Position sought: School Board
Age: 44
City/town of residence: Darlington
Family: Married to Juli (Barth-Darlington) for 18 years. Maverick, 17; Ben, 16; Logan, 14; Chloe, 12
Education: I graduated from West Waterloo High School in 1987. I then attended The University of Iowa for one year. I then enrolled in an apprenticeship program through The Pennsylvania State University to be a pipefitter in the Fire Protection Industry. I received my certificate in 1993.
Occupation: I have been in fire protection in one capacity or another for almost 25 years. I have been pipefitter, sales engineer, manager/owner, and now field superintendent. My work has taken me all over the Midwest where I have worked with many contractors, engineers and businesses. We work with owners to plan, budget and design fire sprinkler systems in new and existing construction.
What are the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve them?
There appears to be an obvious lack of communication between the board, faculty and community. I know the budget is a major issue, but if we don't work as a team to solve those issues it will make it harder on all of us. I want to restore respect and appreciation for our teachers. The feeling I get the last couple of years is that some people think teachers are overpaid. I'm sorry. But we have some great teachers and they are worth their weight in gold. As well as being well educated, they are shaping our children's future. To quote Arnie Miehe from just this week's NHS banquet: I'm so glad he's teaching my children "What He Is" as well as "What He Knows."
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
Money is definitely a huge issue affecting all school districts. And, cuts will no doubt affect our school but with good fiscal management and prioritizing our spending policies we can minimize the negative affect on teaching and learning.
I also think if we brainstorm with our teachers and students we would find areas where money is spent on things that are wasted. By nature, students and teachers are good at brainstorming for ideas. It would be silly not to involve them. We can avoid cuts if we just spend more wisely.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am the best candidate for a seat on the board because of my passion for the students getting the best possible quality education there is, I will make decisions based on the facts that I receive. I think the planning, management and people skills I have learned in the construction industry will be an asset. Issues come up every day on projects and you have to work together as a team to solve them. My team mentality is one of my greatest strengths if you work as a team in life and everyone feels that they are part of the team, good things happen. I am an optimist in life. When things get tough, I never let myself see the negative I think all of us would be surprised at how much we can do if we just do it. So bringing all of this to the board room, along with common sense and good positive attitude, I feel qualifies me as the best candidate for this position.
Age: 44
City/town of residence: Darlington
Family: Married to Juli (Barth-Darlington) for 18 years. Maverick, 17; Ben, 16; Logan, 14; Chloe, 12
Education: I graduated from West Waterloo High School in 1987. I then attended The University of Iowa for one year. I then enrolled in an apprenticeship program through The Pennsylvania State University to be a pipefitter in the Fire Protection Industry. I received my certificate in 1993.
Occupation: I have been in fire protection in one capacity or another for almost 25 years. I have been pipefitter, sales engineer, manager/owner, and now field superintendent. My work has taken me all over the Midwest where I have worked with many contractors, engineers and businesses. We work with owners to plan, budget and design fire sprinkler systems in new and existing construction.
What are the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve them?
There appears to be an obvious lack of communication between the board, faculty and community. I know the budget is a major issue, but if we don't work as a team to solve those issues it will make it harder on all of us. I want to restore respect and appreciation for our teachers. The feeling I get the last couple of years is that some people think teachers are overpaid. I'm sorry. But we have some great teachers and they are worth their weight in gold. As well as being well educated, they are shaping our children's future. To quote Arnie Miehe from just this week's NHS banquet: I'm so glad he's teaching my children "What He Is" as well as "What He Knows."
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
Money is definitely a huge issue affecting all school districts. And, cuts will no doubt affect our school but with good fiscal management and prioritizing our spending policies we can minimize the negative affect on teaching and learning.
I also think if we brainstorm with our teachers and students we would find areas where money is spent on things that are wasted. By nature, students and teachers are good at brainstorming for ideas. It would be silly not to involve them. We can avoid cuts if we just spend more wisely.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am the best candidate for a seat on the board because of my passion for the students getting the best possible quality education there is, I will make decisions based on the facts that I receive. I think the planning, management and people skills I have learned in the construction industry will be an asset. Issues come up every day on projects and you have to work together as a team to solve them. My team mentality is one of my greatest strengths if you work as a team in life and everyone feels that they are part of the team, good things happen. I am an optimist in life. When things get tough, I never let myself see the negative I think all of us would be surprised at how much we can do if we just do it. So bringing all of this to the board room, along with common sense and good positive attitude, I feel qualifies me as the best candidate for this position.