Subject:  School Board Election |
Author:
Charles Wilson
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Date Posted: 15:11:48 10/04/10 Mon
Charles W. Wilson
PO Box 314
Metlakatla, AK 99926
(907) 886-4746
September 27, 2010
Dear Voters of Metlakatla:
I am a candidate for School Board seat “E” and I am asking for your support. I have served on the board for more than fifteen years and have a vast knowledge of policy and procedures and wealth of experience in decision making and lobbying to help our district. I want to assure you that I am a leader capable of and willing to make informed decisions for the district no matter how tough or controversial. I am not a follower who relies on others to do my work for me or who acts on emotion or rumor without fact. I will not sway in the political winds of the time but will always do what is right for the children of Metlakatla. Above all truth and honesty are the virtues I value most and hope to pass on.
I look forward to building a new and ever improving partnership of Union, Management, and the Board that will work together hand in hand to achieve our goals, the most important of which is providing the best education possible for the children of Metlakatla. I believe that compromise is necessary most of the time during negotiations and that there is always a certain amount of tension as well as a lot of give and take. I do not believe in holding grudges and will never harbor hard feelings over a difference of opinion as each of these vices is a waste of time, effort and resources and they do not accomplish anything except building hurdles in the pathway to achieving progress. Logic, knowledge, understanding and reason are the proper tools to build a successful partnership. I believe that even in disagreement we can find common ground if we show respect of every opinion or point of view and resolve to continue working together to advance the goals and dreams of the community and the district. I truly believe that win-win solutions are achievable in almost every situation. I mentioned earlier I believe in compromise to reach solutions in a successful partnership but I will never compromise my beliefs or morals and I feel it is worth repeating, I hold truth and honesty to be of the highest importance.
A lot has been accomplished in recent years and I want to share few of the recent accomplishments of the district during my tenure:
1. Aligned District programs with Alaska State Standards for 3rd-10th grade in core subject areas of Reading, Writing and Math. Continue to support resources to update and improve district goals in curriculum alignment and support resources for classrooms that support this goal.
2. Directed and supported Superintendent to find grant support for quality and necessary teacher housing as we continue to have a shortage of housing for teachers.
3. Directed and supported the Superintendent to address the quality of working conditions in our schools for teaching and learning. Voted to put additional $1.5 Million to modernize building beyond just fixing leaks and cosmetic enhancement but to provide a more inviting environment for teachers, community and especially students.
4. Reduced dropout rate and increased graduation rate with a District Diploma. Last two years we have had a graduation of 95% or greater where the graduation rate for the nation is less than 75%.
5. Will support the administration request to find a way to pay classified twice monthly. Recognize the need for local staff to access their hard earned wages more than once a month and this will also attract more substitutes.
6. Encouraged and supported Administration to fund more programs for Middle School students to establish their own identity and prepare them better for high school.
7. Supported and encouraged the District to have better communication lines in the classroom. Not just internet but a phone system/intercom system for each classroom. Funded through e-rate funding but needed to fund with general funds as well. Encouraged the Administration to hire an IT/technology training and development person to assist the staff locally rather than always relying on SEERC.
8. Support of Administration’s pilot program to start One to One laptop program through Alaska Association of School Boards for 7-12 and since it was not funded by legislation, directed Admin to start a limited program we can afford. We will roll out a 1 to 1program to help prepare students in the 11th and 12th grades for college.
9. Believe in school readiness for schools and have strongly supported addressing students in Early Education (Head Start) to provide resources for those students with learning disabilities.
10. Supported Administration in updating school computer labs and 1 to 1 laptops for all classroom teachers and specialists and training. Make our schools technology centered for the 21st Century in benefiting teaching and learning.
11. Reviewed and updated almost all of policies and have brought them up to date so they are in compliance with State Law and regulations.
12. Continued support of Summer School and School to Work Program.
13. Supported going after additional $1.2 Million funding to add a new gym floor, ADA state lift, and upgrade locker rooms and community restrooms.
14. Supported by lobbying legislators to provide more funding for school maintenance facilities that provided more local jobs and help support TERO fees at a tune of over $350,000 for local support. General laborers hired were over 75% local during construction.
This is just a small sampling of accomplishments but even with the progress we have made I am not satisfied to sit on my laurels but wish to continue working to find answers for many of the problems that beg for solutions such as:
1. Drug and alcohol abuse programs.
2. Improving technology and use of technology.
3. Attendance rates.
4. Increasing homework load to make kids more college ready.
5. Support a more cultural responsive school environment for kids. Art, dancing, music, languages and cultural studies in the school in K-12.
6. I want more dual credit courses in the school at the secondary level. Opportunities for college credit courses with a more rigorous program for college and technical school readiness.
7. Teaching more life skills, either in a separate class or by integrating into existing curriculum.
In this brief letter it is impossible to list all of the accomplishment and concerns but I hope we share the same visions and desire to accomplish this extremely important mission. I want to continue to fight the good fight for the children of Metlakatla and that is why I am asking for your support on Tuesday October 5, 2010. I look forward to continuing to work for each and every one of you in the future to ensure our children get the best education possible. I will continue to fight for more resources and additional improvement to our facilities despite these tough economic times. Our children work hard and so will I.
Thank you for your time and consideration and I want you to know I am always open to new ideas, technology, or techniques that will help our kids. Feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions or ideas.
Sincerely,
Charles W. Wilson Candidate for School Board seat “E”
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