Donna Gundle-Krieg

I am the oldest of seven girls, and was born and raised in the Detroit area. My degree is Communications from Wayne State University. I was an Education Journalist for many years, focusing on writing education policy. I also taught high school journalism for a short time.

I have sat on several boards, including my current elected position as a trustee on the Mancelona Township Board. In addition to being on the board of Mancelona Township, I am President of the Mancelona Rotary Club. Our members include leaders of two public school districts as well as a principal of a charter school. Our club awards scholarships to local students, and selects “Student of the Month” from each school district.

I am currently a real estate broker in a small town of Mancelona. I have been a big part the improvements in this town. The schools are also a huge part of this!!

• I have always had a passion for education policy, and for the children who benefit from sound policy. Right now, the Board has a very strong Democrat majority, and I believe that more voices on the board would lead to less division in the schools. I am not in either major party, so I don’t get into the bickering. I believe in sitting down with all parties and getting the work done. The first thing I will do is develop relationships among my fellow board members. I hope to be able to work together, even when we have diverse opinions. The first thing I will do is develop relationships among my fellow board members. I hope to be able to work together, even when we have diverse opinions.
• There are problems built into the system that impact the teacher shortage. The system encourages the last-minute retirement announcements every year. This means that much of the teacher hiring happens in a rush, the week before school starts. There are actually qualified teachers still looking for work, but haven’t been able to navigate the nuances or politics of the hiring process.
• My own experience with the PTO made me realize that in most schools, parental involvement strictly involves managing fundraising activities. Division would be minimized if parents were given the opportunity for actual input, and if, in turn, teachers felt supported by parents.

I would like the board to research creative ideas to help involve parents while still respecting teachers.

I a passionate about creating options for the child who does not fit into the traditional public school mode.

I am also very passionate about school safety.

It is a leadership position designed to guide local districts.

I am a reasonable and pragmatic person who works well with others and gets things done. I am also a creative yet organized, and able to see the big picture.

I remember my mom crying at the news of JFK's assassination. I was three years old at the time.

I worked at Bill Knapp's as a waitress for two years in high school.

"We are the Champions"

Communication to the people who are being served.

NO, I believe that an outside view is important on this board, as a differing voice would help minimize the division in the schools.