There are four candidates for three positions on the Napoleon Community Schools school board.
Candidates: James Callahan
James Callahan
Hometown: Napoleon
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office.
In my employment I have had the opportunity to sit on the board of several funds and committees. It has given me great experience working with budgets and people. I have attended several school board meetings and am familiar with the commitment that it takes to be involved.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your school district?
I am the father of two Napoleon students. I have always been active with their education and extracurricular activities. I want to be a positive part of the growth and changes that are happening in our schools. There are a lot of uncertainties in the future and I think that my experience will be an asset to the board and community.
Due to our current circumstances what are the most important challenges facing your school district, and how do you propose to address them?
I think that the most pressing issue will be keeping our kids and staff safe during the pandemic. The measures put in place seem to be proactive. I would advocate for continued communication between families and the
School. Community input is vital to success in achieving our goals.
Tell us about your family.
My wife of 20 years and I have two sons, a seventh grader and 11th grader in Napoleon schools. One is in band and loves art and music. The other is on the wrestling team and clay target team. My wife is a medical social worker in the community. Her family has lived in the community for multiple generations. We also have two dogs, both boxers. One we have had for over 10 years and the other was rescued three years ago at the age of six.
What are your hobbies and/or interests in your spare time?
I like to hunt, fish, and be involved with the kids sports and activities.
Candidate: Jeff McLain
Jeff McLain
Hometown: Napoleon
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office?
Having served on local boards at various levels, I understand the importance of communication and collaboration when focusing on a common goal or desired outcome. I believe the cornerstone and foundation of any small community like ours is the school district. It’s not brick and mortar buildings, text books or chalk boards, but teachers, support staff and administrators that provide leadership and direction in positive and measurable ways.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government?
The reason I’m running is a simple one: to give back to a school district and community that has given so much to me. As a life-long resident, Napoleon graduate, husband of an Ezra Eby staff member, and father of three current students, I’m fully vested and committed to serve.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing your community, and how do you propose to address them?
Without hesitation, the health and well-being of our kids and educators has to be our top priority. But the district cannot do this alone. As parents and community members we have to take responsibility and do our part to fulfill the policies and procedures that have been established. It will take a partnership between all parties involved to successfully navigate these unprecedented times.
Tell us about your family.
My wife Tyra and I have been married for 19 years and spend much of our free time cheering our kids on at various sporting events. We have three student athletes, one in high school and two in middle school.
What are your hobbies and/or interests in your spare time?
I absolutely love coaching youth sports and have served on the board of the Napoleon Summer Baseball League for the past five years, currently as vice president. I’m a member of the Napoleon Lions Club and volunteer at Ezra Eby working with students.
Candidate: Bryce Wallace
Bryce Wallace
Hometown: Napoleon
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office.
My experience thus far has been working with a local teen group for the past five years and sitting on the board of our church for the past two years.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government?
I want to be on the school board because I want to be the voice between the public and the school. As a parent, I’d like to be able to have a clear communication between the school and myself. I also want to invest in and help some of the most valuable community members: the children in our community.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing your community, and how do you propose to address them?
As the year progresses, some may be concerned as we see staff and students with flu-like symptoms. With concerns on the rise, communication between administration, staff, and the parents will be crucial. Clear communication is of the utmost importance during this trying time.
Tell us about your family.
My wife, an alumni from Napoleon High, and I moved here five years ago and we’ve loved being part of the community. This is where we will raise our children, our future Pirates.
What are your hobbies and/or interests? (Did not answer.)
Candidate: Thomas Wilson
Thomas Wilson
Hometown: Napoleon
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office.
I have been on the Napoleon School Board for the past six years. I am a lifelong Napoleon resident and attended Napoleon Schools for my entire K-12 academic career, graduating in 2012 and attending the University of Michigan afterward. After college, I moved back to Napoleon and served on the school board so I could give back to the community that gave me so much.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government?
I am running to ensure the district continues to improve and stays fiscally responsible. During my time on the board, Napoleon has added AP classes and after-school programs like robotics that were not available when I was a student. My experience as both a student and a school board member will help me make sure that our students continue to have the best education, most exciting opportunities, and safest learning environment possible.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing your community, and how do you propose to address them?
The most important challenge facing our district is our budget. State allocations are always a challenge, but the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of making school funding a priority. I will continue to keep in close contact with state legislators and constantly remind them of the value our schools provide to the community so that our district gets the money we need.
Tell us about your family.
My mom (a township trustee) and dad (a local judge) moved to Napoleon in the late 1990s to raise me and my two sisters, both of whom also graduated from Napoleon.
What are your hobbies and/or interests?
Last year, I joined the Napoleon Township Fire Department, and it has been truly amazing. Meeting so many members of the community has been incredibly eye-opening, and I feel honored to give them a hand during what are often the worst experiences of their lives. The community in Napoleon is what makes living here so great, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I also have pet chickens that I raise in my spare time. It’s always fun to watch them peck around in the backyard while my cat, Moxxi, keeps an eye on them.
