Position sought: Darlington School Board
Age: 44
City/town of residence: Town of Darlington
Family: Wife: Tina, Kids: Jacob, Senior; Willie, Sophomore; Katie, Freshman
Education: Bachelor of Science in Ag Business, UW-Platteville 1996
Occupation: Farmer
Previous elected positions held: School Board
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
School funding and a diverse student population are two of our top issues. It can be very difficult to reconcile the needs of the students with the desire of the taxpayers to not see their property taxes increase. A great deal of time is spent trying to be as efficient as possible with the taxpayers' money. Referendums have become a very important part of our funding. Again, a lot of time and effort is spent getting the terms and conditions of the referendum to match the needs of the school and taxpayers. As a board member you need to be committed to the time it takes to explain what you're doing to the taxpayers so they will support our school.
Our diverse student population challenges us to have enough staff and classroom space to maximize the students' potential. Whether it means hiring someone to help a student one on one or updating our tech ed space, as we did last year, we need our students to be as ready for their next step in life as possible.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
Our facilities are nowhere near new and need updating. We have started improving the high school and will continue to do that as time and resources are available. Another way some of our improvements have been funded is by working with booster clubs. Their generosity with time and money should not be overlooked.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I have been a member of the school board for 9 years. I understand the decisions we made in the past and why we made them. I also understand how the plans we have now will affect the school in the years to come. Continuity of a board is important to the efficient and even flow of decision making. I have a good working relationship with Administration and Staff. I am committed to the amount of time it takes to be on the school board.
Age: 44
City/town of residence: Town of Darlington
Family: Wife: Tina, Kids: Jacob, Senior; Willie, Sophomore; Katie, Freshman
Education: Bachelor of Science in Ag Business, UW-Platteville 1996
Occupation: Farmer
Previous elected positions held: School Board
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
School funding and a diverse student population are two of our top issues. It can be very difficult to reconcile the needs of the students with the desire of the taxpayers to not see their property taxes increase. A great deal of time is spent trying to be as efficient as possible with the taxpayers' money. Referendums have become a very important part of our funding. Again, a lot of time and effort is spent getting the terms and conditions of the referendum to match the needs of the school and taxpayers. As a board member you need to be committed to the time it takes to explain what you're doing to the taxpayers so they will support our school.
Our diverse student population challenges us to have enough staff and classroom space to maximize the students' potential. Whether it means hiring someone to help a student one on one or updating our tech ed space, as we did last year, we need our students to be as ready for their next step in life as possible.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
Our facilities are nowhere near new and need updating. We have started improving the high school and will continue to do that as time and resources are available. Another way some of our improvements have been funded is by working with booster clubs. Their generosity with time and money should not be overlooked.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I have been a member of the school board for 9 years. I understand the decisions we made in the past and why we made them. I also understand how the plans we have now will affect the school in the years to come. Continuity of a board is important to the efficient and even flow of decision making. I have a good working relationship with Administration and Staff. I am committed to the amount of time it takes to be on the school board.