Meet the Candidates: Julie Beaty

Julie Beaty

Education

• Central Michigan University Psychology BS  1986
• Central Michigan University MBA 1989
• Dale Carnegie Training 1989

Professional background

Over the past 20 years, I have worked as a manger overseeing businesses involved in advertising, marketing and real estate. I have an MBA and taught business, marketing and advertising at numerous colleges. As a manager, I guided a staff and successfully oversaw budgets of $125+ million dollars. I developed long-term goals for revenue, created strategic action plans and led teams to success in an atmosphere where accountability, drive and creativity thrived. I approach difficult negotiations with mutual understanding and respect. 

How long have you lived in town and where? Do you live with family?

My family chose to live in West Bloomfield over seven years ago because of the great school system and the wonderful diversity the community offered. I live here with my husband Brian (VP WB Educational Foundation), and my two children Alex (12) and Nolan (11). They happily attend Abbott Middle School.  

Affiliations or endorsements

I sit on the Board of the Lighthouse of Oakland County. I am co-founder of the WBSD Family Fun Night. I have the support of over 50 community leaders (see Jewish News 9/27/12). They support me because of my commitment to our children and the community.

Explain why you're running for the school board

I am running for the school board because I strongly believe that education is the future of America and our community. Our children need a school board member who has their best interest at heart. Our community needs a school board member who does not have a fiscal or familial connection to the school district, and will make decisions based solely on the needs of our students and community. For years I have been actively involved with the schools including: PTO President, Budget Prioritization, Strategic Vision Committee, and the Mission, Vision, and Beliefs Committee, to name a few. I have worked tirelessly to enhance our school and greater community; which is why I have the support of the local community leaders.

Through my work I have developed relationships with city council members/trustees from all the municipalities that feed into WBSD and their police chiefs. As a school board member it is my responsibility to guide our school district for the betterment of our children, and to work along side community leaders to take West Bloomfield from the 38th best place to live to the number one place to live in America.  

Could you share key points of your platform and any changes you'd like to make to accomplish your platform?

My number one priority is to provide our students an excellent education. Every student’s needs are different and we need to provide each of them with an education that best suits their individual needs. I will seek programs that provide long-term benefits, are globally relevant, and equip all our students with the knowledge they need to be successful adults.  

Managing the budget and building up our fund balance is another priority for our school district. WBSD has to operate in a fiscally responsible manner. Due to the declining student population, it is essential to have a short and long term plan for the funding of our district. We must maintain an open dialogue with legislators in order to preserve state funding, and bring control to the local level. I will make certain we are pursuing all incentives available for funding.

Enhancing our professional environment is vital in order to attract and retain the highest-quality teachers, staff, and administrators. I will actively work with the school district to attract and retain excellent educators and administrators. I will listen to the concerns of our staff and community.  

What do you think are the biggest issues facing the district? How
would you handle them? 

Our declining student population is an issue that affects the school district on multiple levels. The school board has voted to close a school. That is only the first step in addressing the issue. The school district needs to work together with the families and local community to maintain the level of excellence our community has enjoyed. The school districts decline in student population affects the districts funding, classroom make-up, and educational needs. As a school board trustee I will dedicate my time to being proactive in addressing this ever-changing situation. I will ensure that the school board actively pursues the best educational options for our students.