Candidate Questionnaire: MaRinda Stamp for Constantine School Board

The following is Watershed Voice’s candidate questionnaire for November’s Constantine Public Schools District board election. We will run all completed questionnaires from candidates in contested general election races in the order they’re received prior to Election Day. ​

MaRinda Stamp filled out our questionnaire. These are her answers. Stamp, an incumbent, faces fellow incumbent Jerry Gray and challenger Cari Jourdan. The three candidates are running for two board positions.

Name: MaRinda Stamp

Age: 43

Address: 64541 Shaffer Rd Constantine MI 49042

Party affiliation: Editor’s Note: Stamp left this blank.

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Family (optional): Married with 3 children

Background/Bio:  

I am a Constantine alumni & Constantine business owner. I have served 6 years on the Constantine School Board. My husband and I have three children who attend Constantine schools. 

Have you previously held public office, or have you served in a public leadership role? If so, what is your experience, and what are some of your accomplishments?

I am currently serving on the Constantine School Board. My 6-year term is up in December, which is why I am seeking re-election. During my six years on the school board, a couple areas we concentrated on were aligning our curriculum, lowering classroom sizes in the elementary buildings, forming a long-term vision for the district, forming a long term plan for our facilities, along with being committed to providing quality programming while maintaining fiscal responsibility. 

What are the three most important issues facing your school district?

1. Ensuring we maintain high quality educators and staff to provide the students with the best possible experience and education. 2. Our facilities need major repairs and after two failed bond attempts, we are going back to the drawing board to find new ways to address these issues. 3. The ongoing effort to prioritize safety, provide quality programming, and strengthen communication with stakeholders. 

How will you address or help facilitate school safety?

A safe learning environment is essential for the well-being of students and staff. A school board member’s role in school safety is ensuring school safety policies are up to date and being followed. Budget allocation for security measures, staff training, a school resource officer, etc. Also ensuring staff have resources, tools and support needed for safety situations that may arise. It is vital to prioritize school safety as a top priority to ensure students and staff feel safe while at school. 

How will you address or help facilitate the mental health of students, staff, and faculty?

Stamp did not answer this question.

How will you address or help facilitate that your schools will have enough staff, whether teachers, bus drivers, or any position?

Stamp did not answer this question.

How will you address or help facilitate that your schools attract and maintain a full staff and student body?

Stamp did not answer this question.

How will you work with your fellow board members and school administration if elected?

Stamp did not answer this question.

How would your term in office differ from previous school board terms, including your own, if applicable? 

Stamp did not answer this question.

Why did you choose to run for the Constantine School Board?

Serving on the school board is an opportunity to contribute to my community. With six years experience on the school board, I have gained knowledge from experiences and multiple trainings. I feel I am an asset to the district in this role. 

Is there anything else your prospective constituents should know about you, your platform, your views, or your background?

Most people here know what I stand for. Respect for all people and ideas. And to work to bring ideas to life so citizens can enjoy activities and resources that add value.