Wild Rose School Board Questionnaire

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John Shipley Why Are You Running for this Open Position? Hello Wild Rose Community Members! I’m excited to be running for the position of Wild Rose School Board. I welcome open conversations, listening to different perspectives, and helping implement change, when needed, to make our school district the absolute best it can be. I have two children currently enrolled in the Wild Rose School District. I am very involved in the school on a regular basis. I volunteer for the youth mentoring program at the elementary school, and I also volunteer to coach several youth sports. I believe having a board member involved in the school is significant for bringing a different perspective to the school board. What do you hope to accomplish in this position? I hope to accomplish a clear path of communication between the board and the public. I feel that I am approachable, easy to talk to, open-minded, honest and fair. I would bring new ideas and an additional perspective with having two students currently enrolled in the district. Why Should People Vote for You? Why Do You Feel You Are Qualified For This Position? I am qualified for this position because I have had the privilege of serving on a school board in our prior school district, therefore, I have a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a school board member. I want to ensure the best education possible to all students in the district, while respecting the tax payers of our community. What are the key issues you see, and how do you plan to address them? I sincerely respect the dedication and service of our current school board members. However, I believe my new perspective, inquiring mind, and fresh voice will assist the district with the ever changing educational environment. Dave Williams Occupation: Contractor/Builder for 39 years Why are you running for this open position? This seat is not vacant; I’ve had the honor and the privilege of serving in this capacity for 24 years, including over 20 years as the district treasurer. During my tenure, I’ve been deeply involved in various initiatives, including the planning and execution of the recent school referendum and building project. I’m eager to see these projects through to completion and witness the positive impact they’ll have on our students and staff. The enhancements to our facilities will provide improved safety, security, and new curriculum opportunities, which I believe are crucial for the continued growth and success of our district. Furthermore, our district is in a strong financial position, and I’m committed to working with our outstanding board, administration, and staff to ensure that we remain stable and continue to thrive in the future. What do you hope to accomplish in this position? I’m dedicated to upholding fiscal responsibility while ensuring an optimal educational environment for both students and staff. My goal is to position the Wild Rose School District to comprehensively support our students and staff academically, socially, and physically, while fostering a safe environment for learning and growth. Why should people vote for you? As previously stated, it’s been both an honor and a privilege to serve the Wild Rose School District and its surrounding communities. Having called the Wild Rose area home since the third grade and raising my children who attended Wild Rose Schools, my roots run deep in this community. I’m deeply passionate about our school district and its pivotal role in our community. In small towns like ours, the school often times serves as the heart of our community. I’m committed to safeguarding and bolstering our School District’s future as a member of the Board of Education. Why vote for me? Because I bring no personal agendas to the table—my sole focus is on caring for our students, educators, and community. Your trust in me ensures that I will always prioritize the best interests of our district, because I genuinely care. Why do you feel you are qualified for this position? Having earned the trust of voters for 24 years and having served as District Treasurer for over two decades, I understand the immeasurable value of experience. I am willing to engage in difficult conversations and make tough decisions when necessary, always prioritizing what’s best for our students, staff, taxpayers, and community. My commitment is to balance these interests while upholding the integrity of our school district. What are the key issues you see, and how do you plan to address them? School funding at the state level is crucial for sustaining our current programs and services while maintaining fiscal responsibility. It’s imperative that we maintain close communication with our legislators to advocate for adequate funding and preserve local, non-partisan control over our public schools. Additionally, we must address the growing concern of teacher shortages by focusing on strategies to improve staff retention, especially as fewer individuals are choosing education as a career.