Greenwell the attention she craves may be the best idea. She and her cohorts may well ratchet it up further demonstrating why she would be a dangerous to our schools, sitting on the board. I can't repeat my earlier words but they were spot on.

S Sera,
I am getting that impression. There is, of course, some disturbing irony in that Ms. Greenwell claims, at various points, to be solving the non-responsiveness of the current board or past boards (sometimes we are talking about 2004 or earlier -- I get confused -- we didn't live in and my kids had not yet started school) and to be bringing the community together. Based on her blogs, her posts, and, most disturbingly, her response to questions this would not be a Board Member terribly interested in dialogue. If I had a difficult question, for example, as a parent, I can only imagine posing the question and then having one 2020 rep say, "I can testify to Ms. Greenwell's openness to the community," and another saying, "That was a personal attack," and then the conversation would end. I can't say it enough; if you are looking for a candidate who will listen this one -- based on this electronic dialogue -- isn't it.

Linda P/Ulrey: Since you are studiously avoiding the question of whether your children attended BHSD schools or not we can fairly assume your children ( if you have children, don't know this information) went to Cranbrook further distancing you from BHSD other than not liking to pay to educate other peoples' children when you spent your money for a different education (as is your choice, no judgement intended on this choice).

There is a thread of the Jenny crowd when they're asked questions. Rather than answer, they attack the questioners.

Since you have a relationship with Cranbrook as a donor and you respect Jenny so much perhaps you might consider getting them together. Just a thought, LOL.

Linda P,
Now, now don't be so grumpy. I imagine you scare or irritate lots of people away with hositle remarks and this has been something of a life strategy. Under other circumstances I would certainly do the common sensical thing and avoid you, electronically or otherwise. But as the issue is the School Board I can't oblige you. I certainly don't speak for others but every time you pop up with a coarse remark to support your "unity" candidate or any other school issue you will probably find me there. Sorry. I wish I didn't have to do this either.

Mr. Charness, More important, I think, is Ms. Greenwell's response to her supporter. Linda P. has told us to go away and find something more useful to do than talk about education and school board issues. Surely a candidate who has made claims about apathy, problems of transparency, and on and on would want to comment here. Is what would happen with Ms. Greenwell on the board? Her supporters would ask those that disagree with her or want to question to go away?

Hmm....yesterday I was thoughtful and appropriate, today I am enthralling and verbose on nothingness......interesting perspective. If you think I posted too much yesterday, please note that it took three times asking for me to get the answers to my questions. At least I did receive answers which was nice.

Ken, I hope you're not using a pseudonym, because I'm writing you in for the two year Board seat...

While the conversation may be dominated by a few individuals, many more have the same thoughts and questions and would like to see answers. While this blog may not be Dear Abby, I certainly believe that if a candidate is going to use a blog like this as a campaign tool, she should be held accountable for her past statements and should answer questions from the electorate.

Ms. Elizabeth…I always find you thoughful and appropriate!
Mr. Jon… Thank you for my evening chuckle!
Mr. Jackson….Thank you for your ability to discern key issues!
Mr. Charness..Fire breathing dragons have a place in life too, just remember no name calling by analogy. Thank you
Mr. Blalock…Thank you for speaking about the "many more" that I have felt are reading, have opinions, may not be asking questions as they are already being asked, and would like to know the answers to the questions we have posed to Mrs. Greenwell.

Pot calling the kettle black Linda, you too frequent the blogs.

Ms. Greenwell,
I assure you I won't turn to you for life advice ala Dear Abby. You have, however, been asked several questions that pertain to your school board member candidacy. Many of them have to do with your past positions and your current responses to posters, both supporters and detractors. Most are straightforward, if not yes or no questions:
1) Do you agree with Linda P that changes should be made to voters' privileges?
2) Do you agree that with her that BHS parents/citizens who might be concerned about your candidacy should all simply go away and find something better to do?
3) Do you believe the farm property will help in any substantial way if the state of Michigan goes bankrupt and stops funding public education?
4) What are your academic credentials beyond your high school years at Osborn?
5) Do you think it was ok for 2020 to misrepresent the District's position on the 9th grade "Academy" during the bond election?
6) Do you think the recall effort was a political mistake or no? If no, how would you work effectively with board members you supported recalling?

The last part of question 6...how will you work effectively with the Board members you worked to recall?

Ms. Greenwell,
Thank you for answering. As a parent, I am very relieved about 1 and 2 and would urge you to respond to supporters when they go over the top. It is not helpful to a district trying very hard to repair itself to have a candidate whipping up that kind of political anger. It certainly wouldn't be helpful for a board member to do so. On #5 I will compile statements made on Patch by 2020 members and their supporters who regularly invoked the "Academy" idea to deliberately distort the Administration's position on the bond issue; I am glad you see now no particular value in them. #6 -- I am glad it was a useful experience for you. I do not believe, however, it was good for the community. I also still would like to hear you talk about how you work with the board members you sought to recall. That, it seems to me, deserves a blog post in and of itself.

I would hope they (incumbants) would be interested to hear what those who signed the recall petitions have to say!