Dion VanKehrberg For East China School Board

11/01/2022

Here is a questionnaire that some of us school board member candidates have filled out. I hope it helps you to pick the correct candidate for you. 

https://cdn.fbsbx.com/v/t59.2708-21/314183806_792308378515280_4483029120031950957_n.pdf/Voters-Guide-Final2.pdf?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=0cab14&_nc_ohc=fj-KKJdq0LYAX9g7ooo&_nc_ht=cdn.fbsbx.com&oh=03_AdTi7_F3h1cIawY6zf8uJj3R8xrhULvuB8V7e6KhLDQgcA&oe=6362FDFD&dl=1&fbclid=IwAR1318rnmsWBdlK2LKSMOPgu-k8WAbBeS5rX7J7EtJiOzo5i2rktQ451QD8

10/27/2022

I will be in front of War Water Brewery/Distillery in St City Of Saint Clair, Michigan to meet anyone or answer questions. There will also be other school board candidates there.
6:30-8pm

10/26/2022

Candidate submitted bio: My name is Dion VanKehrberg, and I’m a longtime resident of St.Clair county. After graduating from St. Clair High school, I continued a family tradition of entrepreneurship.

10/26/2022

Question
Are my children enrolled in public schools “East China School District “?
No they do not and I believe that is a good question along with why don’t they. I am very unhappy with the public school system and what they are teaching and presenting to our children. Until I see the changes needed they will not be back in.
I did not think the mask mandate was handled correctly and the disruption of in person learning. We were fortunate enough to have them in private school where they never went virtual and stayed in the classroom.
I do not like the political dogma in our schools and curriculum.
I do not like how they are constantly propagating extreme ideals that harm our children and have no place in our schools.
The recent trend of dismissal of biological s*x has not made it safe for our children in the bathroom and locker rooms. We need common sense.
Teachers not being allowed to handle disruptive behavior in the classroom is also having a negative affect. East China’s “good school” rating, and their math & reading proficiency has also declined.
My daughter was interested in going to St. Clair High School this past year and with these concerns we opted out. Wether you’re a parent of a child currently in the public schools or a citizen in the community this should still be important to all of us.
I have faith that we can turn this around and want to be a part of it. I hope this gives you clarity, feel free to ask any other questions.

10/26/2022

My name is Dion VanKehrberg and I’m a longtime resident of St.Clair county. After graduating from St. Clair High school, I continued a family tradition of entrepreneurship. My family and I have have owned and operated small businesses from the Detroit metro area to St. Clair county for over 60 years. Currently my wife and I own Salon Dion of Marysville (established 2002), a full service salon and spa. I am a realtor for Keller Williams also. Paula and I have been married 15 years and have 3 wonderful children together. We live in St. Clair and feel so blessed to be part of this community. I care deeply about the future of our county and the people that live here. Last year I organized and successfully held our 1st Annual Spring Formal Dance for all St. Clair County teens including public and private schools, and those homeschooled. Another way I am involved in enriching our community is through being a part of establishing (March 2022) Grace Baptist Church of St. Clair currently meeting in the gymnasium of Eddy Elementary until finding a permanent home. Being so connected in our community has given me the unique opportunity to speak to students, teachers, administrators, parents, clergy, and local law enforcement in and outside of our local school district about the challenges and concerns facing today. Listening to all these different voices and points of view has motivated me to become part of the solution. I prioritize parents rights and participation in their children’s education. Trust in our schools is strengthened through transparency on all issues. The issues include but are not limited to budget, spending, curriculem and ideologies presented in the classroom. Class time should remain focused on academics to improve such things as our declining proficiency in math and reading. It’s also important to protect children form issues and materials that are inappropriate for them. I feel hopeful that I can help to make the changes necessary to improve our schools. I don’t have all the answers but through listening and working together I know we can be a force for positive change in St. Clair County. I love and believe in our country, our community, and our schools! Thank you for your vote!

10/20/2022

I will be against this kind of mandate for our children. Know who you are voting for! Protect our children against this evil.

The CDC Advisory Committee has unanimously voted to add COVID-19 shots to the child and adolescent vaccination schedule.

10/20/2022

I will be speaking at the We The County Days this Saturday. If anyone would like to meet or ask questions there will be some candidates for many different offices there speaking as well

10/20/2022

09/22/2022

I have 3 children and they are 7 year old boy, 12 year old boy, and 14 year old daughter and they go to Blue Water Christian Academy. My daughter who is in 9th grade may be switching to St. Clair High school next year. So the obvious question is why not now or why not public schools? My kids are not the only reason. I had already been troubled and wanting change in our district. As you might know I grew up here and attended East China schools. I am a St. Clair graduate class of 86’. This is about the community we live in. I don’t believe you have to have a student at East China Schools to want something better for your community. As I said earlier I care about this community and school district. It directly affects us that live here, how are kids are taught and directed. If my daughter does choose to go here then I want to give her the same opportunity I am hoping for all the students in our community. I believe we all want the best for our children.
I chose to go private schooling for a few reasons. Academics are number one. I prefer Mathmatics to be taught with a strong foundation that doesn’t align with Common Core. I also prefer Phonics over Sight words. Secondly I don’t want the government deciding for me. I believe it’s the parents that should be fully involved. Parents need to be there and involved with projects and assisting when needed in classrooms and field trips. Parents need to know what is being taught and should have full access to that.
I hope I answered that. Any questions please reach out to me or message me.
Thank you for taking your time.

Send a message to learn more

09/22/2022

I do believe in our school and community that supports it. As a parent of 3 kids I do see the daily challenges of parents, teachers and most importantly our children. Our community has taken quite a loss on its population and we need to create a draw back to the area. I believe our schools are definitely important for that. As there are many challenges in raising our kids in these times their most important voice will always be the parents. They have their best advocate. I want to help with that voice making sure it’s heard and answered. Now although we all may not want the same thing that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be heard. The school board should be a servant to the community. I personally have traditional Christian family ideas about school. As I feel passionate about that some may not and that’s okay. I want to hear what students, parents, and teachers want and or need for a successful learning environment.
Academics should be our first focus. We need to hear from our teachers. They(you) are living these challenges daily. I have an interesting job that gives me an opportunity to hear from retired and working teachers and board members. Not all from East China Schools but all over Michigan. As well as parents and students and they also share with me their ideas and challenges. The playing field has changed for everyone these last few years. We need to repair, take care of and evolve into a better environment. We cannot expect anyone to want to become a teacher without creating a safe and better environment.
I’m not a politician but I am a parent that loves and believes in a better tomorrow for our children and schools.
I hope that helps! Please let me know any specific questions.