It has been said that children
inherit three things from their parents; Their looks, their last
name, and their religion. But, one could certainly ascertain
that children inherit something else as well.
“I feel it’s important for
parents to be involved in their children’s education,” Carol
Elfring stated. And, she would know. As the Secretary for the
Board of Education, her firsthand experience in the world of
academics is long and noteworthy.
Growing up just outside of
Cleveland, Ohio, she attended Berea High School, and she counts
Jim Tressel among her classmates. Jim Tressel is the Head Coach
of the Ohio State Buckeyes Football team, and he has won 4
Division 1-AA championships, and one Division 1 National
Championship.
Carol Elfring has been highly
successful as well. After high school, she matriculated at
Michigan State University, earning Bachelor of Science Degrees
in Merchandising and Retailing. During this time, she met her
husband, Herbert. Dr. Herbert Elfring Jr., DDS, presides over a
highly regarded dental practice in Novi.
After relocating to Detroit
following college, Carol Elfring pursued banking as an initial
career. But, true to her philosophical beliefs, she volunteered
as a room mother while her first daughter was attending
kindergarten.
Once she got involved, she
stayed involved as she contributed her talents and spirit
wherever needed. She chaired the carnival at Village Oaks, she
was the Girl Scout leader presiding over two Girl Scout troops,
and she ultimately became the PTO President of Novi Middle
School. In this role she met with the Superintendent once per
month, and also attend functions where she would interact with
other PTO presidents from around the state.
Her exemplary performance led
to further involvement with District-Wide responsibilities and
eventually an opening on the Novi Board of Education.
In 1995, she joined the Board
as a Trustee, and her noteworthy assignments have since included
Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary and President.
“The main role of the Board of
Education is to develop policy,” Elfring points out. “We work
with administrators, principals, etc.”
Currently the Board is in the
process of recruiting and appointing a new Superintendent, as
Dr. Emmett Lippe is retiring. This search is slated to be
completed by June 2005, and is a very important undertaking. The
Board of Education, under the guise of a Superintendent, helps to
oversee the health and well-being of our school system while
providing guidance and vision.
“One of the things that makes
Novi an exemplary school district,” Elfring added, “is that we
interact with other districts around the nation.” This
collaborative effort also extends to business and civic leaders
as well. From the City Manager to all levels of City Government,
this Socratic approach sets the tone for critical thinking and
excellent input from a wide variety of sources.
In addition, this type of
interaction keeps everyone informed on what’s taking place in
the educational community.
“First and foremost,” Elfring
emphasized, “we focus on what is best for the children and their
education.” “We deal with a lot of State and Federal mandates,
while still providing what’s best for the kids.”
Carol Elfring has tremendous
passion for kids. She loves kids, and genuinely wants to provide a
vehicle that will assist in the development of healthy,
productive, well-educated citizens. Her actions speak for
themselves, as does her body of work. Her passion has manifested
itself in various roles from professional volunteer, to
including her service on the Michigan Association of School
Boards. She is also involved with the Legal Trust Committee, and
participates each February in Washington. D.C. as a lobby for
the Public Federal Relations Network.
Through it all, Carol Elfring
maintains a sincere passion for children, and her desire for
on-going involvement in children’s education and the programs
and activities that go along with it.
At the end of the day, her
mission stays the same. “Always do what is best for the
children, and their education.” And as the Board of Education
marches into the future, “finances will be a part of all
issues,” as starting and maintaining fruitful programs are an
important aspect.
And of course hiring the best
Superintendent is of paramount importance as well… One that will
carry on the mission while assimilating within the current
fabric of the Novi Community and beyond.
In this arena, Carol Elfring is
a National Champion as well.