School Committee Race Offers Two Distinct Choices

The candidates in the District 2 School Committee race offer voters two distinct choices. Two issues in particular illustrate why I am qualified to represent all constituents.

Experience:

For four years I have run my own business helping municipalities and school districts around the country operate more efficiently. I work daily with business officers and finance directors, guiding them towards methods of financial reporting that illuminate the key issues and facts. Each time I work with a new client I also learn from their years of experience. As we enter an extremely difficult budget environment, we need people on the school committee who bring an in-depth understanding of the issues.

Priorities:

Throughout the campaign my opponent has indicated that “greening” the schools, increased access to community centers and innovative learning methods are his priorities. While these are important issues, I don’t believe they are the key issues facing the school committee.

Here are my priorities:

1) It’s the Budget! We are facing a $3,000,000 reduction in school funding in this fiscal year alone. These cuts will impact student learning as well as the bottom line. Everything we do needs to be viewed through this filter.
2) Several school Facilities around the district need immediate attention. I have experience doing just this type of work with city and school officials as we made targeted improvements to Reiche School and Community center.
3) We need to provide the best Curriculum and Technology to ensure our students are ready to enter college and the work force. There are several models of success in Portland, in particular at King Middle School and Casco Bay High School. I believe we need to empower the teachers and administrators involved in these programs to share this valuable information on how to bring success into every school.

While my opponent and I share many beliefs, it is perspective, experience and priorities that set us apart. I have been very involved in our community and have demonstrated my energy, focus and commitment to building a better community.

The school committee is responsible for roughly half the tax dollars in Portland. The people we elect to sit on this committee should be prepared to bear this responsibility with the right experience and perspective.