Thank you to all who supported my candidacy and congratulations to the winners

For the past year, eleven men and women who care about public education in Michigan have been running for election to the State Board of Education. The challenge is huge as we campaign statewide with far fewer resources than those at the top of the ballot. Still we have opportunity to listen to the people of our great state and to share our visions for public education in the 21st Century. Yesterday the voters spoke. They elected the Republican candidates Eileen Weiser and Richard Zeile. Congratulations to both Ms. Weiser and Dr. Zeile who will serve from January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2019.

I want to thank my fellow Democratic Party candidate, Lupe Ramos-Montigny for her contributions to this race. It has been great fun to campaign with her. We made many new friends as we criss-crossed the state from our respective starting points: Lupe in Grand Rapids and Liz in Birmingham.
We listened to and learned from citizens in every corner of the state and we will remain active in advocating excellence in public education for all students.

I also thank the citizens of Michigan for their support. You have hosted events for me. You have supported the campaign with your time and treasure.You encouraged my heart and educated my mind. I will always be grateful.

It is Election Day - VOTE

Today is the final day of a long campaign. It is the day that matters. There is no "tomorrow" or second chance. This is it. Your vote matters. When the polls close tonight, the people will have spoken and we will soon learn who our leaders will be in the years ahead. YOU have the opportunity to influence your future. Please be sure to vote. Round up your friends and neighbors and help them get to the polls. Our right to vote is precious and we must not waste this treasure.

I hope you will vote for me for State Board of Education. I hope even more you will execise your right to vote.

Come for a coffee with Liz Bauer, Monday Nov. 1 from 3-7 p.m.

Another one of my thought-provoking friends, Phyllis Davis Williams, is hosting an Open House at which I can talk with folks on a more personal basis. The event will be held on Monday, Nov. 1, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Character Cafe, 8626 W. Vernor, Detroit, MI 48209. It is on Vernor between Springwells and Lawndale.

The Cafe phone is 313 849 1111

Please stop by to share your views on education or any other aspect of life in our state. I will be there to learn from you as much as to share my vision for public education going forward.

Conversation with Grace Lee Boggs at the Boggs Center in Detroit

This morning I had the privilege to meet with a group of men and women of all ages in the company of Grace Lee Boggs, Julia Putnam, and Rich Feldman. Students, teachers, advocates for social change and people who walk their talk gathered to discuss education and how it could become more purposeful and meaningful to students in all their diversity. Too many good ideas to recount in this post, but I will be carrying them forward and sharing them in the future. I welcome readers' ideas and suggestions for ways in which we can better involve all members of our communities in the education of our children and youth. Know this. We are surrounded by people with vision, hope and ideas for new directions. We need only listen, learn and act to create inclusive communities.

Grand Rapids Press endorses Liz Bauer for State Board of Education

Just wanted to share the good news. The Grand Rapids Press has endorsed my candidacy for the State Board of Education. This encourages my heart and puts more pep in my step toward election day, Tuesday, Nov. 2. Hope all readers will vote on Election Day. Voting is essential to a participatory democracy.

Heartening News This Morning - Detroit Free Press endorsed Liz Bauer for State Board of Education

What a great way to start the day! A cup of coffee, a newspaper, and turning to the Opinion Page, the delightful discovery that my candidacy for re-election to the State Board of Education has been endorsed by the Detroit Free Press. I am grateful that my contributions during this term "merit a second term." See detailed election information and candidate profiles online at Freep.com/decision2010.

I am off to northern Michigan to receive the Friend of Social Work Award from the Michigan Association of School Social Workers. These men and women perform essential counseling, coaching, assessment, and coordination of accommodations, among other services to students in our schools. I am pleased to have an opportunity to thank them for all they do.

Want to know more about your ballot and the candidates running for election Nov. 2?

Have you checked out Publius.org? Go to www.publius.org. Enter your name and ZIP and you will see a map of your polling place, the ballot as it will apepar at your local polling place, and you can click on candidates' names to see their positions on issues, check their campaign finance reports, and more. This is a wonderful service and makes it easy to be an informed voter.

Speaking of voting...YOU MUST VOTE! Oct. 30 is the last day to get an absentee ballot. You must turn it in by 8 p.m. on Nov. 2. Polls are open 7 am to 8 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 2. Be there!

Michigan State Employees Association endorses Liz for State Board of Education

Great news today. The Michigan State Employees Association has endorsed my candidacy for re-election to the State Board of Education. MSEA represents the people who work so hard every day to make sure our public services are available, accessible, and acceptable to the people of Michigan. As a former state worker (Director of Training and, later, Director of Community Placement for the Michigan Department of Mental Health, now Community Health), I know first hand the expectations of and response by public employees. I am very pleased to have their endorsement and wanted to share the good news with you.

Listening to teachers and students

I always say, policy is best when it is informed by the people it affects. On Thursday, Oct. 21, I had a great opportunity to meet with Detroit educators and students to talk about issues in public education. The event was at Cody High School and I am grateful to all who came to exchange ideas with me. Today I am headed to Phoenix P-8 School in southwest Detroit. I expect it will be an equally rich exchange. Looking forward to it.

Grand Valley State University Student Democrats welcome Liz Bauer and Lupe Ramos-Montigny to Campus

Mike O'Meara, GVSU student convened a meeting of the GVSU Student Democrats on October 11, 2010 which was attended by Democratic Party candidates for State Board of Education, Liz Bauer and Lupe Ramos-Montigny. The candidates spoke about the role of the State Board of Education, ways in which students can influence public policy direction and the importance of participating in the election as a citizen of Michigan and the USA.

Detroit News Endorses Liz Bauer for State Board of Education

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DETROIT NEWS

October 4, 2010 http://detnews.com/article/20101004/OPINION01/10040305

Editorial endorsement: For education boards

Voters should pick trustees who will hold down tuition and champion reform
Michigan voters will be asked on Nov. 2 to elect two members to the state Board of Education and two regents each to the boards of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University. Democratic sweeps in the past two election cycles have left these boards with a lopsided political balance.
State Board of Education
Incumbent Democratic Trustee Liz Bauer of Birmingham is seeking her second term. She has been a very active board member, traveling the state to visit schools and talk with parents, teachers and students. She is a loyal supporter of the reforms advocated by State School Superintendent Mike Flanagan and should be returned to the board.
So should Republican Eileen Weiser of Ann Arbor. Although not an incumbent, Weiser served on the state board before being defeated in 2006. She has gained a national reputation for her expertise in measuring student and teacher performance, and is a strong champion of education reforms that bring more accountability to schools.
Also running are Democrat Lupe Ramos, a retired Grand Rapids school teacher, and Republican Richard Zeile of Detroit, a parochial school administrator.

Another endorsement - United Food and Commercial Workers of Michigan

This week the Elizabeth W. Bauer for State Board of Education campaign received the endorsement of the United Food and Commercial Workers of Michigan. It is an honor and privilege to have the support
of the men and women who work so hard for the people of our great state.

Events - mark your calendar

Several events are planned for the next two weeks. I hope you will join me at one or another or them.
Meet and Greet Liz Bauer
Tuesday, October 5, 2010 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Camp Ticonderoga
5725 Rochester Road
Troy, MI 48085

RSVP: Lindsay Calcatera at lindsaycalcatera@comcast.net

Meet and Greet Liz Bauer
Thursday, October 7, 2010 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The Firm
231 South Washington
Lansing, MI 48933

RSVP: Lindsay Calcatera at lindsaycalcatera@comcast.net

Meet and Greet Liz Bauer
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Ernie's Kings Mill Restaurant
16655 19 Mile Road
Corner 19 Mile Road and Garfield Road
Clinton Twp. MI 48038

RSVP: Lindsay Calcatera at lindsaycalcatera@comcast.net

Reception to meet Liz Bauer
Hosted by: Michael Murray, Superintendent, Suttons Bay Public Schools and Ervin Brinker, CEO Summit Pointe CMHA
Monday, October 18, 2010 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Aerie Room 16th Floor
Grand Traverse Resort
100 Grand Traverse Village
Acme, MI 49610

This event follow the first day of activity of the CMH Conference.
RSVP: Lindsay Calcatera at lindsaycalcatera@comcast.net

Campaign 2010 Endorsements

As the campaign for re-election to the Michigan State Board of Education enters October, I want to share some of the wonderful support my campaign has been receiving. Specifically, endorsements from organizations who care about public education, educators and students. In alphabetical order they are:
AFL-CIO
AFT Michigan
Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus
Michigan Democratic Party Disability Caucus
Michigan Democratic Party Justice Caucus
Michigan Education Association
Michigan Nurses Association
Michigan Spanish Speaking Democrats

We will share more in a future update. Right now I am grateful to people who share my vision for high quality, equitable, public education services for learners in all their diversity.

Solidarity Forever

It has been a great Labor Day celebration. In Detroit, Labor Organizations paraded with horns blowing, bands playing, and people walking briskly.
Spirited marchers arrived at Hart Plaza from the north via Woodward Avenue and the northwest via Michigan Avenue. Thousands of people of all ages, from babes in strollers to retirees riding golf carts, participated. I walked with the American Federation of Teachers and School Support Professionals and the American Association of University Professors. It was exhilarating to be in the company of people who make Michigan work...joining together to celebrate what makes this country great: justice for all.

Justin D'Artists Troupe performs at Arts, Beats and Eats Festival in Royal Oak

Justin D'artists is a performance troupe formed at the Matrix Theatre Company with the generous support of a grant from Michigan Disability Rights Coalition and United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan. They perform with a giant puppet of Justin Dart who is often called the father of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the civil rights law for people with diabilities. Justin not only inspired advocacy for the Americans with Disabilities Act, he encouraged people with disabilities to be proud of who they are, to have courage, to persevere in the quest for justice and to "Lead On" with Love.

The performance by artists with disabilities with the Justin Dart puppet informed, inspired and entertained the audience and passers-by at the Festival. For me, it was memory-evoking as I had the privilege of working with Justin in the 1980s as we advocated passage of the ADA. It was signed into law July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. Twenty years later, much has been accomplished, yet much remains to be done. The spirit of Justin Dart inspires us still. His words echo, "I am with you. I love you. Lead On."

Michigan Education Association Endorses Bauer for State Board of Education

I am excited to tell you the Michigan Education Association (MEA) has endorsed my candidacy for the State Board of Education. MEA represents 157,000 teachers, faculty and education support staff throughout Michigan. In addition to serving the MEA members' employment goals, interests and needs; the Association advocates quality public education. The mission of the MEA is to ensure that the education of our students and the working environments of MEA members are of the highest quality. Specifically, and similar to my own vision and values, MEA supports development of successful empowered students, advances the principles of democracy, human and civil rights, meets needs of our global society, and improves the quality of life for all.
It is an honor to have the support of the MEA in my quest for re-election to the State Board of Education. I look forward to meeting and talking with MEA members as I campaign throughout Michigan.

Democrats Nominate Liz Bauer for State Board of Education

At our Democratic Party Convention on August 28, I was nominated to be one of the  two Democratic Party Candidates for State Board of Education. David Hecker, President of the American Federation of Teachers - Michigan gave the nominating speech. I was deeply honored by his words and the feeling with which they were expressed. Delegates chose Lupe Ramos-Montigny as the second candidate. Lupe is an experienced educator and 2nd Vice President of the Michigan Democratic Party. We are off and running to all points of our great state to inform the people of Michigan about matters impacting public education and to gain their support for our election on November 2.

Please join the Bauer for State Board of Education Committee. We are an inclusive group. We have a job for everyone. All jobs are equal in terms of participation. Can you host an event where I can meet your friends and neighbors? Will you send "Friend to Friend" postcards supporting my candidacy? Can you make a contribution to my campaign? It costs a lot to run a statewide campaign across two great peninsulas. You can donate on the website http://www.bauer4stateboard.com/ or mail to Bauer for State Board of Education Committee, PO Box 62, Royal Oak, MI 48068-0062.

A great team supported me during the nominating process. Let's grow the team for the general election. No one does anything alone and great teams with depth and passion always win. Join me and let's win it for the people of Michigan...especially the children.

One more day until Convention 2010

In less than 24 hours the Michigan Democratic Party will convene to nominate two candidates for election to the State Board of Education. I am hopeful that one of them will be me. To date I have received endorsements of many key Democratic caucuses and clubs. This afternoon the Michigan State AFL-CIO Board met and voted to endorse my candidacy. It is an honor to have the confidence and support of the people who make our state great.  I am looking forward to the Convention and to working with the terrific team of volunteers who will give their time to support my candidacy.

One week until the Democratic Party Convention

August 28th is the Michigan Democratic Party Nominating Convention at COBO Hall, Detroit. Team Bauer will be out in force collecting petition signatures and rallying folks to support my candidacy for a second term on the State Board of Education. I am pleased to report that I have been endorsed by the Michigan Democratic Party Justice Caucus, the MDP Black Caucus, the MDP Disability Caucus, the Michigan Education Association Democratic Educators' Caucus, and the Oakland County and Mecosta County Democratic Parties. The support of each of these organizations encourages my heart.

Please join us at COBO Hall on August 28th. Doors open at 8 a.m.  Caucus meetings will be held from
8 a.m.- 3 p.m. At 3:00 p.m. delegates will meet in Macomb Hall for the nominating activity. Your support will be welcomed.

To join Team Bauer - check in at the Bauer table We will have a job for you. Hope to see you on the 28th.

Alcona Democrats have great ideas for education

On Sunday, August 1, I drove up the Sunrise Highway (Rte 23) to meet with the Alcona County Democrats. Candidates for State House and Senate spoke and I had an opportunity to share my ideas. Students from Alpena HS and Holt HS were there. It was great to see young people participating in the democratic process and even greater to learn from them what is important in their HS programs (high standards, great expectations, scheduling, etc.). I told them I would visit their schools and districts after school starts in September. Many thanks to Roger Love, Alcona County Chairman, and his wife, Rosemary, for the warm welcome they and fellow Democrats extended to me.

Why I am running for the Democratic Party nomination for State Board of Education

In 2002 I ran to bring the voices of students, families, and teachers to the Board table. It was my observation over many years of advocating the rights of students and families, that these voices were not heard to the same degree as those of school board members, administrators, and academics. In the term ending January 1, 2011, working collaboratively with my colleagues on the State Board and at the Department of Education, I accomplished most of the items in my plan for Board service. There is today a greater emphasis on inclusion of diverse students (Universal Education: Vision and Principles was adopted in October 2005 as the framework and foundation for State Board policy development). Professional development to enable teachers to meet the unique learning needs of diverse students is encouraged (new Professionanl Standards for Pre-School and K-12 teachers all grades, all subjects). Standards for accreditation of teacher preparation programs at Michigan's colleges and universities have been raised. Laptops have replaced reams of paper documents for State Board meetings and the use of educational technology in schools is growing. Addition of the Teacher of the Year to the Board table has changed the conversstion and enriched policy direction.
I am running now because I believe we still do not have sufficient student input to education policy. Policy is best  when it is informed by the people it affects. I visit schools and talk with students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. They have ideas for instructional strategies that are cutting edge and would, if implemented, purposefully engage more young people in learning. As somone who has trained thousands of professional mental health workers in Michigan and many thousand more advocates, service providers, public officials, and students in 24 countries, I believe it is important to set tasks, ask questions and give students real work to do in solving the problems and answering the questions. The skills needed in the 21st century are critical thinking, problem solving and team work. It is time to include students on the policy direction team where they can develop these skills and make a difference.

There are other pressing issues, Many are outlined in the State Board's document on reforms, restructuring revenues. Check them out at www.michigan.gov/sbe.  I will be discussing them in future blogs.

Thought for today

I returned from Tbilisi, Georgia and Kiev, Ukraine last week where I was working with advocates for human rights of people with disabilities. I opened a training session with these words. "All people are valuable. Each has the right to live, learn, work and play as a welcomed and supported member of his or her community. People in all their diversity - age, ability, race, ethnicity, whatever - need a concerned and caring community that removes barriers and provides support for full participation. It is the responsibility of society at large to make community living accessible so that all may be fully included and live free and equal in dignity and rights."  It is a message that applies to us as well. Let's work together to create an inclusive society.

Bauer4Stateboard.com has launched today!

Check out the campaign website at www.bauer4stateboard.com
Have a wonderful day.

Welcome to the New Bauer4StateBoard Blog!

Welcome! On this blog I'll share with you some thoughts on education and I'd like to hear your thoughts as well, so please email me at bauer4stateboard@aol.com. Thanks for reading, and thanks for your help!