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Note: The Livonia PTSA Council is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) that cannot and does not endorse candidates, but can provide information about relevant candidates to applicable stakeholders.
The Livonia PTSA Council sent seven (7) questions to the candidates running for the Michigan State House of Representatives District #22. Incumbent, Matt Koleszar (Democrat) and Challenger, Cathryn Neracher (Republican) replied as follows.
1) (Resources) What is the State/Federal Legislature’s role in providing resources to address access to computers, food, Wi-Fi, special education services, and other student support services?
Matt Koleszar: The state legislature’s role is critically important for all of these services. We have made strides in equitable funding for our schools, but there’s still much more work to do. The state legislature’s role is to make sure public schools have all the resources they need and that students are supported in ways that best help them succeed.
Cathryn Neracher: No reply. (Will update if a reply is received.)
2) (COVID Impact and Relief) To mitigate the impact of Covid, there have been federal relief funds disbursed to school districts. Do you think these funds have been valuable in the way they have been allocated and utilized?
Matt Koleszar: Locally, these funds have been put to great use and have resulted in positive impacts on our students. While there have been some questionable uses of funds in other parts of the state, our local districts have done a fantastic job of putting students first. There still are funds available and it’s crucial that we use all of them, and not leave them sitting in Washington DC.
Cathryn Neracher: No reply. (Will update if a reply is received)
3) (Funding) Even with the equalization of the per pupil allowance there are still educational funding inequities due to the existence of hold harmless districts. What are your proposals to address this to ensure that schools are adequately funded?
Matt Koleszar: We need to use a weighted formula that ensures that funds go to where they are needed the most. Weighted formulas have been proven to give schools the resources they need to help the most vulnerable students.
Cathryn Neracher: No reply (will update if a reply is received)
4) (Millages) Voters have continually passed operation millages, sinking funds and bonds in our district – did you support these ballot measures? What are the pros and cons of addressing district needs this way?
Matt Koleszar: Yes, I have supported all millages, sinking funds, and bonds in the district in which I live (Plymouth-Canton). The pro is that if these are passed it allows for schools to have the funds required to improve their facilities. The con is that these measures are needed in the first place due to inadequate funding from the state.
Cathryn Neracher: No reply (will update if a reply is received)
5) (Mental Health) What ways could you, as a legislator, help schools and districts support student mental health and behavior interventions?
Matt Koleszar: Increased funding for school psychologists and social workers is critically needed. Also we need to be making sure that we give adequate funding to reduce class size so students can get the one-on-one attention that they need. Additionally, I have introduced legislation that would increase access to and knowledge of the OK2SAY program.
Cathryn Neracher: No reply (will update if a reply is received)
6) (Vouchers) The Michigan PTA has advocated against the Let MI Kids Learn petitions. The bills they support would create so-called student opportunities scholarships and would grant tax credits to donating individuals and companies which could deplete the state budget by up to a billion dollars after five years. If the petition signatures are validated by the Secretary of State, would you support their passage?
Matt Koleszar: No, I would not support their passage. The fact is, voters have overwhelmingly rejected any type of voucher system in our schools. What vouchers do is redirect funds intended for our public schools to private and for-profit charter schools. That is unacceptable.
Cathryn Neracher: No reply (will update if a reply is received)
7) (Seizure Safe Schools) The Michigan PTA has also advocated for Seizure Safe Schools (HB 4970). Do you support this bill that would ensure schools are well-equipped with the tools necessary to provide a safe and enriching environment for students living with epilepsy and seizure disorders?
Matt Koleszar: Yes, I already supported this when it came to a vote in the House. It is my sincere hope that this passes the senate and is signed into law by the Governor.
Cathryn Neracher: No reply (will update if a reply is received)
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