Albany School Board
There are four candidates running for two spots on the Albany school board. Sherri Cleasby and Philip Kubesh are running, as are incumbents Adam Kopp and Andy Knauf.
Position sought: Albany school board
Age: 44
Residence: Township of Albany
Family: Married to Shelley Kubesh; children, Kyle Woyak, 2013 graduate of Albany High School and Sydnee Woyak, junior at Albany High School
Education: St. John's University, Collegeville, MN,1993 graduate, Bachelor of Arts Business Management. Edgewood College, Madison, 2004 graduate, Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
Occupation: Director - IT, Vita Plus Corporation, Madison
Previous elected positions held: None
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve them?
My goal is to assist in making good conscientious decisions that will ensure a positive future for our students, teachers, staff and taxpayers. My knowledge, experience and education will help me provide leadership and build a vision for all to share in; the execution of that vision is what is key.
• Transforming and maintaining our district's student and teacher technology infrastructure; Work with others to come up with a strategic vision for technology.
• Increasing the transparency in the district decision-making and communication with all stakeholders
• Focus on decreasing the school's deficit
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
• Student enrollment has been declining the past several years. It's disheartening to see Albany parents (who live within a block from me) open enrolling their children in other school districts. We have to create an environment for students that will increase their opportunities for their future, whether it's in academics or extra-curricular activities. By offering more opportunities, students will be interested in exploring what the Albany school district has to offer.
• Create a long-term vision, mapping a course that provides the necessary opportunities students need to reach their full potential. The board is responsible for establishing and maintaining a structure that supports this vision, empowers the staff, and provides leadership. It is difficult to provide leadership and carry out a vision when a district reacts from crisis to crisis. With my background and knowledge, I can help to provide the necessary leadership to keep the district on an even keel. We have tremendous teachers and staff working with our children. We must re-establish morale amongst all district employees, and work to return harmony throughout the district. Education takes place in the classroom and the board's efforts must focus on enhancing and enriching what goes on there.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I believe that some of my greatest assets will be beneficial to the school district. I have board experience; I've served on the AgGateway Board (an agriculture consortium that creates standards for the agriculture industry) and American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) Technology Committee. I've worked in the technology field for over 20 years. I know how the IT and the business side can be leveraged to enable learning. I think it's essential for a small school district like Albany to be able to use their time, talents and treasures most effectively. We have a small margin of error to get this right for the students, and the clock is ticking. Our school is here to serve the educational needs of all the children. All stakeholders; parents, all district personnel, as well as students must be partners in this endeavor if we are to be successful.
Age: 44
Residence: Township of Albany
Family: Married to Shelley Kubesh; children, Kyle Woyak, 2013 graduate of Albany High School and Sydnee Woyak, junior at Albany High School
Education: St. John's University, Collegeville, MN,1993 graduate, Bachelor of Arts Business Management. Edgewood College, Madison, 2004 graduate, Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
Occupation: Director - IT, Vita Plus Corporation, Madison
Previous elected positions held: None
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve them?
My goal is to assist in making good conscientious decisions that will ensure a positive future for our students, teachers, staff and taxpayers. My knowledge, experience and education will help me provide leadership and build a vision for all to share in; the execution of that vision is what is key.
• Transforming and maintaining our district's student and teacher technology infrastructure; Work with others to come up with a strategic vision for technology.
• Increasing the transparency in the district decision-making and communication with all stakeholders
• Focus on decreasing the school's deficit
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
• Student enrollment has been declining the past several years. It's disheartening to see Albany parents (who live within a block from me) open enrolling their children in other school districts. We have to create an environment for students that will increase their opportunities for their future, whether it's in academics or extra-curricular activities. By offering more opportunities, students will be interested in exploring what the Albany school district has to offer.
• Create a long-term vision, mapping a course that provides the necessary opportunities students need to reach their full potential. The board is responsible for establishing and maintaining a structure that supports this vision, empowers the staff, and provides leadership. It is difficult to provide leadership and carry out a vision when a district reacts from crisis to crisis. With my background and knowledge, I can help to provide the necessary leadership to keep the district on an even keel. We have tremendous teachers and staff working with our children. We must re-establish morale amongst all district employees, and work to return harmony throughout the district. Education takes place in the classroom and the board's efforts must focus on enhancing and enriching what goes on there.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I believe that some of my greatest assets will be beneficial to the school district. I have board experience; I've served on the AgGateway Board (an agriculture consortium that creates standards for the agriculture industry) and American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) Technology Committee. I've worked in the technology field for over 20 years. I know how the IT and the business side can be leveraged to enable learning. I think it's essential for a small school district like Albany to be able to use their time, talents and treasures most effectively. We have a small margin of error to get this right for the students, and the clock is ticking. Our school is here to serve the educational needs of all the children. All stakeholders; parents, all district personnel, as well as students must be partners in this endeavor if we are to be successful.