Novi School Board Candidate: Bobbie Murphy

On the Nov. 8 election ballot, voters in the will vote for two candidates for a four-year term on the Board of Education.

Incumbent Bobbie Murphy is running against and incumbent . Murphy submitted these answers to questions asked by Patch.

Age

49

Occupation

Currently, I am a stay-at-home mother of four. Previously, I was employed as: an advocate, a psychotherapist, a case manager and a parent liaison.

Current and past community involvement

My board service includes the following roles:

• Novi Educational Foundation liaison
• Secretary
• Founding member, Legislative Action Network — Novi
• Curriculum, Finance and Policy committees

Prior to my board term, I served on:

• Districtwide councils
• School councils and committees at each school level
• Fundraising committees for charitable organizations and various athletic teams
• Community service projects through Bridgepointe, Northville Civic Concern and Oakpointe Church

Currently, I manage my daughter’s ice hockey team, volunteer at my church, serve on Young Life Committee and assist in the leadership of a community women’s Bible study.    

Education

• University of Michigan
  Graduate degree in social work with a specialization in children and adolescents
  School social work certification
  Field practicum in the public school system
• Bowling Green State University
  Degree in social work

Family

Husband of 22 years, Rob, and four children — a 20-year-old son (Novi High School '09) and three daughters, 18 (NHS '11), 15 (NHS '14) and 12 (NHS '17). 

Do you or did you have children in Novi schools?  

Yes. Two current students and two recent graduates ('09 and '11).

How long have you been a Novi resident?  

Almost 18 years.

Why are you running for the Board of Education? 

I love kids. From my early days babysitting, to having four of my own, I have always loved children. I continue to see that as an asset to my work on the school board. The focus should always be on the students, whose education we are entrusted with.

Learning is my passion. I was blessed to attend an excellent public school, and still remember many of the teachers that impacted my life. They instilled in me a lifelong love of learning. I want the same for the children of Novi and am eager to play a part in instilling a passion for learning in each of them. 

I also believe that having active parents on our board is critical to the decision-making process. Living with the impact of those decisions gives me a perspective that allows me to give voice to the concerns that many of our parent stakeholders share.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing the school district? How would you handle them?

Economic challenges continue to require advocacy for stable education funding. Additional challenges are created by legislative proposals that eliminate local control. Both are critical to Novi’s ability to provide the quality education that is expected in this community and deserved by every child. I will continue to actively advocate on behalf of Novi’s children.

Being one of the best school districts in the state makes marked progress in student achievement a challenge. With our recent administrative changes, Novi appears poised to take on this challenge with renewed energy and a strengthened commitment to the vision of the district. Working with this administration to keep a laser focus on student achievement will be my priority.

Novi’s shifting demographic requires diligent attention to the needs of every child. I will continue to be an accessible listener, critical thinker and creative problem-solver as we seek to address each child’s educational needs.

If elected, what are some of your goals for the school district?

Our school board just completed setting the goals for our district and the superintendent. 

These goals are:

1. The Novi Community School District will ensure that each student will make no less than one year’s growth in one year’s time.
2. The Novi Community School District will ensure that all students achieve at a high level. (There will be no achievement gaps.)
3. The Novi Community School District will evaluate and enhance opportunities for students while maintaining a minimum 10 percent fund balance.
4. The Novi Community School District will improve organizational quality and customer service by creating common standards, systems and principles.

It would be my personal goal to work with the administration to adopt a budget that supports these goals and to see that we are successful in advancing each student’s academic achievement so that our mission of “developing each student’s potential with a world-class education” comes to fruition.

Why should residents in the Novi school district vote for you?

I have the skills, knowledge and desire to serve as an effective and collaborative teammate, working together with the administration to see that our schools are well-run. I will continue to work hard to do the following:

• Model leadership: Inspire a shared vision; enable others to act; have and encourage high expectations; and challenge the status quo.
• Advocate: Champion our vision; engage our legislators and others to help expand the educational opportunities for children; promote school board service; and celebrate the achievements and success of students and staff.
• Govern responsibly: Design a structure to accomplish the vision through the superintendent; establish a management system that includes a decision-making process; set policies; balance a budget that supports the vision; and keep student achievement the focus of every decision.
• Be accountable: Regularly measure the progress of the students, staff and district toward our vision; evaluate our superintendent and ourselves; and report our progress and performance to the public.

How can residents contact you?

Phone: 248-305-8501

Email: bobbiemurphy@sbcglobal.net

Website: bobbiemurphy.com

Facebook page: Bobbie Murphy for School Board