Who's on the November ballot? Get to know the Boyne City Public Schools board candidates
BOYNE CITY — Ahead of the Nov. 8 election, the Petoskey News-Review will be publishing profiles and candidate interviews for contested local school board elections.
Two positions on the Boyne City Public Schools Board of Education are up for grabs this election cycle, with three names on the ballot.
Savannah Hrenko, Jilaine Towne-Patton and William Arno are in the running to fill the roles. None of the candidates currently serve on the board.
Towne-Patton and Arno did not respond to questionnaires and requests for participation in this article.
According to a profile on the district's website, Towne-Patton is a graduate of Boyne City High School before receiving a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a master's of counseling from Spring Arbor University. Before working in her current job as community health supervisor of mental health professionals for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, she provided mental health services for students at Boyne City High School and Morgan-Shaw School.
She has two children, one who recently graduated from the district and one who is a sophomore.
Arno graduated from Boyne City High School in 1994 before earning a degree in technical science from DeVry University in Addison, Illinois, according to a profile on the district's website. Now, he is a member of the Lion's Club in Boyne City and regularly attends the United Methodist Church of East Jordan.
According to the website, he does not have kids himself, but wants to see his friend's and neighbor's children be successful.
All candidates were sent the same questions and given the same deadline to respond. The News-Review reserved the right to edit responses for length, clarity and adherence to Associated Press style guides.
Savannah Hrenko
Q: In a few short paragraphs, talk about your background (job experience, educational history, time in the area, etc.) and why it would make you a good fit for the school board.
A: I was born and raised in Northern Michigan and am a Boyne City graduate. After graduation, I earned a degree as a registered nurse with a dream of returning home to serve my community. My husband Patrick and I knew there was nowhere else we wanted to raise our children than in Boyne City. We have three children, two of which are in Boyne City Elementary and our youngest will be starting preschool next fall. Just like me, they are proud to be Ramblers.
I believe that each board member brings specific talents, skills and expertise to contribute to the collaboration of accomplishing the work of the board for the benefit of the students as well as the tax paying citizens of the school district. If elected, I will be sensitive to the financial and budget matters that affect our taxes and decisions that can hurt the rights of the parents in their child’s education.
Q: What concerns face Boyne City Public Schools and what can be done to make the district better?
A: Schools across Michigan have been strained by labor shortages — from teachers to support staff. This was a problem before the pandemic and worsened in 2022. Our district will need to be intentional about creating a plan for the retention of our current faculty members as well as a plan for filling open positions in the future.
I also recognize the tough times our families are currently facing. Parents are finding it harder to make ends meet. Our board needs to be sensitive to the financial and budget matters that affect our district taxes.
Furthermore, promoting transparency and involvement with family, faculty and community, regaining trust that has been lost, maintaining healthy communication with all parties for the benefit of the students and developing areas where we can further support our students through social challenges are other areas I feel we can improve on as a district.
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Q: Many school districts are facing questions regarding reading materials and what should be available to students and at what grade level. What are your thoughts on book challenges?
A: I fully support parents questioning what their children learn and appreciate when parents are entirely involved in their children’s education. Creating an environment where parents, faculty and our school board all come together with complete transparency, generates a greater path for success.
If I were to have the honor of serving the community, I would work diligently to uphold the oath of office by listening to families, teachers and staff to make sure all voices are considered when making decisions. I understand the seriousness of this duty and am fully prepared to serve, learn and be part of “Team Boyne.”
— Contact education reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com or on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Q&A: Get to know the Boyne City Public Schools board candidates
