Olivet Community Schools

Mrs. Beth Page

Position on School Board: President
Elected to the Board in 1982
Personal
My husband, Roger and I moved to Olivet in 1962. We raised a daughter and two sons who are all graduates of Olivet Community Schools and four of our seven grandchildren are also graduates of Olivet Schools. In March we became great-grandparents for the first time and enjoy seeing Reece each week.
I enjoy spending time with my family, serving as a member of the Olivet Board of Education, cooking, baking, entertaining and reading. In addition to these activities I volunteer with my church, with the Women's Board of Olivet College and at the Oak Chest.
Summary of School Board Training
The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) has excellent higher level leadership training for board members around the state. Currently, there are over 4,100 members that are serving schools in the State of Michigan.
In April 1999 I was named one of 23 board members from the State of Michigan to receive the "Advanced Master Diamond Award." This award is presented by MASB to those board of education members who have completed a rigorous training program and have also assumed leadership roles at local and state levels. In 2009, I received the President's Award of Recognition  status which is the highest award presented to Board of Education members and only 44 of us have received the President's Award of Recognition. In addition, board members receiving this award have previously received the Award of Merit, the Award of Distinction and the Master Board Member Certification Award, the advanced Diamond Award and the Platinum Award.
In March 1997, I was selected by MASB as one of the 28 board members from the State of Michigan to complete the training and serve as an Ambassador for Public Education. I am currently serving in that capacity and have a new responsibility as a mentor to other school board members across the state. I have also served on the MASB Resolution and By Laws, and the Advocacy and Communication Committees.

On the Olivet Board of Education, I have served as the President since September 1986. Prior to becoming the President, I held the offices of vice president and secretary. During my tenure on the board of education I have served on each of the six standing board committees. In addition to the standing board committees I have served on four successful bond issues and served on seven superintendent searches.
Educational Background
I attended classes at Olivet College from 1980 until I retired in 2002. I participate in many local and state committee meetings and attend workshops to enhance my ability to assist the leadership of Olivet Community Schools in the "OLIVET WAY" and strive to move this district forward from "Good to Great."
Occupation
After over 30 years of employment at Olivet College, I accepted the early retirement incentive in May 2002. I served as the Director or Student Employment Program for 20 years, where I was responsible for the coordination and implementation of all portions of the program for over 500 student employees finding them employment both on and off campus. I worked with the local, state and federal governments to procure funding and employment opportunities.  I served as Staff Senate President and was chosen by my peers to represent them on three presidential search committees. In 1990 I received the Olivet College Administrator of the Year award and in 2000, I was a recipient of the Michigan Campus Compact Award for Community Service Learning. After retirement the Student Employee of the Year Award was renamed Beth Page Student Employee Award.
Why I want to be on the School Board
I have always performed community service and when the opportunity to be a candidate for the school board became available, I decided to seek election. It is an excellent opportunity for me to continue to serve my community. I have continually worked with the citizens of our community, fellow school board members, administrators, teachers and all staff members to strive to provide a quality education for all students.
Why am I proud of our school system
I believe it takes an entire village to raise a child. In the Olivet Community School district this concept has never been more prevalent. The citizens, students, school board members, administrators, teachers and staff support the academics, the arts, athletics and outstanding citizenship. We are extremely fortunate to have the continued support for all programs. In addition, to the many diverse academic options we are fortunate to provide our students with quality programs in the arts, athletics and various co-curricular activities. These various programs assist in preparing the students to be responsible citizens by providing them with the knowledge, skill, character and expertise to compete in a global society and ensuring a quality education to all. This commitment to all students makes me extremely proud.
Additional Information
Olivet Community School District is extremely fortunate that each school board members, currently serving, is dedicated to their role in ensuring that a quality education is being provided for all students.