RE-ELECT
MAROHN
&
ELECT
CONRAD
for St. Joseph
Public Schools
Board of Education
Proven leadership.
Excellent schools.
Always improving.
Our great schools are the heart of our great community.
We serve on the school board, we have kids in these schools, and we're running again because we think St. Joe is doing something worth protecting.
Amy & Gillian
Amy Marohn
Proudly a St. Joseph native and SJPS graduate
Over 14 years of collaboration and leadership on the SJPS Board of Education – currently serves as secretary
Volunteer in SJPS school classrooms, PTO’s, BOP and St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation
Mother of three SJPS students
Servant leader in local nonprofit and professional organizations
Gillian Conrad
St. Joseph resident for nearly 17 years
Mother of 2 current SJPS students
Served on the SJPS Board of Education since January 2025
Advocate and champion of the passage of the 2025 bond
Local health care and public health communications professional
Community and schools volunteer through PTOs and youth sports
Amy and Gillian champion
St. Joseph Public Schools’ values
Excellence
Responsible Stewardship
Transparency
Teamwork
Continuous Improvement
Together,
Amy and Gillian
have worked
tirelessly
to help SJPS
Achieve the #1 ranking of best school districts in Berrien County and a Top 10 ranking for best districts in Michigan, according to Niche, the leader in K-12 ratings in the country.
Sustain an average high school graduation rate of 98%.
Recruit and retain strong, passionate educators and administrators including Superintendent Kristen Bawks.
Continuously make progress towards goals on the district strategic plan (Blueprint for Educational Achievement and Results, also known as B.E.A.R.)
Maintain a financially healthy school district by establishing and directing a $40.6 million balanced budget, with approximately 80% of general funds allocated to direct instructional support of students.
Provide opportunities for support, safety and growth for all students backed by:
Passed $59.9 million bond in November 2025 with a zero-mill increase to make vital districtwide improvements including updates to infrastructure, safety and security, and educational environments at all buildings.
Increased the number of social workers/counselors from six to nine, including, for the first time ever, a full-time social worker at each of our 5 school buildings.
Updated Emergency Operations and Safety Plans for all buildings.
Remain focused on a service-oriented model of board governance versus an agenda-oriented model.
VOTE ON OR
BEFORE NOV. 3
for Amy Marohn
and Gillian Conrad
Our priorities
See the bond projects through.
In 2025, St. Joseph voters approved an investment in our schools to make infrastructure and learning-environment improvements. We'll deliver those improvements as promised, on budget. We'll also push for clear, regular updates so families can follow the progress themselves rather than wonder about it.
Guide the next strategic plan.
The next strategic plan will shape our district for years and it will take true partnership for a thoughtful, inclusive process to develop. We'll help build it with real input from parents, teachers, staff, and neighbors to help build a plan that keeps our students thriving academically and our schools strong for the long-term future.
Protect sound finances.
St. Joseph Public Schools maintains balanced budgets and independent audits confirming responsible financial management. We know school finance can feel confusing, and we think that's a problem worth solving. Our commitment is to keep spending disciplined, tie every dollar back to student learning and safe facilities, and explain it all in plain language.
Approach technology thoughtfully.
Parents have fair questions about the use of screens and AI in the classroom. Our district is taking a deliberate, phased approach: piloting tools with a small group of teachers, bringing in outside expertise and professional development, and updating guidance each year as we learn from staff. This work is far from finished, and we'd rather get it done right than get it done fast.
Support our teachers and staff.
Our schools are among the best in the county and state because of the people in them. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining excellent educators is one of the most important things a board can do, and we take it seriously.
Keep improving communication.
Great schools listen. Communication in this district is more open than it used to be, and we want to keep raising that bar with plain-language updates, easier access to board information, and genuine two-way conversation with the families we serve.
