About Andy Thomas
I’ve been an Ann Arbor resident for nearly 40 years, and my son attends Ann Arbor Public Schools. Before being appointed to the school board in May 2010, I retired from a 25-year career as a health care administrator. I was honored to be elected to my current post in November 2010, and now I’m asking Ann Arbor voters to elect me to a full 4-year term so I can continue with the work I’ve been doing on the school board.
Who I am
- Resident of Ann Arbor since 1972
- Widowed, one son attending Ann Arbor public schools
- Retired health care administrator
- MBA University of Michigan
Involvement with schools
- Ann Arbor Board of Education since 2010
- Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation - ex-officio board member
- Former member of executive board, Ann Arbor PTO Council
- Field trip treasurer, Tappan Middle School
- Active in PTO and PTSO at Burns Park, Tappan
Other community involvement
- Alpha House shelter for homeless families
- Interfaith Hospitality Network
- Washtenaw Literacy
- Washtenaw Community Giving program
- Burns Park Players
- Ann Arbor Young Actors Guild
- U of M Life Science Orchestra
What I'm proud of
- Founding the Karen Thomas Memorial Fund (in my wife’s honor), dedicated to supporting and encouraging reading for disadvantaged elementary school students
- Raising my son as a single parent – I’ve gained new respect and admiration for all single parents
- Picking up the viola again after 40 years away from music, and earning a seat in the Life Science Orchestra
- Doing things I never thought I’d do - mountain hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, running for public office
What I bring to the Board of Education
- Independent thinker
- Listen to multiple points of view
- No preconceived agenda (other than what’s best for kids)
- “What you see is what you get”
- Believe in data-driven decisions