School Board Member is Making a Difference

EAST CHINA TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- In November, Allen Reichle, 20, was elected to the school board in the East China School District. Prior to being elected, Reichle attended municipal meetings and community events to get familiarized with the issues. "I wanted to let the people know that someone is genuinely listening and cares about their concerns" Reichle said.

Since being elected, Reichle has continued to attend local municipal meetings and PTO groups listening to questions, comments, and concerns that citizens have. Reichle also said that he has been visiting every facility throughout the district to get a better handle of what he is basing decisions on.

"I have taken advantage of social networking to connect with my constituents, to inform, update and allow them to ask questions and share their comments and concerns" he said.

Reichle has successfully used Facebook and Twitter to reach out to the residents of the East China School District area.

Recently, Reichle posted his phone number and email online with his local news outlets, so that citizens could have the opportunity to contact him about the upcoming budget or any other issue.

He has still urged citizens to contact him by phone or email. Reichle can be reached on his cell phone: (810) 580-1895 or his personal email at: allenreichle@yahoo.com.

Also, since being elected, Reichle has been an advocate for more transparency in the school district. For the first time the school district posted their meeting agenda packets online.

"It is the people's money, students, and facilities and they have a right to know what is going on and where we (their elected officials) stand" he said.

Even with all of these accomplishments Reichle said there is still a lot more things he would like to see happen. "I would like to see the community get more involved in the process. I feel that for years our district has been discouraging input from the community and I feel that it is my responsibility as a board member to urge people to get involved."

He also said that next year it is his goal to get budget workshops and town hall meetings going to listen to the questions, comments, and concerns of citizens in the district.

As a recent student Reichle said it puts him in a unique position to share his recent experience and make sure that the best interests of the students are heard.

Reichle also commented on the use of taxpayer money for conferences. "I do not see the need of taxpayer money for me or any other board member to attend a conference. They are wasteful when you are two clicks away from social networking."

Although, Reichle is not for taxpayer funded conferences he has utilized resources from the Michigan Association of School Boards and said he has purchased books to read up on.

When asked about his future political aspirations, Reichle made clear that his focus at the moment is representing and being a voice for the people that have elected him in the East China School District.