I was born and raised in Rochester, MN where I graduated from Mayo High School. Over summer and holiday breaks I spent cherished time with family in rural Milroy and Marshall. I graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, geared towards secondary education in mathematics. After some substitute teaching, working at a bank and a customer care center, a large part of my career has been with CJ Schwans. I have lived in Milroy since 1997. My wife Cheryl and I have been married 20 years and are blessed to have 2 amazing daughters who went to school in Milroy and on to Tracy. Both are actively planning their post secondary careers.
Although there are no outside challengers for one of the open seats, it’s important to know why you decided to run to keep your seat on the school board. What compelled you to run for another term?
My family has been involved in education from country school teaching to present. I have an appreciation for education, which is the backbone for everything we do. Its empowering to see people work together to get ahead of the challenges that impact student learning. Although our district has a new look, we all have the best interests in mind when it comes to student learning, community and growth. Its intriguing to see what challenges lie ahead. Knowing the long lasting legacy of our communities, I know we are ready.
The district is essentially sitting on more than $4.5 million from the construction project? How do you think this money should be spent and why?
All students have the constitutional right to a free public education. By upgrading facilities, we can reduce obstacles that compromise the students learning experience. As a district-wide community effort, we would look at what will empower every student to succeed as adults. What this looks like will be determined by the public, and placed in front of the voters.
Declining enrollments are nothing new to this school district. How can the district keep progressing despite that?
To remain competitive we should always look at our opportunities and strengths to be a step ahead. Again, as a district wide community effort, we would evaluate and address why students and families leave. While knowing some reasons for leaving are not preventable, we should address what we can, even if its not a comfortable topic. As a region, promote our strengths so others know we’re here and perhaps choose to be a part of what we have to offer. I would say declining enrollment is not new anywhere, as larger districts also find themselves making tough decisions to remain competitive.
