Candidate Q&As: Lone Tree School Board

City and School Board elections November 2

By Molly Roberts
Posted 10/28/21

 

Lone Tree School Board

Michael Hotz*

Why are you running for School Board?

I believe Lone Tree School has a lot to offer for both students and teachers and I want to see us grow …

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Candidate Q&As: Lone Tree School Board

City and School Board elections November 2

Posted

Leading up to the city and school board elections on Nov. 2, The News contacted each individual running for office and asked them about their candidacy. Those who responded are included in this edition. Responses have been edited for length and clarity. (*incumbent candidate)

Lone Tree School Board

Michael Hotz*

Why are you running for School Board?

I believe Lone Tree School has a lot to offer for both students and teachers and I want to see us grow and thrive as a district.  With my own children entering the school system, I’m certainly vested as I believe that the type of school environment and culture that is created within the district will have an enormous impact into their long term development. 

Is there anything you’ve already done as a member of the Lone Tree School Board That you are proud of?

I’m certainly proud of the perspective I have on continuous improvement.  Just as students are never done being life-long learners, the district as a whole is always looking for ways to improve in the margins.

Are there any projects or ideas you have in mind if you are elected?

I think for schools to succeed they need the support of a community of parents and keeping parents involved.  I’d like to open more doors for the parents that do want to offer service to the school in any number of ways.  Our community has a history of strong support for the school district and finding new connection points is always important.

Why do you think you are/would be a good school board member?

Serving on various councils and committees throughout my academic and professional career has given me a background to serve in a school board member capacity.   I also bring a viewpoint that all our families and students are an important piece of the school, as we have a large portion of our students that choose to come into the district.  The first year on a school board is spent heavily absorbing and discovering new pieces as you are mostly learning on the fly.  I think over the next few years, if re-elected I will build upon the first year continuing to bring fresh ideas, while helping set priorities for the district.  I also believe that my direct communication style is helpful in providing the school leadership direction.

Why do you think its important to be involved in your community?

Really for me I just want to district to thrive as it also impacts the overall success of the Lone Tree community.  Our district and community are intertwined.  We moved back to this community in part because of the strong educational profile Lone Tree offers our children.

Robert Sladek*

Why are you running for school board?

As one of few remaining K-12 single school facilities in the state, LTCSD is an amazingly unique educational opportunity with a proud history. I want to continue to be on the board to do my part, however small, to keep our school in a position to be able to provide this experience to the next generation of Lions.

Is there anything you’ve already done as a member of the Lone Tree School Board that you’re proud of?

LTCSD has recently undergone key administration changes.  I am proud of the outcome of the extensive search and interview process.  As a board, we have coalesced behind our unanimous selection for Superintendent, and I feel a positive energy and return of pride back in the building and I hope it’s a sign of great things to come.

Are there any projects or ideas you have in mind if you are elected?

Once we have a completed facilities assessment, I’d emphasize efforts towards continuous improvements of our current building and structures.  We need to ensure our facility is safe, secure, and functional.  With finite resources, we may need to choose much-needed maintenance over expansive new projects, but I don’t want to abandon the idea of updating learning spaces to improve the experience of our students and continuing to update offerings to set us apart in the area.

Why do you think you are/would be a good school board member?

My focus and decision making will always come from a student-first financially responsible perspective.  I have no personal agenda and desire to work in concert with the rest of the board and administration to help ensure high levels of student success.

Why do you think it’s important to be involved in your community?

The strength of LTCSD is the community.  There is so much pride within this community for this school, and for good reason.  Community involvement is what has made LTCSD special for so many years, but Lone Tree needs continued involvement from its’ members to guarantee we get a diverse sampling of ideas and solutions.  Like it or not, this community and this school’s destinies are unequivocally linked to one another.  This gives us a great opportunity to create synergy from shared ideas, goals, and successes. As a community and school district moving in the same direction, we will find a way to keep both growing and successful.

Gordon Viers

Why are you running for school board?

No particular reason, I’m just running because I think Lone Tree has a great school system and want to be a part of the community and be a part of something great.

Is there anything you’ve already done to be involved in the Lone Tree school community that you’re proud of?

I’ve been involved with the athletic programs over the years, whether coaching youth sports, football field painting, wherever I can be of assistance to the school.

Are there any projects or ideas you have in mind if you are elected?

No agenda at all.

Why do you think you would be a good school board member?

I think I’m a fairly open and understanding individua. I can hear all sides of whatever may come before the board and make a logical decision.

Why do you think it’s important to be involved in your community?

If people aren’t involved in their community, they can’t expect their community to grow. Every community needs to be growing.