Position sought: Darlington School Board
Age: 34
City/town of residence: Darlington
Family: Wife, Amber. Daughters, Emma (8) and Gianna (4)
Education: Darlington High School Graduate, Bachelors of Business Administration, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Occupation: Co-founder, TermSync, Inc.
What are the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve them?
As with all school districts, there are many financial constraints that are challenging how our schools operate. I believe our district must take a serious look into sharing expenses with other local districts in order to keep more teachers in the classroom. With the technology that is available (video conferencing and online meetings), I believe a superintendent could manage multiple districts from a central office. Other administrative functions could be consolidated across districts saving our local districts money.
Another issue our schools must deal with is balancing the state's testing requirements and the preparation that goes along with it, while still allowing our students the opportunity to learn how to solve unique and interesting problems. Problem-solving while working in groups is something students will do their entire lives, but this cannot be "tested" on a multiple choice test. I believe a complete review off all courses is needed and questions raised whether that course is adding value. Is the course engaging the students or is it simply a lecture asking students to memorize trivial facts? Is there a way technology could be used to allow teachers more one-on-one class time with students? These are some of the questions that need to be asked to ensure our students are prepared for an ever changing world.
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
Over the last few years, I believe the trust between the community and the school board has diminished. In order for our school and our students to be successful, our community must fully support and trust how the board operates. To resolve this issue, the board needs to listen and ask more questions in order to improve the district. If elected, I would work to ensure people who attend board meetings feel comfortable bringing their issues to the board and I would work to addresss those issues in a timely manner.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I believe my work experience has prepared me to be a very good school board member. I grew up in Darlington and now live in Darlington, but I have lived and worked on both the East Coast and West Coast. I worked in various management positions within a Fortune 500 company. Working for a large corporation taught me many things regarding management and budgeting. Also, having lived in other parts of the country has exposed me to different cultures and personalities.
Most recently, I co-founded TermSync, Inc. with my brother. Being a part of a start-up has proved very challenging and has taught me many lessons when it comes to dealing with a adversity.
As a parent, I care deeply about how are schools operate and I believe I could be a valuable asset to the Darlington school district.
Age: 34
City/town of residence: Darlington
Family: Wife, Amber. Daughters, Emma (8) and Gianna (4)
Education: Darlington High School Graduate, Bachelors of Business Administration, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Occupation: Co-founder, TermSync, Inc.
What are the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve them?
As with all school districts, there are many financial constraints that are challenging how our schools operate. I believe our district must take a serious look into sharing expenses with other local districts in order to keep more teachers in the classroom. With the technology that is available (video conferencing and online meetings), I believe a superintendent could manage multiple districts from a central office. Other administrative functions could be consolidated across districts saving our local districts money.
Another issue our schools must deal with is balancing the state's testing requirements and the preparation that goes along with it, while still allowing our students the opportunity to learn how to solve unique and interesting problems. Problem-solving while working in groups is something students will do their entire lives, but this cannot be "tested" on a multiple choice test. I believe a complete review off all courses is needed and questions raised whether that course is adding value. Is the course engaging the students or is it simply a lecture asking students to memorize trivial facts? Is there a way technology could be used to allow teachers more one-on-one class time with students? These are some of the questions that need to be asked to ensure our students are prepared for an ever changing world.
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
Over the last few years, I believe the trust between the community and the school board has diminished. In order for our school and our students to be successful, our community must fully support and trust how the board operates. To resolve this issue, the board needs to listen and ask more questions in order to improve the district. If elected, I would work to ensure people who attend board meetings feel comfortable bringing their issues to the board and I would work to addresss those issues in a timely manner.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I believe my work experience has prepared me to be a very good school board member. I grew up in Darlington and now live in Darlington, but I have lived and worked on both the East Coast and West Coast. I worked in various management positions within a Fortune 500 company. Working for a large corporation taught me many things regarding management and budgeting. Also, having lived in other parts of the country has exposed me to different cultures and personalities.
Most recently, I co-founded TermSync, Inc. with my brother. Being a part of a start-up has proved very challenging and has taught me many lessons when it comes to dealing with a adversity.
As a parent, I care deeply about how are schools operate and I believe I could be a valuable asset to the Darlington school district.