RAPS

My responses to the RAPS board candidate questionnaire sent via mail from the Houghton Lake Resorter.  Name: John E. BowenAge: 37 yearsTelephone Number: withheld from online articleLength of Residence in District: 11 years Length of time served on this or other boards:

• Cub Scout Pack 3944 Committee: 2005-2009 - committee member (4 years), treasurer (3 years)
• Roscommon North Youth Soccer Association (RNYSA): 2006-2009, 2010-present - President (4 years+)

At the Request of the Roscommon Education Association, I've provided the following answers (the questions were sent to me via regular mail by the REA).1. As you view Roscommon Area Public Schools, what do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of the K-12 program? What would you do to maintain and improve the strengths? How would you address the weaknesses? I’ll start this response with a disclaimer. While I do have a handful of questions for which I would like answers, I’m also aware that some of my questions stem directly from a lack of understanding on my part.

Tonight, the Roscommon Area Public Schools hosted a community forum at the high school, where they collected input for areas to cut in the upcoming budget year.  We heard a pretty good (if brief) presentation about the funding sources (federal and state) that are being reduced, and how the combination of those reductions has surprised the district.  We then met in small groups to discuss/group-think ideas that hadn't been mentioned yet.

Since I announced that I am running for school board, I've had several people ask me about my 'platform'.  It seems fair that I should at least talk about my points of view on things, my history and experience, and my interests, so you get an idea if I'm the right kind of candidate for you.  About MeFirst, a little about my history and background.  My wife and I both grew up in the Harrison Community School District, just down the road from Roscommon.

Interesting article today from the Free Press: Database: See how much your district has put aside for a rainy day

http://www.freep.com/article/20110325/NEWS06/110323044/Database-See-how-much-your-district-has-put-aside-rainy-dayI downloaded the entire state's data and dumped it into spreadsheet formats...interesting reading, for sure.  I wish I had more time today to study it closely.  

Well, it's official.  I'm running for the Roscommon Area Public Schools (RAPS) board position that will be filled in the May 3rd election.  It's a trying time for the school district, with ARRA grant money running out and proposed state budget cuts in the works.  I'd like to collect thoughts and ideas (mine and others) here in the open, so we can bat them around publicly and easily.  Please come out and vote on May 3rd!!

Our school district, like many others is facing significant budget problems in the coming year(s). A broadcasted email from our superintendent today has asked for suggestions from parents, teachers, and community members to help solve a projected $1.4 million shortfall for the upcoming (2010-11) school year.