To the Journal editor:

It is important that those seeking elected seats to a board of education have demonstrated an ability to engage in open dialogue, understand how to oversee without overreaching, focus on serving all students, use their voice to reach resolution and reconciliation, and model what it means to be a responsible member of a team.

It is critical that we vote for school board representatives who embody the expectations we have for our young people. As former members of the Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education, we will be supporting Jen Ray and Jenn Klipp for the two open seats on the MAPS Board of Education.

As a small business owner in Marquette, Jen Ray (MSHS Class of 1983) mentors young people through the complexities of customer service on a daily basis. Jen has created a work environment that empowers young employees to contribute to the ongoing success of two local restaurants. Jen Ray and her team have achieved a high level of satisfaction among employees and customers by demonstrating an ability to listen, collaborate, and act in an ever-changing economic environment.

The need for a teacher’s voice on the board cannot be overstated. For 20 years, Jenn Klipp has used her expertise to lead young people in ways that have leveraged their individual and collective strengths to do good for their families, schools, and communities.

She has done this by providing honest and substantive feedback to students so they could plan for continuous improvement in academic, social, and athletic settings. As a professional educator, Jenn Klipp has consistently participated in advanced learning that has improved her ability to teach and advocate for children and their families.

Jen Ray and Jenn Klipp have entrusted the teachers, staff, and administrators of MAPS with the education of their own children. Both of these intelligent and motivated women have modeled the leadership skills and behaviors necessary to be effective board members. The influence of their successful leadership is evident in the behaviors and actions of their own children, their employees, and their students. Our experience and knowledge of school board leadership and expectations tells us that Jen Ray and Jenn Klipp will be effective members of the MAPS Board of Education.

Please join us in casting your vote for these two candidates.

Carol Margrif (1989-1997); Scott Brogan (2004-2016); Mark Smith (2006-2012); Joe Lubig (2007-2008); Jean Hetrick (2011-2016); Matt Williams (2011-2016); and Keith Glendon (2016-2020)