A Look at The Finalists' Applications for the Interim Northville School Board Seat

The interim seat on Northville's school board was sought by after one person rescinded their application.

In order to be considered for the board appointment, to fill a seat , each candidate had to submit an application. Below – in the candidates' own words – are the replies of the two finalists, Cyndy Jankowski and William Bryan.

The board narrowed the field to Jankowski and Bryan last week using a system of rating preferences and scoring them. Jankowski had the majority of the points, 10. Bryan had the second most. They now move on to a final interview at 6 p.m. at before one is selected for the seat.

Northville Patch is able to bring you this information thanks to a Freedom of Information Act request that was partially granted on Friday. The applications themselves were given, though with redacted personal information, but none of the supplemental items were given. Resumes, for example, were not given to Northville Patch. The rest of the information is taken verbatim from the applications.

Cynthia (Cyndy) Jankowski

Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Education?

Based on my employment and community service experience, I believe I am able to provide objective and fair evaluation of the issues facing our school district, and create and implement sensible and productive solutions. We moved to Northville because of the District's academic reputation and I'd like to become more involved in maintaining that repuation in the future.

What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Board of Education?

To earn my colleagues' and Northville residents' respect through hard work and unbiased decisions, to stretch each dollar available for our children.

What particular expertise would you bring to the Northville Public Schools Board of Education?

The ability to digest complex issues, understand them, and implement fair and equitable solutions. A proven work ethic, which has defined my value throughout my professional career. An understanding of financial matters to better understand the bottom line. And the compassion, as a parent, to understand that not all decisions are easy.

William Bryan

Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Education?

I have always had a love for education. My father was a college professor as well as a Board Member and School Board President for the Tippecanoe School Corporation in West Lafayette, IN. I have also taught in various capacities, and have previously served on the Board of Education in Indianapolis, IN. Most importantly, I believe in our kids, including my own of course (all four of them are in Northville schools - two in elementary, one in the middle school and one in high school), and I want to be a part of the community and the Board, in helping the administration lead the education of our children in an appropriate way.

What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Board of Education?

Having served on the Board of Education, and in my professional experience, interacted with several Boards, both on public and private companies, I have observed good and bad behaviours between board members and "management". I would hope to accomplish exactly what the bylaws articulate, with particular emphasis on "...oversight responsibilities for the operations of the schools and educationa of the students" (Article I, Section III). One of the key words in the excerpt is "overight". My personal belief is that an administration has been hired, wtih the requisite educational and professional background to run the district soundly - my role as a board member is not to do their job, but rather to provide another set of eyes, provide insight, ask probing questions, etc. to ensure our children get the edcuation they need, deserve and want. 

What particular expertise would you bring to the Northville Public Schools Board of Education?

I think if someone looks at my resume, the face value of my experience is my financial background. I am very comfortable in the accounting and finance world, a trait I would hope the Board and people of Northville would find valuable. I also love to work, and believe I have some expertise, with people and with working  in a team environment. However, my primary desire, again, is to help in any way that I can promote the type of education out kids need, deserve and want.