The Manchester Enterprise
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Wagner, Purol seek open seats on School Board
Uncontested election will seat candidates on Board of Education
By Ed Patino, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: April 24, 2008
With two seats open on the Manchester Community Schools Board of Education, local residents Marlene Wagner and Sheryl Purol are seeking community support in the upcoming election May 6. Both candidates are running unopposed.
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Wagner and Purol have both played significant roles in Manchester Community Schools. Wagner first joined the Board in 2000 and was appointed as vice president in her second year. She served in that position for six years before being appointed as the School Board president in 2007.
Wagner served as president during a transitional year for the district, one that saw Chelsea resident Shawn Lewis-Lakin appointed as superintendent following the retirement of former Superintendent David Oegema. However, she feels that the Board has been able to maintain its direction amongst the changes.
"I believe my first year as president has gone well," Wagner said. "This year, the Board established a system of reviewing our goals throughout the year. This has helped to keep us focused."
Along with serving as president and vice president, Wagner has also served on several committees in the district, including the Curriculum Council, At-Risk Committee and Technology Committee. She also served on interview committees for the current high school, middle school and elementary school principals. Wagner is also a liaison to the Manchester Community Schools Foundation and participates in the Manchester
Middle School PTSA and Manchester High School Parent Action Committee.
Purol is a lifelong resident of Freedom Township and has been involved in education most of her life. She taught business classes at MHS for 29 years before retiring in June 2007. When she heard that Board trustee Monty Okey was not seeking re-election, Purol jumped at the chance to run for the position.
"When you retire, you have to find a new love and still contribute your expertise," Purol said. "I feel that
I bring an insider's advantage to the Board."
She has served as an employee representative to the Board for the past 10 years. Purol has also served about 20 years on the district's Technology and Curriculum Committees.
"I've worked closely with the Board and they're great people to work with," Purol said. "It's a very functional Board."
If elected, Purol's focus will be on student achievement and the Board's communication with the district. She also wants to be a Board representative that meets with legislators regarding financial issues.
"We have to handle some issues around student achievement," Purol said. "I also feel I have new views to bring to the Board with the intent on improving communication."
Wagner also believes focusing on the financial health of the school district is important.
"A vibrant district needs enough financial resources to provide an education that meets the needs of all Manchester students."
If re-elected, Wagner hopes to continue the progress the district has made in recent years. During her tenure on the Board, Manchester Community Schools has established new classes at the high school level, consistent exploratory options for middle school students, and has developed an all-day kindergarten program.
"Over my eight years on the Board, I've become well informed on issues of school finance, curriculum and the general workings of public school districts," Wagner said. "I believe that I have the time and energy to devote to this position and the desire to do the work necessary to enhance the educational opportunities for all our children."
Staff Writer Ed Patino can be reached at 428-8173 or epatino@heritage.com.
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