Michael DeGrange, Glocester School Committee 2008

Family Information:

My name as you now know is Michael DeGrange. I am a happily married father of three children, all whom proudly attend schools in either the Glocester or Foster - Glocester School Systems. My wife's name is Mary-Beth and was a graduate of Ponaganset. Myself, I am a graduate of Cumberland High School as well as New England Institute of Technology where I received both my Associate's and Bachelor's degrees in Computer Information Systems. My three children are: my stepson Alexander Hills who is currently enrolled in the 10th grade at Ponaganset, André (7) and Ashton (5) who are in 2nd grade and Kindergarten respectively at West Glocester Elementary..

About Me:

By trade I am currently a Senior Systems Analyst for Court Square Group out of Springfield, Massachusetts. We are a company that provides strategic consulting in Information Technology (IT), Business Processes and Managed Service. I am currently assigned to our Managed Services Team where I remotely manage IT environments across the globe.

Why am I Running:

Probably the number one question posed during my time gathering signatures, the answer is simple, We (my family) are a single income family and as such, are deeply interested guaranteeing my children a great education while also making sure we are able to afford the cost of said education. I believe my knowledge and expertise in business and procedural analysis will definitely be an asset if I am elected to the School Committee. Prior to my decision to run, I was oblivious to the school's current situation outside of seeing the dilapidated computer environment on parent teacher days or school functions. I have some ideas regarding the mentoring of our high school level students and harnessing their energy and knowledge to help service the school's computer systems.

Where do I Stand:

Well, I firmly believe that one cannot have a stance until one knows all the facts involved. Once a thorough gathering of facts has been done only then after some discussion can one have a stand. I do not believe in having preconceived notions. I care about the two bottom lines. One being providing our children with the best education we can and secondly making sure the cost of that education doesn't push us out of our homes. Financial Accountability is important especially during the tough times we are experiencing now. We all work hard for our money and I believe it should be spent wisely where it best benefits our children. I also believe that involving the parents in their children's education. As an informed parent is an involved parent. Some have asked where I lay regarding party lines, Since I first registered to vote I have been an independent. I believe money should be spent responsibly.