Ms. Sakwa's Southfield roots have helped her navigate the changing landscape of West Bloomfield Schools. With only a high school diploma under her belt belt, she is an inspiration to students who believe that they can succeed in life without a college degree. Ms. Sakwa needs helps in this role and therefore she has embraced the perpetual mentorship of Bruce Tobin. The two of them are as close as Ureste and Kaplan of the WB Township Board.
At the last board meeting of 2012, Sakwa shared that that arrangement would continue after Tobin leaves. It is said that the two of them masterminded the name change of Green School at a time that the district was struggling to keep its financial ship on course....priorities, priorties, priorities. If there is anything that you want to know about something or someone, ask Ms. Sakwa. If there is anything that you don't want others to know, share it someone other than Ms. Sakwa.
Ms. Sakwa should be acknowledged for her leadership with Our Children's Fund. The good work that she does on behalf of many district families should erase her vote to strip away the Green family legacy, the appearance of breaking of the open meetings act several times, and her fine performance when unfairly imposing a contract on the district's employees. Congratulations to the schol board for electing a new president that has such a track record.

A gossipy, Housewife of West Bloomfield, with no educational and no professional credentials is now the leader of the financially troubled WDSD. Mrs. Sakwa is just Tobin's beard. (This could be ok given Mrs. Sakwa without a Guide is unthinkable). Mrs. Singh has no independence and no voice. Mrs. Singh is ex-Board member Mrs. DeMarco's puppet. Mr. Einstanding's has no independence, but has a voice that usually goes on and on and usually says nothing. Mr. Chase had no hope of making a difference. Worry and concern are understatements in WB this morning.

Last night I sat in the audience at the WB School Board meeting, the first time since being elected to the Board approximately 21 years ago....What I saw was a team of caring individuals that give selflessly of themselves for the benefit of children. They are each committed to doing what's best for children with no personal agendas. I was proud of the members that stepped up to lead. It is true that I have mentored Ms. Sakwa, just as I had mentored many Board members in the past and am honored to call her my friend, just as I can say of every Board member currently serving. Attacks on Ms. Sakwa's "credentials" are unfair and inappropriate. Before being elected (our community trusted her and voted) she actively led PTO's, District Bond campaigns, Our Children's Fund, West Bloomfield Youth Assistance...just to name a few. Ms. Singh and the other Board members attacked have likewise demonstrated their commitment to our children and community...We should thank all of them rather than attack them!! While the Board may not agree on all issues, their discussions are always respectful with a consistent theme....what is best for our children!!

I agree with Mr. Tobin and want to thank the WB School Board for their leadership. It is easy to sit on the sidelines and criticize but these individuals stepped forward to make a difference. My kid's all received excellent educations in West Bloomfield and were well prepared for college. Thank you West Bloomfield.

Mr. Tobin- read carefully. My comment states facts, none of which you have rebutted or can contest. And you know well that Mrs Sakwa's election was uncontested. Many are appalled by her elevation to this position by her cronies. It's doubtful that she'd run, let alone win a contested election.

KAT: The WB schools are excellent because of the parents, kids and teachers, in spite of the Boards's poor decisions and dismal leadership.

Mr. Tobin - I must respectfully disagree with your statement "While the Board may not agree on all issues, their discussions are always respectful ...". The Board has not always been respectful of parents and community members that take the time to address the Board. Hopefully, the Board recognizes this and stops bullying behavior. In a school district that has a no bullying policy it would be nice if that started with our elected Board of Education.

I too am disappointed with the new officers of the school board. President Sakwa is more interested in her influence in our community. I was not aware that she has no university degree. Is this true? No college degree and no business experience. What does she bring to the board? This is like desperate housewives or board members. Other members just are monopolizing the time they get to talk. Well at least we aren't being billed at $250 per hour. Lastly, Mr Chase has no backbone and and speaks out of both sides on his mouth. He seems to change his mind like Michigan changes the weather. He seems to thrive on people recognizing him and cares more about his popularity then WB kids. We need leaders that lead from behind the scenes not from a pedestal.
Who now can vote on teacher contracts? Mr Chase and Mr Einstandig (spouses that are teachers) Mrs Sackwa, isn't your immediate relative a teacher. That leaves 4 and I am not sure if they have WBSD connections. Everyone should come clean and remove themselves from votes and discussion. Oh but wait, that would necessitate honesty and transparency. At least we have excellent staff and teachers.