Teton County School District #1
School Board Trustee
Running to Represent You & Your Family
“I firmly believe a School Board Member is a trustee for the community that elects him or her; and I’ll work tirelessly to that end!”
-Thomas Smits
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I will ALWAYS be – Accessible, Accountable, and Adaptable and I will ALWAYS advocate for students to be taught how to think – not what to think.
CRITICAL THINKING
My number one priority if elected is to ensure all 2,800+ students at any of our ten public schools are taught how to think – not what to think and that parents and the community at large are engaged in our public school system.
COMMITTED TO LISTENING TO YOU
I want to engage deeply with parents, community members, students, teachers, coaches, and all other district employees. Getting regular feedback is critical to know what the district is doing right and what we could be doing better. It’s imperative to be asking for feedback from everyone and then acting once feedback is received.
EDUCATION EQUALITY
The district has ten schools from one end of the county to the other. I would never compromise on ensuring equity amongst these ten schools. Every student, teacher, coach, and administrator across the board is equally important and deserving of equal treatment, fiscal appropriations, and support. Such equity should apply also to the arts, vocational programs, and extracurricular activities.
An Experienced Representative
I’m 47 years old, my wife Katie and I have 5 children, and I’m the president of a management consulting company in Jackson.
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I currently serve as a board member on the Teton County School District #1 Recreation District Board and am a Planning Commissioner for the Town of Jackson.
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I’m actively and passionately involved with 4H and various other programs that support youth development. I have prior experience as an elected representative, most notably 10 years ago when I served as Mayor of Montrose, Colorado (population 20,523).
Involved in Educating My Own Kids
I’m running for the school board because I want to contribute to the longstanding tradition of delivering world class education to all students in Teton County.
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My two youngest children attend district schools and my two oldest children graduated from Jackson Hole High School. Therefore, I have a vested interest and have been actively involved in district activities over the years.
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I want to be available, responsive, and receptive to students, parents, staff, and the community at large, encouraging an open dialog; with chiefly one goal in mind: Student Success.
Candidate Questionnaire
From the JH News&Guide
In one sentence, name your number one priority if elected.
My number one priority if elected is to ensure all 2,800+ students at any of our ten public schools are taught how to think – not what to think and that parents and the community at large are engaged in our public school system.
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What is one issue you fell strongly about and would not compromise on?
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Soliciting feedback via surveys and townhalls from parents, community members, students, teachers, coaches, and all other district employees. I want to feedback from all folks so we can determine what the district is doing right and what we could be doing better. It’s imperative to be asking for feedback from everyone and then acting once feedback is received. I will never compromise on simply wanting to hear from people from all walks of life.
How would you handle the consistent state budgetary issues related to public educations. Please outline your budgetary priorities as specifically as possible.
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My outline of specific budgetary priorities would be: 1) Students 2) Teachers 3) Facilities/Infrastructure
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I would adamantly advocate for prioritizing budgetary cuts that would have the least impact on students and teachers alike. Many times, teachers, district employees, and students have many answers to these challenges. I would encourage the Board to appoint a citizen’s task force to assist with budgetary issues. Furthermore, I would work with our local representatives that represent us in Cheyenne to have one voice regarding the challenges surrounding school funding unique to Teton County.
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How do you plan to balance your personal opinions and the opinions of your constituents?
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I take to heart that the United States is a representative democracy which means you are a representative of those you are elected to serve. As such I will always listen to everyone’s voice and then make decisions in the best interest of the students. I firmly believe a School Board Member is a trustee for the community the elects him or her; and I’ll work tirelessly to that end!
What does education equality in the school district look like to you?
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The district has ten schools from one end of the county to the other. I would never compromise on ensuring equity amongst these ten schools. Every student, teacher, coach, and administrator across the board is equally important and deserving of equal treatment, fiscal appropriations, and support. Such equity should apply also to the arts, vocational programs, and extracurricular activities.
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What is your position on using public tax funds that currently support public schools to pay tuition for private schools and parochial schools? What is your position on the issue of school choice?
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When competition in education exists, the students win which I’m all about. School vouchers create competition which is a good thing and the reason I support vouchers and school choice. I want our students to have world class education. The following quote by President Barack Obama resonates very well with me, “It’s not enough to train today’s workforce. We also have to prepare tomorrow’s workforce by guaranteeing every child access to a world-class education.”