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By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
MCP will be publishing a list of all candidates who running for office in the November 5 General Election. Profiled articles feature candidates who are in contested races.
Responses are listed initially in alphabetical order and then alternate in order.
LUDINGTON — Five people are running for two open seats on the Ludington Area School District Board of Education, including two incumbents. Those candidates include incumbents Leona Ashley and Scott Foster, along with Bryan McCormick, Alan Neushwander and Mike Wincewski.
Profiles
Leona Ashley
Leona Ashley
Ashely lives in Pere Marquette Township. She is a graduate of Lake City High School, earned an associate of child development degree from Ferris State University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Grand Valley State University. She is a U.S. Army veteran. Ashley and her husband, Scott, have lived in the school district for 22 years. They have had five children attend LASD. They also have hosted several exchange students who have also attended LASD.
Ashley works as a community health educator for Corewell Health. She and Scott own Lakeside Links Golf Club in Pere Marquette Township.
She and her husband, Scott, have lived in the school district for 22 years.
Scott Foster
Scott Foster
Foster lives in Ludington. He is a 1991 graduate of Ludington High School and a 1998 graduate of West Shore Community College where he earned an associate degree in criminal justice. He also attended Michigan State University’s College of Civil Engineer Traffic Reconstruction Program and received an advance crash reconstruction certificate. Foster is employed as a deputy in the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Unit. He has worked there for 25 years.
Foster’s’ wife is an educator. Two of their daughters graduated from Ludington High School and one of their daughters is currently enrolled in the school district. Foster moved away from Ludington in 1999 and returned in 2016.
Bryan McCormick
Bryan McCormick
McCormick lives in Ludington. He said he is married to a teacher and has four children, three of whom attend LASD. He has lived in the school district for 13 years. He did not provide any other biographical information.
Alan Neushwander
Alan Neushwander
Neushwander and his wife, Jennifer, live in Pere Marquette Township. He is a graduate of Morris Community High School, Morris, Ill. and has lived in the Ludington school district since 2004. He has two daughters and a son along with a stepson. Neushwander has an associate degree in marketing and a bachelor’s degree in health services administration, both from Baker College.
He is the director of external and internal relations for Family Health Care, located in Baldwin. He previously worked in communications at West Michigan Community Mental Health and Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital (now Corewell Health Ludington Hospital). Prior to his healthcare career, he was news director of WKLA radio in Ludington. He also is a freelance contributor to Mason County Press.
Neushwander also currently serves on the Mason County Planning Commission.
Mike Wincewski
Mike Wincewski
Wincewski lives in Ludington. He is a 1970 graduate of Ludington High School, received a bachelor of science degree in secondary education (mathematics) from Central Michigan University in 1974; along with an additional elementary education endorsement in 1978. He earned a master’s degree in educational leadership in 1982 and an additional computer science minor in 1986. He and his wife, Kathy, have three adult sons who each graduated from LHS. They also have seven grandchildren, two of whom are current LHS students.
Wincewski worked at LASD for 32 years. He also worked eight years at Western Land Services. He spent four years helping various school districts in Michigan as a cognitive coach for the Institute of Excellence in Education of Mt. Pleasant. He is currently teaching leadership/communication classes for Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities of St. Louis, Mo.
Q & A
MCP: Why do you want to be on the board of education?
Foster: I am seeking re-election to the school board for multiple reasons. One of the main reasons is that I want to see the bond project through to completion. There is a lot of work that needs to be done such as ensuring that the quality of craftsmanship is up to the standard the community deserves. There are also some safety and security issues that still need to be addressed within the project.
McCormick: I am running for the Ludington school board because after 13 years in the district, I am worried about the direction we’re headed. I have three children in the district and I want to ensure their years at Ludington are positive learning experiences. I have watched as the culture and climate in the schools has fostered bullying and I am concerned about the safety of all our students. Most recently, I am concerned about the culture and climate for teachers and staff.
There are two seats up for election in November. Those two seats could be the difference in changing the direction of our school board. I am not a politician and I have never run for office. However, I am a teacher, father, and community member here in Ludington. The current direction of our school district is concerning. As a teacher, father, and community member, I could not sit by and wait for change. We have to do better.
Neushwander: As a parent and taxpayer, I care deeply about the Ludington Area School District and want to contribute to its success. I want Mason County to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Good schools are one of the pillars of a strong community. I love this community, and being on the school board is a way for me to give back and to keep our community and our schools great.
Wincewski: The Ludington community and specifically the Ludington Area School District has created many positive opportunities and experiences for me, and I see this as an opportunity for me to give back.
Ashley: I have enjoyed my past six years of being on the Board of Education. I do it because I believe that the children need representation. And I am just the person to do that.
MCP: What is the role of a school board member?
McCormick: The role of a school board member is to foster relationships with all stakeholders: Administration, teachers, staff, students, parents, community members, and lawmakers. School board members have to make decisions that impact all stakeholders. Understanding the impact of those decisions for all stakeholders is vital to a good relationship.
Neushwander: A local board of education is charged with recruiting, hiring, and evaluating the superintendent, reviewing and adopting the budget, setting policy and goals, determining facility needs, and approving curriculum. As an elected member of the school board, I am responsible for serving as the representative and voice of all stakeholders of the Ludington School District. A school board member should consult with their constituency and make decisions based on their input rather than the board member dwelling upon their own personal ideas, views, and beliefs.
Wincewski: A school board member should be a voice for the people of the district. They need to be aware of the policies, procedures, and practices of the district; and how the constituents of the district feel about those policies, procedures, and practices. And then they should work towards making improvements where appropriate, especially in the area of fiscal responsibility.
Ashley: The role of a school board member is to do what’s best for the community and the students.
Foster: The role of a board member is very complex. As a board member relationships with community members, state government, and staff members are of great importance. I plan to continue to strengthen those relationships that I have established over the last six years as a board member. Finance also plays a huge role in the role of a board member. During my time on the Board, we have seen an increase in staff salary and instructional spending while still being able to grow our fund balance.
MCP: What is the role of public education?
Neushwander: The public education system was established to provide free education to all children. Public education’s most important aspect is preparing students for life after high school, whether going to college, technical schools, or entering the workforce. With these skills, our students will have a competitive advantage in whatever journey they choose after graduating.
Wincewski: Public education is the institution through which a society teaches its members the skills, knowledge, norms, and values they need to learn to become good, productive citizens. The boards that have local control within this system must provide academic curriculums and educational opportunities and experiences that are consistent with the standards and expectations of the communities they serve.
Ashley: The role of public education is to educate students and push them to strive for their best. To prepare them for jobs or college.
Foster: The role of the school district has expanded greatly over the years. The biggest role is to ensure student success. Ensuring student success is more than good grades. It’s ensuring kids are fed, assisting with stable housing, and meeting their mental health needs. The district also needs to be a good partner with the community. Things like open swimming at our pool and allowing community members to walk the building during the winter months are a prime example of this.
McCormick: The role of education is to inspire students to learn and grow, empower them to think about their future and teach them how to be a member of our community.
MCP: What has been your previous involvement with the school district?
Wincewski: I have been a student, an athlete, a teacher, a coach, an administrator, and a parent in the Ludington Area School District.
Ashley: I have been on the school board for the past six years. I have had five children and 23 exchange students go through the educational system. I have substitute taught and I am the community health educator for Corwell where I also teach inside the schools.
Foster: I have currently served as a board member for nearly six years, and I chair the Building and Site Committee. I have two daughters who graduated from the district and have another daughter still attending the district which has given me the ability to see what amazing staff we have. I have also had the opportunity to volunteer at many school functions over the years. It truly is amazing how many community members also volunteer their time and resources with our buildings.
McCormick: Did not respond to the question.
Neushwander: My previous involvement has been as a parent and a taxpayer. My oldest daughter graduated from Ludington High School in 2022, and I currently have two children at LASD—a freshman and a fifth grader.
MCP: What are the top three issues/challenges, in your opinion, facing the school district? Feel free to list additional issues.
Ashley: Staffing, Title IX (9), school violence.
Foster: The three biggest issues facing our district in my opinion are truancy/absenteeism, special education services, and communication.
McCormick: Integrity begins with honesty. Honesty with our teachers, our administrators, our parents, and our community members. As a school board member, I will work to build trust with honesty. Having honest conversations about bullying, the culture and climate for staff and students in our schools, and being proactive in our approach to addressing issues.
Secondly, respect. Respect is earned with actions and honesty. The school board needs to earn the respect of our teachers, administrators, parents, and community members. I don’t feel that the district- administration or the school board has done enough to earn the respect of parents and community stakeholders. Several bond proposals were passed by voters in this community, but, and this also goes to transparency as well, how have the community and parents been included and informed of the process? As a school board member, I will take an active role earning the respect of our teachers, staff, parents, and community members. Volunteering in classrooms, improving methods of two-way communication, and valuing the insight our educators and community can add to our district.
Lastly, transparency. It is the year 2024, communication and transparency should be at the forefront. Yet, not all stakeholders have knowledge about what is going on in the district. As a school board member, I will work to improve transparency and communication at the board level- leading by example and keeping our stakeholders informed.
Neushwander: 1) Faculty and staff morale is at an all-time low within the district. 2) There Is lack of communication, transparency, and engagement. 3) School safety.
Wincewski: I have no specific agenda or platform but believe that the following items are general concerns for school districts across our state.
- Fiscal responsibility – Provide the best educational experience possible for all students within the financial boundaries of the district. And also, be proactive in terms of grant opportunities and best practices in using all available funding sources.
- Policy compliance – Governmental agencies control the money, the regulations, the mandates, and in many cases the curriculum. As a local school district, we need to be aware of all the rules that must be adhered to and have a plan of how to work within those guidelines to deliver the best opportunities for the students and families in our district. I also believe that local leaders should work hard to maintain good relationships with representatives of these governmental units, especially at the city and county level.
- Challenging curriculum – Providing academic opportunities at age-appropriate levels that will prepare our students for the challenges they will face in our fast paced, ever-changing world. These curriculums should address the development of the whole child and provide opportunities for rigor, relevance and responsibility.
- Staffing – With less young people choosing careers in education it becomes more important than ever that we do an excellent job of recruiting and retaining quality staff members.
MCP: What actions would you take to change/address those issues/challenges?
Foster: Truancy/absenteeism have been on the rise since COVID. We need to work closely with law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office to address this issue. There needs to be a proactive approach with these agencies before children become truant. Things like home visits, following up with parents, and ensuring cases are addressed in a timely manner are essential. We also need to ensure school is a safe environment, free of bullying, so children feel safe coming to school.
Students who receive special education services are on the rise. We need to ensure we have adequate staffing to fulfill the needs of our students and this includes support services. I have heard concerns from staff and administration that the support from West Shore ESD (Educational Service District) needs to be greater. If re-elected I plan to work closely with the ESD and district staff to ensure our students are receiving more direct services and are achieving at their highest level.
Admittedly, communication from the district has not been the best. Most recently when we had a surplus of trophies that we did not have room to house, they were offered to the community. There were several individuals who came to a board meeting expressing concern about the lack of communication with this. If re-elected I would like to work on developing a communication policy for dissemination of information to the community and all stakeholders.
McCormick: (Responses included in previous remarks.)
Neushwander: I would work to create a culture where teachers and staff feel valued, heard, and appreciated.
I would work to increase accountability and transparency in every aspect, including the budget, school board activities, and anything that impacts LASD stakeholders. We need to find ways to involve parents and teachers in dialog. The public school system must be a partnership between parents/taxpayers and the district, the board of education and administration, administration and staff, and staff and students. A partnership includes being transparent, open-minded, and willing to solicit input from all stakeholders. I welcome open dialog from all viewpoints to develop creative solutions to the complex issues school districts face.
School safety must be a top priority. We need to ensure our buildings and facilities are safe and secure. I support having dedicated school resource officers at each school and would work with state lawmakers to restore and secure permanent funding for these officers. In addition, there are opportunities for enhanced technology, such as camera-based AI gun detection systems. School safety also includes enforcing a zero-tolerance policy toward bullying, intimidation, and threats by students, faculty, staff, board of education members, and parents.
Wincewski: As a new school board member, my first job will be to listen and learn. I will become as well informed as possible about the status of our district and what specific challenges we currently face. I will be open minded in seeking all points of view on issues and will be approachable for all stakeholders.
Ashley: At the school board member we work with the stakeholders, community and the lawyers to do what is best for our students and staff. We have board meetings once a month, where we read over policies and new Neola laws. We determine how we plan to implement changes that will best help the students with their educational growth. We participate in graduation alphabet banquet and our often times invited to teachers classrooms to see the great work that they’re doing. My favorite part of being a school board member is interacting with the children and, watching them succeed in all of the things that they like to do in and out of school.
MCP: Why should voters elect you to the board of education?
McCormick: Did not respond to question.
Neushwander: I will serve as the voice and representative for all stakeholders of the Ludington School District. I’m not afraid to make difficult decisions to do what is best for the school district. I have leadership skills that are transferable to the skills needed to be an effective member of the Board of Education. These skills come from my career in healthcare administration, where I oversee marketing and communications, staff recruiting, employee satisfaction, human resources, legislative advocacy, and philanthropy. I also have the skills and knowledge of how governmental bodies operate as I serve my second term on the Mason County Planning Commission.
Wincewski: I believe my set of skills and experiences are a perfect match to the characteristics of a good school board member. The community can trust that I will make fair, well-informed decisions on their behalf.
Ashley: I believe that I have been a good board member and have made good decisions and I would like to continue.
Foster: With 26 years of experience in law enforcement I feel I bring a unique perspective to the board no other candidate has. We have made great strides in increasing safety and security within the district but as I mentioned earlier there is still work that needs to be done. If re-elected I will continue to fight for the safety of our staff and students.
MCP: How would you handle any potential conflicts of interest you may face on the board of education?
Neushwander: I would excuse myself from any discussion and abstain from voting on any potential conflicts of interest that may arise.
Wincewski: If I felt there was a conflict of interest, I would not hesitate to recuse myself from any vote concerning this conflict.
Ashley: I always try to handle conflict of interest with an open mind.
Foster: Conflicts of interest are really pretty easy to deal with. In my time on the board, there have been a few times I abstained from voting on issues that could possibly create a conflict of interest. It is important that a board member recognizes these issues and takes action to rectify them. I have also seen other members of the board abstain from voting because of a potential conflict.
McCormick: Did not respond to question.
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