As most of you already know, I did not advance from the primary election. I want to thank all of those who supported me during this effort.
I will be supporting Mona Andrus for the school board. I have met with her and discussed various issues in the district at length. I think she will be an excellent representative and urge you to support her with your vote in the general election.
Mona is a parent of school-aged children. You know that I feel strongly to have such representation on the Board. She is willing to listen and communicate. She feels parents should have an opinion in the education of their children. She has a website at www.monaandrus.com where you can learn more about her.
Again, thank you for all your support.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
Election Day
The primary election is upon us, Tuesday, June 24th. You can deliver your mail-in ballots to the election site or vote in person on Tuesday. You can even register at the polls on Tuesday. Thanks to everyone for their support.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Common Core
I have been asked a lot about my position on Common Core and SAGE testing.
Regarding Common Core, I do not believe that a national standard works to benefit the unique local circumstances of each school district. I believe that its implementation has been very poor. I do not like such broad policies where the opportunity for local input has been so minimized.
That being said, I do support standards in curriculum. I support rigorous standards that reflect the technology-filled society of today. I understand the need to re-evaluate and update standards from time-to-time. I support ample opportunities for the standards to be presented to the public and professional educators to be commented upon before adoption.
Regarding SAGE testing, there are many negative aspects that includes a test related to a curriculum (Common Core) with its multitude of issues, the amount of class time required for the tests, lack of public input regarding the tests and content, and safeguards and use of test result data. I support minimal student assessments that help determine if the required material is being taught and learned and to help recognize student development. This standardized testing is only a snapshot of this process. Assessments like SAGE are becoming the focal point of education. Teach to the test. Prepare for the test. Too much focus on the test.
Regarding Common Core, I do not believe that a national standard works to benefit the unique local circumstances of each school district. I believe that its implementation has been very poor. I do not like such broad policies where the opportunity for local input has been so minimized.
That being said, I do support standards in curriculum. I support rigorous standards that reflect the technology-filled society of today. I understand the need to re-evaluate and update standards from time-to-time. I support ample opportunities for the standards to be presented to the public and professional educators to be commented upon before adoption.
Regarding SAGE testing, there are many negative aspects that includes a test related to a curriculum (Common Core) with its multitude of issues, the amount of class time required for the tests, lack of public input regarding the tests and content, and safeguards and use of test result data. I support minimal student assessments that help determine if the required material is being taught and learned and to help recognize student development. This standardized testing is only a snapshot of this process. Assessments like SAGE are becoming the focal point of education. Teach to the test. Prepare for the test. Too much focus on the test.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Contact or Questions
If you have a question on a specific topic you would like me to answer, you can e-mail me at mike4dsd@gmail.com or ask the question on my facebook page at facebook.com/mike4dsd
Why support me
First and foremost, I believe we need a parent of school-aged children on the Board. Too often decisions are being made by the Board, district administration or even school administration and the impacts in the classroom or on the students are not fully understood. A parent of school-aged children will provide this insight. As a parent myself, I am willing to discuss any issues with others and to advocate for these position on the Board. I will be uniquely qualified with children in the elementary, junior high and high school levels. I would ensure that decisions made provide a positive impact on our children’s education.
Secondly, I believe we need a representative willing to communicate with the community they represent. A board member should not be voted in to not be heard from until the next election. I would discuss any issues that are brought to my attention and actively seek public input on issues before the Board. I believe in a public comment period at Board meetings. I believe that transparency in the decision process is important and that the more information available to the public, the better.
And I believe that we need a Board representative willing to lead. The Board should be setting the agenda, vision and tone of education in the District and the administration should act to fulfill this vision. The Board should receive input from parents, teachers and community and make the decisions that will provide the best education possible. As I have attended Board meetings, the district administration often appears to be in the lead. I would question, ask for additional information, bring items to the agenda and be willing to advocate with other Board members for good policy. I would lead.
Secondly, I believe we need a representative willing to communicate with the community they represent. A board member should not be voted in to not be heard from until the next election. I would discuss any issues that are brought to my attention and actively seek public input on issues before the Board. I believe in a public comment period at Board meetings. I believe that transparency in the decision process is important and that the more information available to the public, the better.
And I believe that we need a Board representative willing to lead. The Board should be setting the agenda, vision and tone of education in the District and the administration should act to fulfill this vision. The Board should receive input from parents, teachers and community and make the decisions that will provide the best education possible. As I have attended Board meetings, the district administration often appears to be in the lead. I would question, ask for additional information, bring items to the agenda and be willing to advocate with other Board members for good policy. I would lead.
Why I am a candidate
I am a candidate for the Board because I believe that I can represent the views of our precinct and advocate for parent and student rights. I ran for the Board four years ago because I believed we needed better representation on the Board. I did not succeed, but I have continued to be involved in the schools and district where possible. I still believe I have much to offer and an enthusiasm to be involved in education.
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