School Board Candidate

Harold Barr Jr.

Bio

As an engineer, I am accustomed to finding answers to difficult problems. Since I am retired, I have the time to give give back to this community and help seek out answers for some of the district issues. I would also like to make a positive difference for the future of our youth.

Contact/Social

Email: bud.bartec@aol.com

Our Candidate Summary

Socially Moderate

These assessments are based on the answers or lack of answers supplied by the candidates. Harold’s responses indicate a socially moderate position.

Harold Barr Jr. on the Issues

Why have you decided to run for the Saint Joseph School Board?

As an engineer, I am accustomed to finding answers to difficult problems. Since I am retired, I have the time to give give back to this community and help seek out answers for some of the district issues. I would also like to make a positive difference for the future of our youth.

What are the strengths you will bring to the school board?

problem solving abilities, ample time, caring for students of all ages and wanting to see them succeed, (I presently have 7 grandchildren in the St. Joseph Public schools), engineering background in structures & facilities, and fiscal common sense

What changes/policies do you want to implement within the School Board?

measures to increase school attendance at all levels, improvement of test scores, reduction of class sizes allowing for more individual attention, improvement of employee morale

Many schools in Saint Joe are falling into disrepair. What would you do to see schools maintained and upgraded?

With my engineering experience, I believe I could make informed judgements. I would want to inspect our buildings, beginning with the oldest and most outdated or inefficient. I think it would be wise to also visit with custodians, teachers, and building administrators to gain their thoughts about the facility in which they work.

How do you feel the mask mandate was handled by the School Board during the COVID pandemic?

In hindsight, not the best but then no one knew what to expect. I believe our district did the best they could under very difficult circumstances.

Would you be in favor of mandating face masks or vaccinations of students within the school district? Please elaborate.

No, I would not. Students have suffered enough with the loss of personal relationships. If teachers or children Want to wear face masks, they should certainly be allowed to; however, it should not be mandated. Nor should vaccinations be required.

Do you believe there are financial resources within the budget that are currently misallocated?

There is always that possibility. However, I would need a lot more information before I could make such a broad statement.

What are your top funding priorities?

Funding priorities? Aren’t these pretty well set by taxes, grants, laws?

How would you ensure financial transparency and accountability with the public?

As always, let the public know what is being done in a timely manner via open meetings and the news media. I admire those board members who interact with and listen to people of the community.

What is the greatest challenge the Saint Joseph School district is currently facing?

Attendance! Parent or guardian involvement is a major key in solving this issue. If education is important to the parents, that will come across to the students. If parents are simply apathetic, the students have a disadvantage already.

How do you feel about the current approach to special education within the school district?

At this point in my candidacy, I feel uninformed. I do not know what the current approach to special education IS.

What do you see as the most significant challenges teachers face within the district?

Non-supportive parents and poor attendance present very challenging situations for teachers. Children who simply don’t care or are disruptive make learning more difficult for everyone in the class.

How will you encourage community interaction and receive community feedback about the state of Saint Joseph Schools?

Continue to be active in various clubs and organizations so that I would be accessible to visit with people and truly hear their concerns about the district, specific buildings or challenges

How would you encourage parental involvement within the school system?

Activities such as quarterly open houses at each of the school buildings, family fun nights especially at the grade schools, more encouragement for parents to serve as mentors or volunteers,

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