Why am I running for the Board of Education?
I am running for the Board of Education to serve the community. I currently see the need for individuals like myself to be actively involved in areas where they can make a difference in their community.
What experiences do I have that have prepared me for the BOE?
As an engineer, I think one of my strengths as a board member will be facility related. I am able to comprehend a variety of permanent improvement and preventative maintenance needs at the district.
Also, working for Hancock-Wood Electric the last 20+ years has allowed me to better understand the roles and responsibilities of an elected board member. Hancock-Wood Electric members elect a board of trustees as representatives for their district to set policies, financial and business direction.
Also, working for Hancock-Wood Electric the last 20+ years has allowed me to better understand the roles and responsibilities of an elected board member. Hancock-Wood Electric members elect a board of trustees as representatives for their district to set policies, financial and business direction.
How have I been involved in the Van Buren and Hancock County Community?
Van Buren Community:
- Youth VB coaching - basketball, baseball, midget football, and soccer
- Several years on the Van Buren Sports Complex Board.
- Volunteer Firefighter / EMR
Why Should I be elected to the Van Buren BOE?
I should be elected because I have board operating knowledge through experience, financial and facility knowledge, and children actively in the district.
What separates me from other BOE members?
Regarding non-incumbents, I currently have children in the district that allows me to be more engaged in the current activities at the school.
Regarding other board members, I am a step ahead with knowledge of facilities and how to make permanent, cost-effective improvements.
Regarding other board members, I am a step ahead with knowledge of facilities and how to make permanent, cost-effective improvements.
What are the most important attributes and behaviors of a BOE member?
- Factual and analytical based decision making.
- Effective listening.
- Active engagement in district activities outside of the board meeting
- Leading by example
What do I see as the primary responsibility of the BOE?
- Financial responsibility
- Developing common sense policies
- Establishing the overall direction of the school
- Holding administration accountable
What do I feel are the responsibilities of the BOE?
Our role and responsibility is to support along with ensure the administration in achieving the goals and policies of the district. We should not be involved in the active day to day of the school.
How do I feel differences of opinion should be addressed?
The best way is to communicate respectfully with each other and keep an open mind in regards to each other’s ideas and opinions. We should revert to our core goals and evaluate opinions based on how they positively impact the students and staff. As a district we need to provide a united front regardless of personal opinion. Every decision isn’t going to be unanimous.
What are the improvements Van Buren can make?
The district needs to ensure we stay relevant in our academic content. Promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and deliver content in the way our students want to receive it and don’t rely on older outdated methods.
Additionally, I feel improvements can be made in the following ways:
Facilities
Additionally, I feel improvements can be made in the following ways:
Facilities
- We need to first evaluate where we are at.
- Need community input on where we should be.
- Evaluate multiple solutions to identified needs and deficiencies.
- Effectively and accurately communicate them to the community for them to provide feedback.
- Implement solutions and be accountable for them being completed.
- Ensure teacher involvement when it comes to any curriculum decisions.
- While we focus on community communication, ensure that we are doing the same across all the administrators and staff.
How can we prepare our Black Knights to be good citizens?
I think the school district is currently doing a good job at preparing the students for graduation. To enhance this, the district is rolling out “The Quest” which include “Traits of a Black Knight”: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Resilient. If we emphasize these traits district-wide and hold everyone accountable to them, it should provide a better outcome for our students in return.
How do I feel about preparing students to be college-ready?
Continue to provide a high level of challenging academic content and understand that all graduates won’t go to college. That is why we need to have other alternatives that provide student learning content that prepares them to enter the work force after graduation.
How can Van Buren balance quality education with financial responsibility?
By consistently evaluating our operations. When opportunities to make efficient improvements arise, we need to take swift action so long as they don’t negatively affect the students. While sometimes unpopular, the district is in the service business and we need to provide a high level of service that the community is demanding at the most economical price. Otherwise, people will take their money elsewhere.
What are my thoughts on the current financial outlook for Van Buren?
With the recent passage of the local 1% income tax and considering the financials (FY 2021) projected to move forward without deficit spending, I would say we are heading in the right direction. Projections for the next 5 years show zero deficit spending. We need to keep this trajectory and work with the administration to eliminate situations that would put the district in a place where deficit spending would occur.
What budget cuts would I consider?
I would consider making cuts anywhere there is an opportunity to improve efficiencies without affecting the safety and overall educational experience of the students. A board member should review all areas and consider cuts in relation to overall school district priorities. However, safety items should be off the table. Needs take priority over wants. Items that directly affect the safety and educational experience of both students and staff shall take priority.
If I could make any changes on the state and local level, what Would they be?
- State funding calculation that limits the amount of tax dollars entering back into the district.
- State Voucher program (currently not affecting VB)
- More local control on safety, curriculum and health items.