Six candidates running for three, four-year terms on the Climax-Scotts Board of Education will appear on the November 3 ballot.

Appearing on the November 3 ballot running for a four-year seat on the C-S School Board is incumbent Terrie VandeGiessen, Amanda Eyre, Dominic Bushouse, Garrett Meade, Kevin Langs and Tiffanie Myers.

The terms of VandeGiessen, Matt Birkam and Steve Wurtzel will be expiring.

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. November 3. 

According to the Kalamazoo County Clerk and Register of Deeds office the deadline for write-in candidates for local school board and municipal offices to file a Declaration of Intent is Friday, October 23, at 4 p.m. School board candidates file with the Kalamazoo County Clerk’s Office, while candidates for city, township, or village offices generally file with their respective local clerk. Under Michigan law, write-in votes generally cannot be counted unless the candidate has filed the required declaration.

Absentee voting (voting by mail):

The following information is from the Kalamazoo County Clerk and Register of Deeds office.

Friday, October 30, at 5 p.m.: Deadline to request an absentee ballot online or by mail for delivery by mail.

Monday, November 2, at 4 p.m.: Deadline for registered voters to request an absentee ballot in person at their city or township clerk’s office.

Tuesday, November 3, at 8 p.m.: Deadline for completed absentee ballots to be received by the voter’s local clerk or deposited in an authorized ballot drop box.

According to the Kalamazoo County Clerk and Register of Deeds office, although voters can request a ballot by mail through October 30, the County Clerk and Register of Deeds office strongly encourage voters to make their request well in advance to allow sufficient time for mailing and returning their ballot. If returning an absentee ballot within two weeks of Election Day, voters may want to consider taking it to their local jurisdiction’s drop-box or bringing it to an Early Voting site or their precinct on Election Day to avoid any potential mail delays.

Early voting: 

Early in-person voting will take place Saturday, October 24, through Sunday, November 1, for nine consecutive days. Voters must use the early voting location designated for their city or township. Locations and additional information are available at https://www.kalcounty.gov/451/Early-Voting.

Voters can also visit Michigan.gov/Vote to check their registration, find their polling place, request or track an absentee ballot, and view their sample ballot.

Because the local school board election is contested, the Climax Crescent put together a series of questions each candidate was offered an opportunity to answer.

Each candidate received the same questions to answer. Each candidate was offered the opportunity to submit a photo as well.

The candidate’s answers are in their own words.

Each candidate was offered the opportunity to review the copy  if they wanted to make any adjustments before the article was submitted.

The Climax Crescent plans more local election coverage in the October 23 issue, focusing on the City of Galesburg Mayor race.

Amanda Eyre - Scotts

1. Do you have any previous school board or any other board, council or commission experience? If so, for how many years?  N/A

2. Why are you seeking a position on the C-S school board and why do you feel you are a good candidate?

I am seeking one of the open positions to help continue steering our district in the right direction. I believe in being willing to listen and collaborate while not being afraid to ask difficult questions or voice my concerns. I think we all want what’s best for the students while they are attending C-S, but I also want to make sure they are prepared for what’s after they are done with C-S. 

3. Do you feel the C-S school district has any challenges and if so, can you identify those challenges and how you would like to work with other school board members to solve those challenges?

One of my main concerns is seeing students come home with fantastic grades but not necessarily seeing them use what they’ve learned and applying it to everyday life. For example, writing coherent sentences, using correct grammar, or correct verb tense when speaking. Is the information they are supposed to be learning being retained for long-term use or just long enough to get through the class or pass the test? I believe our testing scores as a district are not the highest, and I want to figure out how to boost those levels. I want the grades they are receiving to truly reflect their understanding and not the ability to complete short-term assignments. I look forward to digging into why that disconnect exists.

4. What are some advantages you feel the C-S School District has over other school districts, making C-S attractive to families?

Coming into this district as an outsider gave me a perspective that I think is easy to lose when you’ve always been here. This community provides a sense of togetherness. And as someone whose own family has been on the receiving end of that support, I know firsthand what this community is capable of. The faculty will rally around a student in need the same way the community will pick up the pieces when a family falls. The school’s largest sponsors and biggest supporters are all CS alumni. Those are successful business owners from this very community that believe enough in where they came from to continue to provide support year after year. That’s huge. Test scores can improve, programs can grow, facilities can be updated, but spreadsheets and AI can’t create that sense of “these people actually give a damn about each other.” We already have that and that’s what we build from. 

5. The C-S School District has more than 44% of its enrollment through the School of Choice program. What ideas or initiatives would you like to work on with your fellow school board members to encourage C-S families to keep their children in the district, while also attracting families from outside the district who are looking for a school where their children can thrive?

Being in a small district is an advantage. We should be making use of the small class sizes to make sure everyone is getting the attention and the most out of their education, but I’d like us to look at the option of programs that could set us apart.  Let’s offer some sort of programs that will make outsiders want to join us. Something unique that other districts don’t offer. Perhaps more classes that will prepare them for life outside of C-S. Let’s bring back life skills. I’m not suggesting we bring out the sewing machines again, but the world has changed and our course offerings should change with it. Can we offer a CAD class? Get into some sort of engineering, marketing? Basic or advanced computer skills? Anything applicable to the real world. If we can give our own families reasons to stay and give families outside the district something they can’t get anywhere else, I think we win.

1. Do you have any previous school board or any other board, council or commission experience? If so, for how many years?

I have been the Commissioner of the Southern Central Athletic Association for the last 5+ years and a committee member of the M.H.S.A.A. League/Conference Standing Committee, as well as other committees, over my years at Climax-Scotts Schools.

2. Why are you seeking a position on the C-S school board and why do you feel you are a good candidate?

My tenure as an educator —  38 years as a public school educator and administrator, with the last 27 years at Climax-Scotts Community Schools — is the reason I believe I am a good candidate to run for School Board. My love and concern for the people of our two communities and their support over the last year for our family has led me to run to support them.  If I am blessed to be elected, my goal is to hold myself responsible to the following three principles: — Accountability —Due process, and probably the most important of the three — “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.”

3. Do you feel the C-S school district has any challenges and if so, can you identify those challenges and how you would like to work with other school board members to solve those challenges?

The Climax-Scotts Community School District will be facing the similar challenge of most school districts in our state and that is the low birth rate, which has reduced the population of school-aged students across our nation.  It seems as though this trend will continue over the next quarter of a century. If the research is true, this will weigh heavy on many areas of education for not just small schools but all sized schools in our State. It might take our district, as well as other surrounding schools, to think outside the box to provide high level academic and extracurricular opportunities for our students in the near future.

4. What are some advantages you feel the C-S School District has over other school districts, making C-S attractive to families?

In the past, we would have surely said the smaller size of our school was a positive, but there is a possibility that some of the changes that are happening in society and in Lansing could make it tougher to say that and it will take a serious commitment to make the tough right choices to keep it a positive.

5. The C-S School District has more than 44% of its enrollment through the School of Choice program. What ideas or initiatives would you like to work on with your fellow school board members to encourage C-S families to keep their children in the district, while also attracting families from outside the district who are looking for a school where their children can thrive?

To continue the trend of families choosing Climax-Scotts as a School of Choice district because of the reputation we have worked hard for in the 21st century as a “transformational culture” school will take a concentrated effort by many. As I mentioned, the existence of small rural schools has so many factors coming into play in the near future, so we cannot truly have the answer as to what it will look like in the next five, ten, 20 or 40 years. However, we must continue to work together to offer our students a culture to help them be successful in their educational endeavors, as well as their lifelong ventures. 

Tiffanie Myers - Scotts

1. Do you have any previous school board or any other board, council or commission experience? If so, for how many years?

Yes. I served on the Village of Climax Village Council for two years, where I worked with fellow council members to address community needs and make decisions in the best interest of residents.

Professionally, I have spent the past 15 years in the consumer packaged goods industry leading commercial strategy and execution. My role requires collaboration across finance, supply chain, legal, sales, marketing, and operations, helping me develop skills in problem-solving, building alignment, managing resources, and making informed decisions. I believe this combination of public service and private-sector leadership experience would be valuable on the school board.

2. Why are you seeking a position on the C-S school board and why do you feel you are a good candidate?

I am running because I care deeply about Climax-Scotts and want to help ensure our students receive an excellent education while being prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the future.

This community has shaped who I am. I graduated from Climax-Scotts in 2012, my husband and I were both raised here, and we are now raising our own family here. My husband is continuing his family’s legacy operating their fourth-generation dairy and crop farm, and my father has operated a local business serving the community for nearly 45 years. Our roots are deeply connected to Climax-Scotts, and I want future generations to have the same opportunities and strong sense of community that I experienced growing up.

I also bring experience from serving on the Village Council, along with 15 years of professional experience working with teams, managing resources, and making decisions that balance long-term goals with responsible stewardship. In education, that means supporting students while ensuring district resources are being used effectively and responsibly to support strong academic outcomes.

My approach is to listen, ask thoughtful questions, evaluate information carefully, and make decisions that put students, families, and the long-term success of the district first.

3. Do you feel the C-S school district has any challenges and if so, can you identify those challenges and how you would like to work with other school board members to solve those challenges?

Like many districts across Michigan, Climax-Scotts faces the challenge of preparing students for a changing world while continuing to deliver strong academic outcomes.

I believe student achievement should remain a top priority. Across Michigan, many students continue to struggle with reading and especially math proficiency. While resources are important, we should also ensure the investments we make are translating into meaningful results for students in the classroom while remaining fiscally responsible. 

I would like to see continued focus on academics, career exploration, skilled trades, financial literacy, technology, and practical life skills that prepare students for success after graduation, regardless of the path they choose.

Attracting and retaining excellent teachers is also critical. Parents place tremendous trust in our teachers, faculty, and staff every day. Students spend a significant portion of their time in school, and educators have an important influence on their development both academically and personally. Parents should feel confident that classroom materials are age-appropriate, educationally focused, and communicated transparently. Schools and families work best when there is trust, open communication, and a shared commitment to reinforcing the values, character, and work ethic that students are learning at home. When educators and parents work together, students are better positioned for success both inside and outside the classroom.

My approach would be to listen, ask questions, look at the data, and work collaboratively with fellow board members, administration, teachers, and families to support student success and strengthen the district.

4. What are some advantages you feel the C-S School District has over other school districts, making C-S attractive to families?

One of Climax-Scotts’ greatest strengths is its close-knit community and small-school environment.

As a graduate of the district, I experienced firsthand the value of knowing classmates, teachers, and staff on a personal level. That environment fosters strong relationships, accountability, and a genuine sense of belonging.

I also believe families value knowing their children are not just another number. The relationships between students, teachers, staff, parents, and the community create a supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

One of our greatest advantages is the ability to combine that personal connection with strong academic, extracurricular, and career opportunities, giving students both the support and preparation they need to succeed.

5. The C-S School District has more than 44% of its enrollment through the School of Choice program. What ideas or initiatives would you like to work on with your fellow school board members to encourage C-S families to keep their children in the district, while also attracting families from outside the district who are looking for a school where their children can thrive?

I support School of Choice and believe the best way to attract and retain families is to provide an educational experience they cannot find everywhere else.

For families already in the district, that means strong academics, supportive teachers, safe learning environments, and meaningful opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. We should also continue evaluating our programs and investments to ensure they are delivering strong outcomes and preparing students for success after graduation.

For families considering Climax-Scotts, our greatest strengths are our small-school atmosphere, close relationships, individualized attention, and strong sense of community. Families should feel confident that their children will be safe, supported, challenged academically, and prepared for life after graduation. They should also know that schools and families are working together through trust, transparency, and shared expectations for student success.

I would also support opportunities that expand career readiness, skilled trades, technology, and real-world learning experiences that help students discover their strengths and interests.

As someone raising a family here, I understand how important it is for parents to trust their schools. My goal is to help preserve what makes Climax-Scotts special while continuing to create opportunities that benefit students, families, and the community for years to come.

Dominic Bushouse - Climax

1. Do you have any previous school board or any other board, council or commission experience? If so, for how many years?

Although I have not served on a school board, I bring five to six years of leadership, governance, and regulatory experience through my career, regulatory committees, and youth sports organizations.

These roles have taught me that leadership means accepting responsibility, protecting resources, and putting others first. Climax-Scotts taught me hard work, personal responsibility, and community service. Serving on the School Board would be an opportunity to give back.

2. Why are you seeking a position on the C-S school board and why do you feel you are a good candidate?

I grew up in Climax-Scotts and am raising four children here. I want our students to experience that same sense of belonging and graduate prepared for what comes next.

Every board decision should answer two questions: Is it in our students’ best interest, and is it a responsible use of public resources?

My experience has taught me to listen, examine facts, ask difficult questions, and work with people who see things differently. I believe public trust is earned through transparency, accountability, and service. Public office should never serve personal interests.

3. Do you feel the C-S school district has any challenges and if so, can you identify those challenges and how you would like to work with other school board members to solve those challenges?

Like many small rural districts, Climax-Scotts faces challenges with enrollment, academic achievement, staffing, and rising costs.

Our 2025–26 elementary M-STEP results showed approximately 37% of students meeting standards, compared with 38% statewide. Fifth-grade science was a strength at 58.8%, while English language arts and math remained below statewide averages.

Small class sizes can significantly influence percentages, making long-term trends important. These scores do not define our students or teachers, but they help identify opportunities for improvement.

I would work with fellow board members and educators to establish measurable expectations, regularly review curriculum and programs, and evaluate results against their costs. Academic growth, attendance, graduation, and preparation for college, trades, or employment all matter.

Our responsibility is to support educators, improve student outcomes, and remain accountable to taxpayers.

4. What are some advantages you feel the C-S School District has over other school districts, making C-S attractive to families?

One of Climax-Scotts’ greatest strengths is that students are genuinely known. Our size allows teachers, coaches, and staff to build meaningful relationships, recognize individual strengths, and identify when a student needs additional support.

Our community looks out for one another and takes pride in our children’s success. Combining those relationships with strong academics, responsible leadership, and diverse career opportunities can make our small size one of our greatest advantages.

5. The C-S School District has more than 44% of its enrollment through the School of Choice program. What ideas or initiatives would you like to work on with your fellow school board members to encourage C-S families to keep their children in the district, while also attracting families from outside the district who are looking for a school where their children can thrive?

With more than 40% of enrollment coming through Schools of Choice, families clearly recognize the value of Climax-Scotts. We must continue earning their trust while making our district the first choice for local families.

That begins with strong academics, safe schools, quality staff, effective communication, and responsible spending. We should evaluate programs based on student needs, measurable results, and financial sustainability.

I would also support partnerships with local businesses, trades, agriculture, and colleges to expand career exploration, mentoring, and student opportunities.

My goal is sustainable growth that attracts families, protects taxpayers, preserves our small-town values, and leaves Climax-Scotts stronger for the next generation.

Garrett Meade - Climax

1. Do you have any previous school board or any other board, council or commission experience? If so, for how many years.

While I have not previously served on a school board, I bring more than 20 years of experience in K-12 education. During the first 15 years of my career, I served as an Industrial Arts teacher, athletic director, and director of grounds. For the past five years, I have served as the Administrator of Operations for Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA), where I oversee facilities, transportation, food service, and school safety.

In addition to my educational experience, I serve on the Climax Fire Department, where I have gained valuable experience in public service, teamwork, emergency preparedness, and serving the needs of our community.

2. Why are you seeking a position on the C-S School Board and why do you feel you are a good candidate?

As a Climax-Scotts resident and parent of a student in the district, I have a personal investment in the success of our schools and our community. I am seeking a position on the Climax-Scotts School Board because I want to help ensure that our district continues to provide exceptional opportunities for all students while remaining a source of pride for our community.

I believe I am a strong candidate because I bring a unique combination of educational, operational, and leadership experience. Having spent 20 years in public education, I understand schools from multiple perspectives, including the classroom, athletics, facilities, operations, and administration. My experience managing budgets, facilities, transportation, safety programs, and long-range planning has taught me how to make thoughtful decisions, work collaboratively, and be a responsible steward of taxpayer resources. Most importantly, I believe every decision should be guided by one question: “What is best for students?”

3. Do you feel the C-S School District has any challenges and if so, can you identify those challenges and how you would like to work with other school board members to solve those challenges?

Like many school districts throughout Michigan, Climax-Scotts faces challenges related to enrollment, school funding, employee recruitment and retention, and meeting the changing academic and social-emotional needs of students. As educational expectations continue to grow while resources remain limited, districts must carefully balance opportunities for students with financial responsibility.

I believe these challenges are best addressed through collaboration, transparency, and strategic planning. I would work closely with fellow board members, district administration, staff, families, and the community to understand concerns, review data, and make informed decisions. By maintaining a student-centered focus while being responsible stewards of district resources, we can continue building on the strengths that make Climax-Scotts successful.

4. What are some advantages you feel the C-S School District has over other school districts, making C-S attractive to families?

One of Climax-Scotts’ greatest strengths is its strong sense of community. Students, parents, staff, and community members genuinely care about one another and take pride in the district. 
That small-school environment allows students to build meaningful relationships with teachers, coaches, and staff who know them personally and are invested in their success.

Climax-Scotts also offers students a well-rounded educational experience through strong academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, and opportunities for personal growth. Families are attracted to districts where students feel connected, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential, and I believe Climax-Scotts provides exactly that environment.

5. The C-S School District has more than 44% of its enrollment through the School of Choice program. What ideas or initiatives would you like to work on with your fellow school board members to encourage C-S families to keep their children in the district, while also attracting families from outside the district who are looking for a school where their children can thrive?

The most effective way to attract and retain families is to continually provide an outstanding educational experience. Families want schools where their children are safe, supported, challenged academically, and prepared for future success. I would support efforts that strengthen academic achievement, career readiness, extracurricular opportunities, student support services, and school safety.

I also believe we should continue sharing the Climax-Scotts story. Our students, staff, and programs accomplish great things every day, and it is important that current and prospective families understand the opportunities available here. Celebrating student achievements, highlighting innovative programs, and engaging families in meaningful ways can strengthen community pride and attract new families to the district.

Ultimately, I want every family, whether they live within our district boundaries or choose Climax-Scotts through School of Choice, to see our district as a place where students are known, valued, challenged, and given every opportunity to succeed.

Terri VandeGiessen - Scotts

1. Do you have any previous school board or any other board, council or commission experience? If so, for how many years?

Yes. I have served on the Climax-Scotts Board of Education since July 2009, a little over 17 years. I currently serve as the board’s secretary/treasurer.

2. Why are you seeking a position on the C-S school board, and why do you feel you are a good candidate?

I’m running for reelection because I care about Climax-Scotts and its future. I attended C-S, as did my children and other family members. My daughter teaches at the Elementary school, and my grandchildren will attend C-S as well. This school has been a big part of our family’s life, and I want to help keep it strong for the next generation.

I want every child who attends C-S to get a good education and have opportunities to succeed. Our staff needs support, and our community deserves to know its tax dollars are being spent wisely.

My 17 years on the board have given me an understanding of the district, its budget, and the responsibility that comes with this position. I believe in asking questions, listening to people, and thinking through decisions before making them. We need to consider what our students need today and what will keep the district strong down the road.

3. Do you feel the C-S school district has any challenges? If so, can you identify those challenges and how you would like to work with other school board members to solve them?

Yes. Keeping enrollment strong, retaining good staff, and providing the programs students need with the money available are challenges that deserve continued attention.

I would continue to work with the other board members and administration to look at what is working, where students need more help, and where we need to make adjustments. That means listening to teachers and families, reviewing the facts, and setting priorities we can afford.

We won’t always agree on everything. We still need to be able to ask questions, work through disagreements, and make decisions that serve the district as a whole.

4. What are some advantages you feel the C-S School District has over other school districts, making C-S attractive to families?

I think one of our biggest strengths is the personal connection that comes with a smaller school. Families have the opportunity to know the people teaching their children, and staff can get to know students and understand where they need help or a greater challenge.

That connection matters. So does having opportunities for kids to participate and feel part of their school. We should keep building on those strengths while making sure we are preparing students for whatever comes after graduation, whether that is college, a skilled trade, the military, or a job.

5. The C-S School District has more than 44% of its enrollment through the School of Choice program. What ideas or initiatives would you like to work on with your fellow school board members to encourage C-S families to keep their children in the district, while also attracting families from outside the district who are looking for a school where their children can thrive?

C-S enrollment has grown 27% since 2018. That is 133 additional students, increasing from 489 to 622 in 2026. Statewide, Michigan’s enrollment fell about 10% between 2014 and 2025. We have made progress, and I want to keep building on it.

Strong enrollment helps us maintain programs and offer competitive salaries. Climax-Scotts ranks in the top third of Kalamazoo County school districts for teacher pay. We have a great staff, and competitive pay helps us keep those teachers and attract good people when positions open. When we manage enrollment growth responsibly, it strengthens the district and helps support the education of every child who attends C-S.

Our community’s support of the 2018 and 2023 bond proposals allowed us to improve almost every aspect of both schools. That includes roofs, classrooms, labs, our greenhouse, kitchens, lunchrooms, and athletic facilities. We have built additions and added air conditioning where it was needed, along with many other improvements. Our taxpayers deserve credit for making that possible. I believe those investments, combined with the work of our teachers and staff, have helped make C-S more attractive to families.

Moving forward, I would work with the board and administration to bring more families into our schools to see those improvements, meet our staff, and learn about the programs available to their children. We should be showing people what their investment has accomplished and how students benefit from it.

We also need to listen to families who stay and those who leave. Understanding their decisions can help us identify concerns and make improvements where they are needed.

I want us to keep strengthening academics, supporting our staff, and providing opportunities for students while maintaining the personal attention a smaller school can offer. Whether families live in the district or join us through School of Choice, we need to give them good reasons to choose C-S and stay.

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