Provide a brief summary of your background and any special skills/training you would bring to the position of school board member:
I have been a resident of Trenton for 35 years. My wife is a teacher and we have 2 daughters in the school district. I enjoy serving Trenton whenever I am given the opportunity to do so. I have served on the board for our local union at Nestle Foods as Vice President for 3 years and President for 4 years. My love for our community combined with my experience serving on a board would help me serve the school board well.
In your opinion, what has the Trenton R-9 School District done well during the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and what do you believe could have been done differently?
I believe given the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic the R-9 School District has done well dealing with all the challenges they have faced. As we struggle through these times together, I know dealing with these issues has been extremely difficult to manage. Not being involved in the decision-making process and having all the information, it would be difficult to say what I would have done differently.
The Trenton R-9 School District has implemented an alternative methods of instruction (AMI) plan for days missed due to inclement weather. In your opinion, is this an effective way of instructing students? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of instruction? What do you feel are the challenges to teachers, students, and parents when AMI is utilized?
No, I do not think AMI is an effective way of teaching students. I firmly believe students get more out of being in a classroom. One advantage of AMI is that students are able to continue learning on days when they are unable to attend school in person, however there are many disadvantages. Not all students (or teachers) have access to reliable internet service. Many homes have working parents who are unable to help their children during the day which becomes a problem when assignments are required to be turned in by 3:00 PM. I believe some students need help from their teachers in a more hands-on way than they are able to receive online. I personally struggle trying to help my children with their homework since learning methods have changed so much since I was in school 25+ years ago.
Knowing that you might not have a complete picture of the Trenton R-9 financial situation since you are not yet serving on the board and knowing that salaries, facilities, curriculum, etc. are vying for precious dollars, what do you feel should be the financial priorities of the district?
I feel Trenton R-9 School District needs to be able to attract and retain quality teachers and support staff. This is a competitive world and people will go where they can find better pay and the support they need. Student needs should always be the first financial priority, but we have to be able to keep a quality staff employed in order for our students to be successful.
Share any other comments you would like to make about your ideas concerning the R-9 school district or your candidacy.
I am proud to be a member of this community and believe our children are the most important thing we have in our future. We must do everything in our power to make sure they become contributing members of our society and our school district plays an important role in that. I would be honored to be a part of our local school board, helping support our school district.
Thank you and God bless.