Flikkema is a high impact sales and operations executive with 20-plus years of experience in the heavy-duty industry. He is a territory account manager with Trux Accessories.
Flikkema is a 1993 graduate of TK Schools and lived in the area most of his life. He has two sons who graduated from TK and two more children currently enrolled. He has been involved in the community coaching football, soccer, and basketball. Being on the board, he said, would be just another way to become more involved.
In his application, Flikkema stated he believes public education is a “partnership between teachers, students and families, working together to foster learning and growth....Thornapple Kellogg has long been a strong district, with students consistently performing well across key measures. At the same time, there is always room for improvement and with the right tools and support, we can continue to raise the bar. I am committed to helping TK build on its strengths and achieve even greater success for all students as we move forward into the future.”
During the interview, he was asked what he thought was the role of a board member. “I think this school board here is designed to help how the school is going to function, oversee things and set boundaries. We oversee and set budgets. But overall, you’re a sounding board or a liaison between the community and school.”
He said growth in the district is probably one of the largest challenges for TK Schools in the future. He noted the new apartments being built on M-37 and other housing developments taking place.
“I think growth is a big concern and trying to fit kids into schools and finding enough teachers. Traffic control is also a big concern. I think it’s a big safety issue.”
In his work experiences, Flikkema said he has experience establishing and maintaining budgets and managing different size work forces. “I think it’s well-within my abilities to serve on the school board and be able to be an influence and be a successful partner with the rest of the team.”
Flikkema said he appreciates the work the board has done in the past and he hopes to help continue moving TK Schools in a positive direction.
Two other candidates, Matt Brown and Sara Syswerda, were also interviewed for the board vacancy.