Monday, November 3, 2008
Michigan Manufacturers Association Endorses Jenkins for Education
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Jackson Paper Endorses Jenkins for Education
Vote for new ideas on education board
by Jackson Citizen PatriotTuesday October 28, 2008, 8:04 AM
The following is a Jackson Citizen Patriot editorial for October 28:
The state Board of Education has been a voice for change for public education in at least one respect. It promoted tougher standards that Michigan high-school students now face to earn a diploma. The board deserves kudos for expecting more of our children.
Voters, too, should expect more of this board when they go to the polls next week. Two Democratic incumbents, board Chair Kathleen Straus and John Austin, face challenges from Republicans who say the Board of Education must move more nimbly to tackle the major issues facing public education.
We agree and recommend voters re-elect John Austin, who wants the board to pick up the pace, and also elect Republican Scott Jenkins.
Jenkins knows the board well from serving as education policy adviser to then-Gov. John Engler. Personally, he is invested in Michigan's schools as the parent of a 10th-grader and an eighth-grader.
Jenkins worries that the board lacks focus. He supports the graduation requirements but maintains that the board must play a leadership role to be sure the standards are not watered down. At the same time, he says the board must look hard at such issues as training teachers, charter schools and helping the worst-performing schools.
Austin, elected in 2000, notes the board has made strides in other areas. He says it pushed teacher training and new curriculum standards that start in kindergarten.
He acknowledges that the board must do more. Austin would focus on school performance and accountability when results are sub-standard.
Straus does not lack for ideas. She supports some form of incentives to draw more people to teach math and science. She would like to see looser federal rules under No Child Left Behind that give schools credit for students who finish high school in five years, rather than four.
Still, Straus has served on the board for 16 years. And while we do not suggest term limits here, we are reluctant to endorse her for another eight years. She has not pushed the board aggressively as chair, and voters here have sound alternatives.
There is a fourth candidate, Republican Richard Zeile, the headmaster of a small Lutheran school in Detroit. He offers good ideas, such as having the board look more closely at student performance to identify what steps to take. However, he is the least-experienced choice.
The Board of Education has moved forcefully on one important issue, graduation requirements. It needs a nudge to take on other difficult issues. The public can help that happen by voting for John Austin and Scott Jenkins.
— Jackson Citizen Patriot
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Grand Rapids Press Endorses Jenkins for Education
Editorial: Michigan Board of Education
by Grand Rapids Press Editorial Board
Major decisions about education policy are made by the Legislature and the governor. But the board oversees compliance with state and federal laws and with management duties at the Department of Education, such as administering the state standardized tests. Members also have a clear leadership responsibility.
Never before has the role of the board been so vital, and the need so pressing for strong leaders with high expectations, a wide-ranging knowledge of education and an openness to new ideas. On Nov. 4, voters will choose two people for eight-year terms in the general election. We support Incumbent Democrat JOHN AUSTIN, 46, of Ann Arbor and Republican SCOTT JENKINS, 42, of Williamston.
Mr. Austin, executive director for the New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan, deserves a second term. He strongly supported the more rigorous high school graduation requirements, and has worked hard on raising the standards for kindergarten through 8th grade. He is dedicated to following through on those reforms by helping schools effectively teach the curriculum to all students. Mr. Austin has been actively engaged in efforts to better prepare teachers to improve quality.
He is keenly aware of the challenges ahead for the eight-member board and has credible ideas.
Scott Jenkins, vice president of Red Cedar Solutions Group, an education policy and technology consulting firm, speaks with a refreshing sense of urgency about improving academic performance, and the state's graduation rates. He supported raising academic standards and has an appreciation for reforms that work. Mr. Austin wants to embrace more creative ways to help students and teachers succeed in learning and teaching.
Mr. Jenkins, who served as education policy coordinator under former Gov. John Engler, would bring helpful experience in education policy making and technology from the state, federal and private sector levels.
Both men are supporters of charter schools and school choice, believe No Child Left Behind should be improved in some significant ways but not abandoned, and are advocates of accountability and innovative learning methods.
The other candidates in the race are longtime Democratic board member Kathleen Straus, 84, of Bloomfield Hills. First elected in 1992, Ms. Straus, the board president, has been strong contributor over the years. But her 16 years already invested on the board, leads us to give support to a strong candidate like Mr. Jenkins. Detroit Republican Robert Zeile, 53, headmaster of St. John's Lutheran School in Taylor, rounds out the major party candidates. Also, five third party candidates are competing.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Oakland Press Endorses Jenkins for Education
Scott Jenkins’ accomplishments in the field of education have been put on public display for all of Oakland County, and his suggestions are being put into practice as the blueprint for turning around the Pontiac School District.
Jenkins, a Williamston resident, was project manager for the Pontiac Renewal Initiative, representing the Chartwell Group, which was hired by Pontiac school officials to examine every facet of the district’s operations.
The Chartwell report blamed the district’s problems on poor leadership. The school board responded by reforming itself and implementing wholesale changes, including a new top echelon of administrators.
Jenkins’ efforts reflected a can-do approach, demanding high standards of accountability instead of blaming parents, lack of funding or poor socioeconomic conditions. This attitude will benefit the state Board of Education and voters have an opportunity to place Jenkins on that body for the next eight years in the Nov. 4 election.
The State Board of Education is a low-profile institution that has the large responsibility of overseeing Michigan’s public school system. It is one of four education-related boards to which voters choose members. The others are the University of Michigan regents, Michigan State University trustees and Wayne State University governors.
Individuals who serve in these positions often do not have household names and it is difficult for voters to get information about them. We ran stories on these races on Oct. 9, but even this data was sketchy.
We have therefore taken it upon ourselves to review credentials in an effort to give readers some helpful clues.
Two positions are to be filled on each entity.
Since there are only two positions at stake, voters would have to oust an incumbent to make room for Jenkins. Incumbent board President Kathleen Straus has served on the board for 16 years, and while she is a tireless cheerleader for public schools, the position demands more.
As Jenkins points out, something needs to be done for districts housing what he call “dropout factories,” and he also wants to focus on how schools are using their resources. Too often they don’t do a good enough job, and he thinks ways can be found to get more of the currently allocated dollars into the classroom instead of administration.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Michigan Chamber Endorses Jenkins for Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 20, 2008
Contact: Rich Studley
or Jim Holcomb
(517) 371-2100
“Based upon their background, experience and position on key education issues, both Scott and John are clearly the best candidates for the State Board of Education,” said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. “We’re confident that they share a vision for the future and will provide the bi-partisan leadership to keep
“It is critical that the State Board of Education works to protect the graduation requirements adopted in 2006 and commits to ensuring that every
Jenkins is the former education policy advisor for Governor John Engler and
“These two candidates have the experience and leadership qualities needed to help guide the education system in our state now and into the future,” noted Studley.
Survey research has shown that the Michigan Chamber’s endorsement is one of the most important a candidate can receive.
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 7,100 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce was established in 1959 to be an advocate for
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Detroit News Endorses Jenkins
DECISION 2008: Endorsements
Our picks for university, state education boards
The Detroit News
Never before in Michigan has the quality of our schools and universities mattered so much to our state's survival. As our manufacturing job base shrinks and the global knowledge economy takes hold, Michigan's young people need excellent academic training to prepare them for job and college opportunities. More than ever, we need smart leaders to guide our educational institutions.
The Nov. 4 election provides an opportunity to put such people into office. These are our endorsements for the State Board of Education and the boards of the Big Three public universities.
State Board of Education
Republicans Scott Jenkins and Richard Zeile are challenging Democratic incumbents Kathleen Straus, the board's president, and John Austin, its vice president, for two eight-year terms on the board, which is designed to provide leadership and policy direction for the state's schools. Board members select the state superintendent and usually make decisions on educational standards.
Voters should support Scott Jenkins, an experienced reformer who understands the connection between school performance and reviving our economy. Once a national model for excellence, Michigan's K-12 schools have fallen to average quality by multiple measures.
"It's going to take long, consistent pressure over the next 10 years to turn around our educational reputation," says Jenkins, 42, who served as education policy coordinator for former Gov. John Engler. "Businesses used to move here just for the educational system. They don't do that anymore."
As vice president of the educational policy firm Red Cedar Solutions Group, Jenkins helps urban districts find savings and implement strategies to close their student achievement gap with suburban schools. He also has good ideas on how state and local leaders should use existing funds to make sure all schools are effectively implementing the state's new high school curriculum.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Questions from the Michigan Chamber
Questions for State Board of Education Candidates
1. In 2006 the Michigan Legislature passed, and Governor Granholm signed into law, new graduation requirements. Do you support or oppose retaining these requirements? Why?
Yes, I wholeheartedly support the new requirements. I believe that the current law is flexible regarding creating a personal curriculum apart from the new graduation requirements for students who are struggling. I would not support any changes to the current law.
Currently, between 55 to 65% of students entering community college for the first time require some remedial education in either math or english. Less than 20% of students who enter a community college requiring remedial education receive any kind of credential within 4 years. The new requirements align with college and career expectations and relate directly to what students need to know to be successful in college or careers.
I don't support a move to replace algebra II with other, less rigorous courses. I do support math programs like career and technology education that provide the same level of mathematical preparation in an environment more conducive to applied learning. Not all students learn math well in a typical classroom setting and we need to be flexible in how these courses are taught. Michigan does need to provide the professional development, support and instructional materials to teachers to ensure that all students are receiving quality instruction in all the new course requirements, not just math.
2. Do you support the expansion of charter schools? Why or why not?
I have been and continue to be a strong supporter of a parents right to chose the right education for their children. I believe competition within public education helps all schools to improve. When schools compete for students, kids and parents win.
3. Michigan currently has over 550 school districts and 52 intermediate school districts that serve roughly 1.6 million students. Is the current structure/system appropriate? What changes would you recommend if you believe that the structure/system should change?
The current structure is antiquated and cannot continue to meet the needs of Michigan. It is too bureaucratic, too top heavy with administrators, and cumbersome to move in any systematic way. As a state board member I would push to reconfigure the business services provided by school districts and push them to either the Intermediate District or consortiums of districts. Macomb ISD is a model for this type of cost saving.
We have a long road and a tough sell to convince school districts to consolidate on their own. I would propose to create a school district consolidation coordination commission whose decisions would serve to begin the process. This commission would be bi-partisan and serve a similar function as the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) does with regard to military installations.
4. Please share your thoughts on early childhood education and what changes, if any, would you recommend?
I support the activities that have pushed reading to be the primary focus in early learning. I don’t recommend any changes. I believe the current focus on early childhood education is adequate. I also must add that I don’t think that early childhood is where the focus needs to be right now. I am focusing on the secondary to postsecondary education, where Michigan is lagging behind almost every other state in student achievement. We do a fairly good job through elementary school in Michigan, but it is clear that the longer a student is in the system the worse they perform.
5. Do you believe that the No Child Left Behind Act has been useful for improving education or has it had a negative impact? Why?
As a former Deputy Assistant Secretary in the US Department of Education I worked to implement No Child Left Behind with strong fidelity to the law. In fact, I represented the Department when Michigan's plan for NCLB was approved. Clearly, there are problems that exist with NCLB and it has become a lightning rod for all forms of opposition to testing, accountability, school sanctions and federal intervention in local school decisions.
I fundamentally believe that the key provisions of NCLB are sound. I also believe the law should be modified to reflect current efforts in states and to fix the unintended and sometimes negative consequences surrounding the implementation of the law.
6. What is your opinion of a merit pay system for teachers?
I support merit pay for teachers without qualification. Michigan should look to other states who have lead the way on creating fair and equitable merit compensation systems. One such system is that in Washington DC, where teachers are provided two professional tracks. In simple terms, one track is as a contractual, at-will employee where the teacher can earn extensive bonuses based on student learning. The other track is the typical union collective bargaining agreement track, where pay and other employment conditions are more typical.
It is vital that Michigan transform its education system. I am the only candidate with an all of the above strategy for moving the state to a more competitive education posture.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
News Release
Republican State Board of Education Candidate Scott Jenkins Decries Failure to Deal with Dropout Factories
Lansing, MI - The Michigan Department of Education has finally released the closely held secret of the poor graduation rates in Michigan. With 25% of high school students not graduating in four years, Jenkins noted that, “It appears that we could have given the almost $50,000 the state has invested in these students over the past four years to the students themselves and said 'good luck!'”
Jenkins stated, “These recently released graduation numbers point dramatically to the fact that we are condemning thousands of students to lives without the potential of meaningful employment at a salary level where they can support a family. Hopefully, this information will show the citizens of Michigan that we need people who will push for real change on the State Board of Education to reform our high schools and truly prepare all of our students for college and the workforce.”
“The time is now to fix these dropout factories,” Jenkins said in response to the graduation report, “I applaud the Department of Education for releasing this vital information. Before we can fix the problems facing our poorly performing school districts, we have to be willing to face the brutal truth that the system ignores thousands of students every year. It is a moral outrage that we allow school districts to continue to fail generations of our children by not providing the basic education needed to succeed in this competitive world.”
Jenkins was recently nominated as a Republican candidate for the State Board of Education for the general election in November. Previously, Jenkins served as a Presidential Appointee to the United States Department of Education. He worked as the Chief of Staff in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, and as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental and Interagency Affairs. In these capacities, he helped implement and support education reform at the national, state, and local levels.
Jenkins has been active locally in supporting public education as a member of the Williamston Schools Foundation and Rotary. Jenkins is married with two children enrolled in Williamston Schools.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Campaign Update
Endorsements Holly Hughes, National Committee Woman Larry Ward, 8th District Chair Randy St. Laurent, 10th District Chair Carolyn Curtin 4th District Chair and Current State Board of Education Member Nancy Danhoff, Current State Board of Education member Eileen Weiser, Former State Board of Education Member Tim Kelly, Saginaw County Chair Norm Shinkle, Ingham County Chair Denise Graves, Genesee County Chair Matt Golden, Isabella County Chair Joan Runnels, Lake County Chair and State Committee Woman Senator Jason Allen Senator Patty Birkholz Senator Al Cropsey Senator Wayne Kuipers Senator Michelle McManus Senator Tony Stamas Email or Call if you would like to support Scott for the State Board of Education. scott@jenkinsforeducation.com |
Friday, June 27, 2008
Campaign Update
Holly Hughes, National Committee Woman
Larry Ward, 8th District Chair
Norm Shinkle, Ingham County Chair
Tim Kelly, Saginaw County Chair
Carolyn Curtin 4th District Chair, Current State Board of Education Member
Nancy Danhoff, Current State Board of Education member
The Honorable Eileen Weiser, Former State Board of Education Member
Denise Graves, Genesee County Chair
Matt Golden, Isabella County Chair
Senator Wayne Kuipers
Senator Jason Allen
Senator Michelle McManus
Joan Rummells, Lake County Chair
Randy St. Laurent, 10th District Chair
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Campaign Update
Holly Hughes, National Committee Woman
Larry Ward, 8th District Chair
Randy St. Laurent, 10 District Chair
Norm Shinkle, Ingham County Chair
Tim Kelly, Saginaw County Chair
Carolyn Curtin 4th District Chair, Current State Board Member
Nancy Danhoff, Current State Board Member
Eileen Weiser, Former State Board Member
Denise Graves, Genesee County Chair
Matt Golden, Isabella County Chair
Senator Wayne Kuipers
Senator Jason Allen
Senator Michelle McManus
Joan Rummells, Lake County Chair
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Weekly Update
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Scott Jenkins Seeks Republican Nomination to State Board of Education
With almost 20 years of private sector, state and federal education policymaking experience, Scott Jenkins announced today he will seek the Republican nomination to the State Board of Education.
“It’s time to change how Michigan does the business of education,” Jenkins said in announcing his candidacy. “For years, the State Board of Education has tinkered with a horribly underperforming system. At a time when other states are opening doors for innovative programs and schools, Michigan tries to keep an antiquated system running at the expense of thousands of children. ”
Jenkins recently lead a comprehensive school district renewal initiative in the Pontiac School District as the on site manager for the Chartwell Education Group. Chartwell is an international consulting firm founded by former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige. Prior to working with Chartwell, Jenkins spent 4 years working at the executive level in the technology industry. Most recently, he was employed as the Associate Vice President for Client Services for a Fortune 500 software and information technology services company.
“We can’t just talk about creating a bright future for the students of Michigan, we have to make the tough choices and changes needed to make it a reality,” he said. “It all starts by facing the brutal truth that dozens of Michigan school districts are in crisis. The system ignores thousands of students every year and the evidence is in the rising dropout rates and lack of preparation for college and the global marketplace. It is a moral outrage that we allow school districts to continue to fail generations of our children by not providing the basic education needed to succeed in this competitive world.”
Prior to his private sector experience, Jenkins was a Presidential Appointee to the United States Department of Education. He served as the Chief of Staff in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, and as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental and Interagency Affairs. In these capacities, he helped implement the Administration’s education policy at the state and local levels. Prior to his federal experience, he was education policy coordinator for Michigan Governor John Engler, where he was instrumental in passing and implementing the Michigan Merit Award, supporting Charter School expansion, schools of choice policy, and the Teacher Technology Initiative.
Jenkins has been active locally in county and district Republican Party organizations. He is a member of the Williamston Schools Foundation and Rotary. Jenkins is married with two children.