WHY AM I RUNNING & IF ELECTED, WHAT ARE RESULTS DO YOU EXPECT IN 3 YEARS?
I am running as a write in candidate for school board because I felt the urgency couldn't wait until 2017. The Hallsville Public Schools are the reason why we live in Hallsville - they were our first introduction to this community. My wife, Brittney, worked with the contract Occupational Therapist of the district for a short time right after she graduated from Mizzou. She came to home and raved about the teachers, quality of education, and the way everyone conducted themselves. So, naturally, when we were ready to buy or build a home, we started looking around Hallsville. We found 4 acres and built what we called our dream house in 2013 -- where we intend to live for a long time. I've been interested in school boards since I was 15 years old. I pitched the idea and convinced the Rolla School Board as a high school junior to create a policy surrounding a nonvoting student. 12 years later, that policy is still in place - and I was fortunate enough to serve as the first student. In a nutshell, I'm running to by the end of my first term to be able to confidently say: 1) we have hired a qualified, capable superintendent, 2) have restored educator and community trust, and 3) are able to be in a secure and predictable short and medium term financial status. WHAT STRENGTHS DO I BRING TO THE TABLE? I bring experience of being familiar with how education finances work from understanding the roles and impacts of the local, state, and federal government responsibility in our public schools. Whether as a student representative on a school board, taking education policy classes as a part of my graduate degree, or following the foundation formula and education policy in the legislature -- I believe I bring a variety of strengths related to policy experience. I believe in the importance of knowing what you don't. When I don't know an answer, I will work to get possible answers from reputable places and people. I have no particular "ax to grind." I am interested in working in the best interest of the district and our students, faculty, staff, and community. I pride myself on being known by family, friends, and colleagues as level-headed, calm, humble, and work to always make decisions in a cloud-free manner. During tense and important times, this is a quality I believe is a must have for every candidate. My perspective. I am a first generation college graduate, but I understand the type of education that Mizzou offers isn't for everyone. Every child is unique and has differing strengths and goals. A school board member should not be forced to pick one education program over another. Gifted, alternative educational settings, career options, or traditional students are all needed for our country to continue to be successful. Long-term viewpoint. It was the Hallsville Public Schools that drew us to this community and I am hopeful that I am fortunate enough to remain in this community for many years. We are at a vital juncture. I believe correcting things in the short term will make a huge different in our long-term success as a community. Lastly, I seek to understand all points of view before reaching a solution/answer. Some may call this wishy-washy. This is being aware that every point of view is valuable. Attempting to walk in someone else's shoes will be important in working to solve our problems. This is a strength of mine and something I believe this quality will either bring back or grow a sense of community pride in the standing of our schools.
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AuthorHallsville resident. Foster Parent. School board member. Politico. Jesus Follower. Cardinals Fan #MizzouMade Archives
June 2020
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