Speakers

The bond proposal being requested addresses school district-wide safety, security, and infrastructure improvements.  The proposed project list was developed as part of the district’s strategic facility management program which featured a study by a Blue Ribbon Facilities Committee, a facilities assessment by nationally recognized Plante Moran Cresa, and a series of Town Hall meetings attended by more than 300 school district residents.  If approved by voters, projects funded through the bond proposal will affect all GPPSS students and every GPPSS school.

Bond proposal projects fall into four major categories with the overall goal of keeping our students safe, warm, dry, and connected.  Keeping Students Safe: The school district will implement safety and security improvements that include constructing secure vestibules to existing school district buildings, installing security cameras, updating PA systems, completing asbestos abatement in ceilings where energy efficient lighting is being installed, and installing door locking systems in all GPPSS buildings. Inaddition, the district will make improvements to building sites, including paving, fencing, and emergency lighting at GPPSS facilities;  Keeping Students Dry: The school district will equip, furnish, re-equip and refurnish GPPSS buildings, facilities, and structures. The focus will be on roofs, energy conservation, and mechanical system improvements; Keeping Students Warm: The school district will install efficient HVAC systems (boilers/air handlers/electrical upgrades).  Keeping Students Connected: he school district will acquire and install technology infrastructure (building-wide wiring to support instructional technology equipment). The bond proposal will not provide one-to-one technology.

If approved by voters, there will be a 1.5 mill increase in the current tax rate. The bonds will be sold in two series to reduce overall interest costs.

For a complete list of FAQs click here: https://mi01000971.schoolwires.net/cms/lib/MI01000971/Centricity/Domain/3362/School-2018-Bond-FAQ.pdf

Wayne S. Brown, President & CEO, Michigan Opera Theatre

Wayne S. Brown began his role as President and CEO of the Michigan Opera Theatre in January 2015. Prior to that for almost 17 years he was Director of Music and Opera for the National Endowment for the Arts, where he managed grants for music and opera projects – and where he served as the Policy Advisor for Music and Opera. Additionally, he managed the NEA Jazz Masters Initiative and the NEA Opera Honors, the Agency’s national initiatives for individual recognition of America’s jazz and opera legends, respectively. Prior to his affiliation with the Arts Endowment, Brown served as producer of music programs for the Cultural Olympiad in Atlanta, Georgia, where he managed music events for the 1996 Olympic Games.

Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Artists, 2017-18

The five resident artists of Michigan Opera Theatre Studio – soprano, Monica Dewey; mezzo-soprano, Briana Elyse Hunter; tenor, Michael Day; baritone, Harry Greenleaf; and bass-baritone, Erik Van Heyningen represent some of the most exciting emerging talent in opera today. Coming to Detroit from all different areas of the country, from September to June these young opera professionals gain valuable experience through myriad performance opportunities in main stage and community productions, and regional outreach presentations. Throughout their residency, studio artists benefit from advanced individual training and guidance from MOT’s Director of Resident Artist Programs, American tenor, Richard Leech, and Studio Coach/Accompanist, Tessa Hartle, and hone their skills through master classes and instruction from an array of world class professionals, guest artists, and coaches.

Supported by a major grant from the William Davidson Foundation, the program serves as a central component of MOT’s enhanced presence in the community through our productions in the Detroit Opera House, community venues, and through recitals and special events. An important and unique element of the program is that MOT’s community initiative productions are now selected and mounted specifically for the Studio Program. The artists will fill the leading roles in Ricky Ian Gordon’s 27 (MOT’s fourth consecutive season of producing an opera in a community venue). Marc Scorca, President and CEO of Opera America said the program “adds an important dimension to the American training infrastructure, and another element to MOT’s broad community service.”

Throughout the 2017-18 Season, the studio artists will also fill essential roles in all main stage productions.

John McElroy is an influential thought leader in the automotive industry. He is a journalist, lecturer, commentator and entrepreneur. He created “Autoline Daily,” the first industry webcast of industry news and analysis. He is also the host of the television program “Autoline This Week,” an Emmy Award-winning, weekly half-hour discussion program featuring top automotive executives and journalists. And he co-hosts “Autoline After Hours,” a weekly live webcast that focuses on new cars and technology. The show can be seen online at www.Autoline.tv

McElroy also broadcasts three radio segments daily on WWJ Newsradio 950, the CBS affiliate in Detroit. He writes a blog for Autoblog.com and a monthly op-ed article for Ward’s Auto World.

John McElroy brings an extensive background to covering the auto industry. He took his first plant tour when he was only six years old. As he got older, he read any and every book about cars he could get his hands on, which led to an understanding of automotive engineering principles. As his enthusiasm for cars grew, he successfully—though briefly—ventured into amateur road racing. He also gained valuable insight to the industry working as an hourly UAW employee in various automotive manufacturing plants while working his way through college.

As a journalist, McElroy put his automotive background to good use. His past experience includes five years at Detroit Editor for Road & Track, and as the American correspondent for World Cars, published by the Automotive Club of Italy. He was also invited to write the annual automotive entry for the Encyclopedia Britannica Yearbook. He spent most of his career at the trade magazine Automotive Industries where he ultimately rose to Editorial Director.

McElroy has appeared as an automotive expert on ABC World News Tonight, CBS News, and NBC Nightly News. He is often interviewed by CNN, NPR, and CBC in Canada. He is frequently asked to speak to automakers, suppliers and industry organizations. He is a member of the jury of the North American Car and Truck of the Year, and has won numerous awards for editorial excellence.

John McElroy is the president of Blue Sky Productions, Inc., which produces television, radio, and digital content, including video production.

President of Baker College, Patty Kaufman (And Mt. Clemens Rotarian) joins Dr. Karen Bratus, D.D.S and as she gives a presentation on Baker College's Dental Program.

Ms. Owens coordinates and oversees all of TRU’s advocacy, education, fundraising, and engagement, always maintaining focus on the goal of improved transit. She is TRU’s lead spokesperson and a frequent source for local and national media. She led TRU’s work advocating the creation of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and continues to watchdog their work.

She is also on the Executive Committee of the RTA’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee and Chairs the Oakland County Public Transit Authority, which oversees SMART bus service in Oakland County. Dedicated to ongoing learning, she completed fellowships with Detroit Regional Chamber’s Leadership Detroit, the Michigan Nonprofit Association’s Executive Leadership Fellowship and the Center for Progressive Leadership.

Previously, Ms. Owens spent six years with PIRGIM (the Public Interest Research Group in Michigan) leading the passage of state identity theft laws and advocating a reduction air pollution from coal-burning power plants. She has also worked on several political campaigns and taught environmental education in the Michigan State Parks.

A nearly lifelong Michigan resident, she graduated from the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment where she co-lead the nation’s largest voter registration drive and promoted community service. She currently lives in Hazel Park with her husband and daughters and enjoys traveling, baking, video games, and Detroit’s wonderful festivals.

About TRU
Transportation Riders United is a nonprofit organization that has been working since 1999 to improve public transit in greater Detroit through education, engagement, and advocacy.Based in downtown Detroit, our mission is to improve and promote transit in greater Detroit in order to restore urban vitality, insure transportation equity, and improve quality of life.

Our volunteer Board of Directors sets our mission and priorities, ensures sufficient resources, and oversees our activities. Our small but active staff lead and manage TRU’s daily activities, which include research, education, engagement, outreach, and advocacy.

Our plans and priorities are laid out in their entirety in our 3-year Strategic Plan. Each year, we evaluate the current transit situation and our ability to make an impact in order to update that plan and create an Annual Plan. Our current priorities include:

1. Build majority support for regional transit and dedicated funding.
2. Maintain and improve Detroit bus service.
3. Develop tools and systems to effectively share our knowledge and positions
4. Strengthen TRU structure, decision-making, and board leadership
5. Expand our annual Regional Transit Awards fundraising dinner