Age: 50
Number of years in Oxford: 19
Family: Wife Maggie, married 12 years, 9 months, and 18 days. Twin daughters, Sara and Pam, 23, Tanya, 21, Nick, 20, Matt 20. All of whom are graduates of Oxford High School.
Governmental Experience: Has served for the past four years on the Oxford School Board
Experience within the Oxford School District: Financial support via donations to various clubs and fundraisers for sports, band, choir, and DECA. Coached youth baseball, little league football, and girls softball.
Education: High School graduate, Realtors license
Occupation: Full time realtor with Century 21.
1.Why are you running for School board?
I am runnng for school board to try and make a small difference in the community.
2. What do you believe are the top three issues facing the school district? How do you plan to deal with them if elected? I believe the top three issues are: the budget, try to assist the school district to be more fiscally responsible, health care, we need to figure out as a district how to make health care more affordable, and the school bully program, as a school board we need to make sure we assist in any way we can and to expand the program that Jeff Beane and others have already started.
3. What personal assets or qualification do you feel you can bring to the school board? Why should voters elect you? I believe my integrity, honesty, and ability to negotiate and mediate are all strong assets. I listen to both side of issues, but I am not afraid to voice my opinion even if there is strong opposition from other board members.
4. How do you view the relationship between a school board and the district’s central administration, particularly the superintendent? Who is in charge? I believe, ultimately, the school board is in charge. We are responsible for what happens, good and bad. I think it is important for all school board trustees to think independently and to really research issues, meaning ask a lot of questions. I think it is important to make educated decisions and to thorougly discuss proposals when they are presented to us.
5. What, if anything, would you change or improve about Oxford Schools?
It would be wonderful to create an atmosphere where all students feel like equals and accepted by their peers. I think that it is important for us to develop student/teacher relationships, where kids are excited to come to school and are enthusiastic about learning and Oxford spirit. I also think it is important to develop a school district where our teachers and other employees share the same enthusiasm we strive for in our students. That teachers and employees both share a passion to motivate the kids and help them become well rounded young adults.
6. Anything else you wish to add?
Not only have I donated time and money to the Oxford school district, but each of my paychecks for the last three and a half years, from being on the Oxford school board, I have donated back to the school system to help assist programs for the students. I will continue to do so if I am re-elected.