TRAVERSE CITY — Six candidates will vie for two open four-year board positions with Traverse City Area Public Schools.
Candidates include pediatrician Jennifer Schell Bonifacio, financial advisor Erik Falconer, retired Munson Medical Center physician Cynthia Glines, former Traverse City Commissioner Scott Hardy, Michigan Department of Human Services retiree Mary Marois and Mary Jo McKay, a respiratory therapist and registered nurse at Munson.
They plan to run for seats held by Alice McNally and Fred Tank, who will not seek re-election in November.
McNally joined the board in 2002 and served two terms, while Tank was elected in 2006 and served as board president in 2008 and 2009. Both hold trustee positions, and their terms end in December.
Glines said she's raised two children in TCAPS, from kindergarten through graduation, and that's provided her an experienced perspective. She intends to bring open-mindedness and critical-thinking skills to the board if elected.
"Finances are going to continue to be the major challenge and ongoing concerns about state equity funding. Attracting and retaining students is another issue," she said.
Glines said she'd love to see more parental involvement in the district because it would benefit both students and staff members.
Bonifacio sought appointment to fill a TCAPS opening on the board last year. She could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon, the filing deadline for TCAPS' November candidates.
Falconer is founder and president of local financial company Falconer Group, but was unavailable for comment on Tuesday.
McKay, mother of one recent Central High School grad and an Eastern Elementary student, is ready for a spot on the board.
"I've always been civic minded, and now I have the opportunity to act," she said.
The final two candidates, Hardy and Marois, also could not be reached for comments.
Region
Six seek positions on TCAPS board
-
-
Disabled man killed in blaze
Heavy smoke and flames rebuffed attempts by family, neighbors, police and fire officials to rescue a disabled man stranded in his Kalkaska Township home.
Continued ... -
Woman pleads guilty to animal cruelty
The frozen carcasses of two horses lay in Danelle Marie Round's pasture on the day she pleaded guilty to a single animal cruelty misdemeanor.
Continued ... -
Charged teacher waives exam, denied bond
A former Traverse City schoolteacher waived a preliminary examination and remains in jail on a charge of having sex with a student.
Continued ... -
BATA: 'Don't know how much money we will receive'
County transportation authorities are criticizing a federal bill they say could hurt state mass transit funding by putting it on year-to-year life cycle.
Continued ... -
Third Level offers suicide alertness workshop
Third Level Crisis Intervention Center will offer a one-day workshop for people who want to help those at risk of suicide.
Continued ... -
DNA ties Holly man to 2009 break-in
Authorities issued an arrest warrant for a Holly man whose DNA ties him to a 2009 Traverse City break-in.
Continued ... -
Man arraigned in late-night chase
A man shot by police Taser after a late-night chase was arraigned in 86th District Court.
Continued ... -
Trojan debate team receives $30,000 grant
A local foundation donated $30,000 to Traverse City Central High School's debate team.
Continued ... - Friday, February 10, 2012
-
One dead in Kalkaska blaze
Fire and police officials found a victim about 3:30 p.m. today inside a Kalkaska Township home engulfed by flames.
Continued ... -
Vasa brings skiers, business
Skiers aren't the only ones thrilled the annual Vasa race will proceed despite warm temperatures and little snow.
Continued ... -
Sparks fly over TCLP substation plan
Traverse City Light & Power wants a new southside substation to shore up its electric system, but Mayor Michael Estes fears the big site is a Trojan horse for a new power plant.
Continued ... -
Grand Traverse freezes pay for officials
Grand Traverse County plans to freeze elected officials' salaries and eliminate a car allowance in 2013 because of continued uncertainty over its revenue stream.
Continued ... -
Blair man accused of meat-fork threat
A Blair Township man was arrested for assault after police said he threatened his girlfriend with a meat-carving fork.
Continued ... -
Drop-off recycling site relocating
A drop-off recycling site on LaFranier Road is being relocated.
Continued ... - Thursday, February 9, 2012
-
Ex-TC teacher to waive exam in sex case
A Traverse City teacher accused of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a student is expected to waive a preliminary examination in 86th District Court.
Continued ... -
A changing of the guard in GT County
The 2012 elections will bring a major change of the Grand Traverse County guard. The county's long-time clerk, treasurer and prosecutor won't seek re-election this year — three officials whose combined county experience spans more than 90 years.
Continued ... -
Janik tapped for Leelanau administrator
Chet Janik hopes to come home. The Leelanau County board offered its administrator job to Chet Janik, who came to Leelanau as a child when his parents emigrated from Poland.
Continued ... -
Dog park backers plan fundraisers
Dog park supporters raised more than a third of a $15,000 goal just a month into efforts to pay for Traverse City's first park for pets. Work continues to bring in the remaining money.
Continued ... -
Police: Man breaks up fight with gun
Police said a man on Traverse City's east side tried to stop a fight outside his home with a handgun.
Continued ... -
Tased man charged as habitual offender
A man stunned by police Taser in a home invasion incident was arraigned in 86th District Court.
Continued ... - Wednesday, February 8, 2012
-
Body of missing fisherman found
Authorities say a dive team has recovered the body of a 33-year-old fisherman who fell through the ice of a pond near Mesick.
Continued ... -
Pears to replace dead ash trees
Downtown streets in the Cherry Capital soon will bloom with the color of another fruit.
Continued ... -
Vasa trail in good shape for weekend
Despite unseasonably warm temperatures and a lack of significant snowfall, the 36th annual North American Vasa cross country ski race is on for this weekend.
Continued ... -
Acme officials defer Meijer decision
Acme Township officials deferred a decision on a long-proposed Meijer store along M-72 until a special meeting in two weeks.
Continued ... -
Parks smoking ban on hold in TC
City Commissioner Jim Carruthers wants more time to work on smoking rules at city parks.
Continued ...
-
