04/05/2021
Please get out and vote tomorrow. I running for the Cadott school board and would love your support.
I've included my responses here that were in the Courier sentinel last week. As always, feel free to reach out to me any time with questions.
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* Why are you seeking election or re-election to public office?
I believe that as a district, we need to do significantly better academically, extracurricularly, and inclusively. Academically, we are below where our students need to be. It is also how we are judged by prospective new residents when deciding to enroll their children in our district. A good school report card results in better enrollment, which results in more funds to help our students. Extracurricularly, we have a great set of sports programs, but lack enrichment programs for those students that aren’t going out for sports. That lack of participation leads directly to a lack of inclusiveness, which leads to poorer academic performance. We have a rich community of residents with gifts and talents that can be leveraged to build after school enrichment programs at little to no cost to our district. I’ve seen this happen in other districts, and we need to bring it to ours.
* What do you see as your role as an elected official of the school board?
I believe my role is to represent the students, the residents, and the taxpayers. As such, communication and transparency are critical. I hear all too often about how there isn’t enough community involvement or attendance with our school board. We live in a world filled with technology, but don’t embrace it. I would strive to have a better presence on social media to communicate agendas and meeting minutes. I would encourage video broadcasting of meetings, and recording of them so the community could watch any meeting at a later date. These are simple, cost effective measures that can be implemented immediately.
* What do you think are the most important things the school needs to focus on in the coming years?
Academic excellence has to be the priority. But what is academic excellence? It’s not just a school report card. It’s faculty having what they need to have each student meet or exceed their goals. It’s having your community actively involved in supporting long and short term district goals. It’s creating measurable goals that both the board and the faculty can be held accountable too.
* What do you think is the most important thing the school can offer its community members?
The most important thing we can offer our community members is a way to get involved, or at the very least, stay better informed. I’m a firm believer that you and your student will only get out of your education what you put into it. Every time you successfully involve even one more community member in your efforts, you are one step closer to successfully achieving your goals as a district.
