Northville School Board Interviews Two Candidates for Interim Seat

Two candidates for an 11-month seat on Northville Public Schools' Board of Education were interviewed by the school board Tuesday night.

Kristina Dunne and Alexander Moroz, , were asked questions on a variety of issues ranging from what they consider to be the role of a board member to how they'd handle budget cuts. Each candidate was asked six questions and had two minutes to respond. The candidates also gave closing statements.

The school board hopefuls seek to fill a spot . One candidate, Thomas J. (T.J.) McWilliams, withdrew his application.

Kristina Dunne

Occupation: Part-time criminal defense attorney and mother of four children

Motivation for seeking a board position: Dunne said she is the mother of children in Northville Public Schools. "I'm fully invested in public schools," she told the board.

Three characteristics a board member should have:

1. Dunne said they should be an "informed member of the community ... and have a pulse on what's going on in Northville Public Schools."
2. Being a cooperative person. She said it's important to stand by her own point of view but to also be open to others.
3. Be creative.

Issues: On a question about budget cuts, Dunne said she would not cut several electives. Still, she sees room for some to go. Specifically, Dunne referenced a rocketry class that she would be more open to nixing than other areas such as music programs, which she said would be a priority.

Dunne said she previously thought about running for the school board and, if selected, would seek election in the fall.

"I welcome this opportunity," she said. "I do think I would represent the community well."

Alexander Moroz

Occupation: Teacher

Motivation for seeking a board position: Moroz said that while he has no children in the district, he said "I really want to make a change in way I can." He also said that he is a product of Northville Public Schools.

Three characteristics a board member should have: 1) open-mindedness. 2) Moroz said he thinks a board member should take in ideas by communicating with others and research. He said his family, friends, others and news media, among other source, help guide his decision-making. 3) Be compassionate.

Issues: Moroz said he sees several areas for improvement. Decreasing class sizes and increasing support for teachers would be a priority for him if he is selected for a board appointment, he said. Moroz added that he prefers this to teacher evaluations that "tell (teachers) what they're doing wrong in the classroom." He said he also would advocate for more use of technology in the classroom. Having a place for teachers to post lesson plans for student and parent review is one specific area he cited.

Next steps

At the close of the interviews, which took about half an hour, school board President Dottie Garrity thanked the candidates for applying.

"As new positions open, I encourage those who don't make it this time to run," board Secretary Jim Mazurek said.

Interviews of the remaining six candidates will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the board offices, 501 W. Main St.

Following those interviews, there will be a special meeting beginning at about 9 p.m. At that meeting, there will be an opportunity for public comment, and the board will narrow its selection to two candidates.