School Board Candidate
About
Born Merced CA, Family moved to St Joseph when I was 2, attended SJSD, Some college, Retired Military, Married with two kids,
Our Candidate Summary
Socially Moderate
Fiscal Liberal
These assessments are based on the answers or lack of answers supplied by the candidates. The Candidate’s responses indicate a socially moderate and fiscally liberal position.
Warren on the Issues
Why have you decided to run for the Saint Joseph School Board?
I want to see if I can help and or change a few things.
What are the strengths you will bring to the school board?
Not a “Yes Man”, voice my opinion which some may not like but sometimes, the truth hurts!
What can be done to address the poor English proficiency and Math Proficiency scores that are being generated by kids in our school system? English scores reflect that students are only 32% proficient and math scores are coming in at 38% proficient --- both below the state average.
We just need to work harder, I would think the scores are a direct reflection of the missed school days the past 4 years so we really need to catch up.
Where do you stand on the 4-day/week school schedule proposal?
It has it’s pros and cons but all in all, I am not in favor of it in St Joseph, It’s great for the staff but I feel bad for the students.
Do you understand the District's Annual Budget, and what are your plans to get your arms around the details of that budget and evaluate where and how Tax taxpayer dollars are being spent?
I am not fully versed on the budget but the best way to learn is to study, listen, keep quiet and learn.
Where do you stand on the proposed Bond Renewal of $20 million when the District Administration has no impactful plan to utilize that money to better educate our children? Passing that bond issue would cost the taxpayers 26 cents per $100 of access property value- approximately $3.2 million annually.
I am in favor of any bond that will help, we just have to prove how and where.
What is your position on general levy Tax increases to increase the school district's annual budget?
we need to, costs go up, we need to work on investing for the students down the road.
What is your position on the current redistricting proposal?
As long as it is done equally without bias, no gerrymandering!
What is your position on the proposal to build one or two new high schools replacing the three older facilities that currently exist?
Totally against it.
What is your approach to school safety? What is your position on metal detectors, security guards, and safety training for our teachers and administrators?
I have personally witnessed enhanced security measures at our school including staff buildings and feel it meets current practices, as long as it is utilized by all, not at all crazy about metal detectors but if it comes down to it. I am all in favor of recruiting former Military members to teach, they will be teachers first but they also know how to respond to a situation, I also favor enhanced training for staff and teachers but something longer than a few hours or online, have them go thru a few days of a tactical course.
How do you feel about the current approach to special education within the school district?
We need to admit that the atmosphere of schools may not be the proper place for all students. I think the SJSD has a place for the Special Education students, It’s just not in the general population. I have seen first hand “Special Needs” student situations.
What do you see as the most significant challenges teachers face within the district?
Respect for the teachers, knowing they will have there back covered if it ever comes to it “We have your six” Class Sizes, Time to prepare for a class, money for teaching aids, teachers should be able to be repaid for acceptable teaching aids, even pencils
What will be your approach to working with the school district administration?
Open mind, go in learning because I really want to learn but, call it a skunk when it smells like one
Do you support transgender-inclusive or lgbtq+ policies for schools such as bathroom and locker room inclusion based on someone's preferred gender?
Not on preferred gender, other “policies would have to be on a case by case basis
Would you encourage the introduction of materials into the school system based on Critical Race Theory (CRT) and other "woke" ideologies?
Not really, I feel it takes the conversation of race away from what it’s really all about, “Woke” ideologies are just someone’s opinion on what’s woke so, no.
What is your position on notifying parents if a child is considering something harmful to their bodies – whether it is gender-related or other? What will you do about the current movement to limit a parent's involvement?
Parents should always know what is going with their student, eliminate it!
Do you identify as socially/politically liberal or conservative?
A Kansas City Chiefs Fan