School Board Candidate
Bio
Don Crabtree is running for a seat on the Saint Joseph Board of Education. He is a retired educator of 50 years in another district and has ties to all 3 high schools in Saint Joseph. He graduated from Lafayette, student taught at Benton and his daughter and granddaughter attended Central. His concerns are with what he calls the 3 “A’s”…..
- Attendance
- Academics
- Attitude
The public’s attitude toward the schools and the Board of
Education. The attitude as to how we come together for the benefits
of all students. The attitude that ALL education is valuable regardless if it is
college-bound or vocational-bound. The attitude of respect and appreciation of our teachers, paras, custodial etc.
Our Candidate Summary
Socially Moderate
These assessments are based on the answers or lack of answers supplied by the candidates. The responses indicate a socially moderate and fiscally conservative position.
Don Crabtree on the Issues
Why have you decided to run for the Saint Joseph School Board?
MY 45 YEARS IN EDUCATION WILL BE OF VALUE TO THE BOARD
I AM RETIRED AND AM VERY INTERESTED IN GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.
What are the strengths you will bring to the school board?
45 YEARS OF EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
TAUGHT AT A SMALL, PRIVATE SCHOOL
TAUGHT AT A “MEGA” PUBLIC SCHOOL
TAUGHT AT A REGULAR SIZED PUBLIC SCHOOL
What changes/policies do you want to implement within the School Board?
WE MUST CONCENTRATE ON ATTENDANCE, ACADEMICS AND BEHAVIORAL ISSUES.
Many schools in Saint Joe are falling into disrepair. What would you do to see schools maintained and upgraded?
THE DEPARTMENT DOES A GREAT JOB WITH WHAT THEY HAVE. WE ARE IN A “TRIAGE” MODE…FIX WHAT IS MOST NEEDED AND THAT WE CAN AFFORD. WE MUST USE OUR PUBLIC MONIES EFFECTIVELY AND FIND WAYS TO REDUCE COSTS SO THEY MAY BE APPLIED TO OTHER SUCH AREAS.
How do you feel the mask mandate was handled by the School Board during the COVID pandemic?
IT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER. WE MUST HAVE SOME BELIEF IN OUR TRAINED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND THEN MAKE MATURE DECISIONS REGARDING ARE OWN BELIEFS AND CHOICES.
Would you be in favor of mandating face masks or vaccinations of students within the school district? Please elaborate.
AT THIS POINT NO! HOWEVER, IF COVID TAUGHT US ANYTHING IT IS THAT WE MUST BE READY FOR WHAT MIGHT COME ALONG.
Do you believe there are financial resources within the budget that are currently misallocated?
I THINK THE CURRENT BOARD AND SUPER ARE DOING A GREAT JOB WITH OUR BUDGET.
What are your top funding priorities?
ACADEMICS….SO ALL KIDS HAVE THE SAME OPPORTUNITY TEACHER RETENTION…RAISES OR IN KIND REWARDS. BUILDINGS AND REPAIRS
How would you ensure financial transparency and accountability with the public?
EVERY MEETING IS OPEN OR ON YOU TUBE FOR LATER WATCHING. I SUGGEST BECOME VERY INVOLVED AND KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON.
What is the greatest challenge the Saint Joseph School district is currently facing?
DECLINING ENROLLMENT TEACHER RETENTION
How do you feel about the current approach to special education within the school district?
THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING DEPARTMENT. THEY DO A LOT WITH A SMALL BUDGET IN MY OPINION.
What do you see as the most significant challenges teachers face within the district?
STAYING IN THE DISTRICT DEALING WITH BEHAVIOR…CELL PHONES, DISRESPECT, ETCs
How will you encourage community interaction and receive community feedback about the state of Saint Joseph Schools?
I WILL TRY TO MAKE MYSELF ALWAYS AVAILABLE VIA PHONE OR EMAIL. IF I DON’T KNOW THE ANSWER,I WILL DO MY BEST TO FIND IT OUT.
How would you encourage parental involvement within the school system?
SPECIFIC INVITATIONS TO SEE WHAT THEIR KIDS ARE DOING. ONE MORE CONFERENCE SCHEDULED DIRECT AND TIMELY INFO SENT TO PARENTS BY TEACHERS.
Do you support transgender-inclusive or lgbtq+ policies for schools such as bathroom and locker room inclusion based on someone's preferred gender?
I HAVE NOTING AGAINST GENDER PREFERRED RESTROOMS.
Would you encourage the introduction of materials into the school system based on Critical Race Theory (CRT)?
NO! ESSESENTIALLY THIS STARTED YEARS AGO OVER KEEPING PEOPLE OF COLOR FROM OBTAINING LAND. IT IS BASICALLY TAUGHT IN LAW SCHOOLS. THERE IS NO NEED FOR CRT TO BE IN OUR SCHOOLS.
Do you identify as socially/politically liberal or conservative?
Socially Moderate