By Travis Smola
As a 1989 graduate of Schoolcraft, new school board member Jennifer Gottschalk is no stranger to the community. After years of living here, she felt a sense of personal duty as her young daughter enters the school system. “I felt it was time to get back involved,” Gottschalk said. “I have a reason. I have a daughter who will be here for the next 13 years.”
She says one of the bigger challenges of the board right now is to regain some community support. She noted recent events such as the consolidation issue may have created a divide between the board and the public. “I think they’re a little frustrated,” Gottschalk said of the community. “Community support is a big thing.”
In hopes of addressing that issue, she thinks she can bring an open ear that residents can come to with their concerns. “I hope everybody feels I am approachable,” Gottschalk said. She said residents can feel free to call or email her at any time.
“I just want to be open, be super transparent and get people to support us,” she said.