It’s difficult for me to say what my top priorities would be because things are not quite the same. Years ago, I could say, “Well, look I want to see us fill all administrations in the district – or I want to see this, or I want to see that.” Right now, we’re trying to keep the district alive without destroying many of our programs. That’s another priority.
Another priority would be to keep all the employees happy, but at the same time we need to keep the taxes maybe more in line with inflation. But at the same time, we can’t afford to really lose any more programs. So that’s also a tough balancing act.
Tom Miller
Why did you decide to run for re-election to the school board?
I decided to run for re-election because I want to try to help steer our school district in a positive direction. Hopefully, within the next three years or so it’ll start to pull us out of the situation we’re in right now.
We have a very cohesive board. We have some differences, but we all respect each other and we can always come to a consensus on issues. Things seem to be running in a little smoother direction.
What experiences, skills or positions make you a competent board member?
Just for the fact that I’m now finishing up my third year – my previous three years on the board. You know, there’s always a learning curve involved in any organization you’re in. I’m beyond the learning curve issue right now. We have some very good, qualified members and we’re all working together competently to achieve our board goals.
Other previous qualifications to be a board member? I’ve been a board member of a couple different associations within the youth sporting activity framework. But I’ve held leadership positions in both organizations.
What do you see as the greatest challenge facing the school district right now?
The biggest challenge is to, I believe, secure more state aid – because we have been getting cut back year after year the last few years. So a big challenge is to secure more state aid. And we need to hammer out how to also help shift the cost of school taxes from a property owner issue to more equitably share it between all wage earners in the state. Basically, some level of an income tax to shift the burden off the shoulders of property owners.
If re-elected, what are your top two priorities?
To continue to lobby the state to get rid of or release us from the burden of so many unfunded mandates that they’re handing down to us. Either do away with the mandate or find some way for the state to fund it. So that way, again, it’s not becoming a burden to taxpayers.
I know I can contribute to the school board as I have been contributing. I believe in giving back to my community and should always be involved in some level of community service. And this is the forum I’m choosing to give my community service.
Sue Gilmore
Why did you decide to run for re-election to the school board?
Number one, I enjoy it very much. I’ve been on chamber boards. I’ve been on hospital boards. And this, I just enjoy it.
Number two, it all started back in 2008 – when the crash was happening – and I was on the chamber board at that time. And I saw a lot of my small business compatriots suffering. Their businesses were plummeting, but yet the taxes kept on increasing. I felt I had to do something about it, and so I got involved.
What experiences, skills or positions make you a competent board member?
I’ve been in banking for most of my career. Right now, I work for a law firm and I’m their finance manager. Even though it’s a lot more money than I’ve ever dealt with, it’s all just debits and credits and columns and rows. I find I can understand it and be able to talk about it intelligently because of my finance background.
I’ve been on various boards. I feel I’ve got a very good collegial personality to get things done.
What do you see as the greatest challenge facing the school district right now?
Successful negotiations with all of the union members, which will put the school district on long-term good financial footing. And also, my second is the facility itself. We are in dire need of an upgrade to our facilities. If you ever took a tour, for instance the home economic area at the high school, the moment I stepped in I felt like I was back in grammar school. That’s for me – and I am 58 years old. It was an embarrassment.
If re-elected, what are your top two priorities?
Successful contract negotiations – so then I can finally concentrate on good quality education.
I really want to delve into the educational quality, and what we’re offering and what kind of results we have. I know the finances of the school better than I know the results of our students – and that bothers me.
