I've enjoyed meeting many new people throughout my campaign. I'd like to personally thank everyone of you who have either made contact with me, or allowed me to make contact with you, whether through phone calls, emails, at the football game, or during my door to door campaigning. It was a pleasure meeting you and hearing your thoughts and ideas on how our school district could be improved going forward.
I know that we all can't agree on everything, and I know that some will have a different set of ideas on how our district needs to improve. Knowing that we may have to agree to disagree on some issues, what I can promise each and everyone of you, is that I will take your ideas seriously and will make sure that our Board discusses those ideas. I will work with our students and faculty to ensure that their voices are heard by the Board. I will work with our community members to ensure that their voices are heard by the Board. But most importantly, especially in light of how certain campaigns have unfolded, I will be RESPECTFUL and PROFESSIONAL in my dealings with all stakeholders of this district! Ultimately, decisions need to be made for this district, and not all parties can be satisfied to their ultimate likeing. But, I will make sure that proper attention is given to each issue, and again, will ensure that I perform my duties with INTEGRITY. That is why I'm asking you to write me in on that write in line. WRITE IN ERIC PETERSON
Thank you again to everyone that I have had a chance to meet. I wish I could have made it to every household in the district to personally meet each of you. Thank you to those of you that took time out of your day to ask questions. Thank you to those that are getting out to vote. I know that not all of you can or will support my campaign, and that not all of you will write my name on that "write in" line tomorrow, but I really do appreciate your time and thoughts as well.
A special thank you to all of my supporters! You all mean so much to me and my campaign. Thank you for all your hard work in spreading the word! I have been humbled by your kindness and thoughtfullness. I have been inspired by your willingness to help another. You are why I fell in love with this district so long ago, and you are why I will always fight for what's right for this district.
A very special thank you to my wife and two daughters! As they "seem like nice people" to some, they are by far the most loving and supportive people in my life. The sacrifice they have given in lost husband and father time this last week and a half has been heart breaking for me, yet very much appreciated so I could focus my efforts on this great cause. They've asked for nothing in return......except a WIN!!
Finally, good luck to all the candidates out there. Of course, I hope to be serving with two of you, but if it wasn't meant to be for me this time around, then I hope the three of you will remember that this Board is a nonpartisan board and that you'll come together and do good for our district.
Thank you,
Eric Peterson
P.S. - Also, no matter who gets elected, please remember that this district serves many ages of students through many grades (K-12) and isn't only focused on high school students. Also, please remember that not everyone will choose a path that includes a college or university. We must not only focus on preparing our students academically for greater education, but we most also develop better people and better leaders. We have to develop character, social skills, and teamwork skills, so our students will be ready for the real world (whether that's university life, work after high school, athletics, technical school, theatre, or whatever else our students desire to achieve).
paid for by Eric Peterson, 5913 NW 96th Ct. Johnston, IA 50131
Monday, September 7, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
See You at the Game
The young men of Johnston’s varsity football team plays host to the Sioux City East Black Raiders, Friday night, September 4th. The Raiders come into the game 1-0 after soundly beating Des Moines Roosevelt 46-21 last week. Your Dragon team also enters the game 1-0 after beating Ames last week 30-17.
I invite you to come out to the game and not only cheer on your Johnston varsity football team, but also support your Dragon cheerleaders and Dragon marching band. It should be a beautiful evening. I’ll be in attendance as well, and look forward to meeting you and answering any questions I can about my campaign and the upcoming election.
In the meantime, have a great Friday and I look forward to seeing you tonight.
- Eric Peterson
I invite you to come out to the game and not only cheer on your Johnston varsity football team, but also support your Dragon cheerleaders and Dragon marching band. It should be a beautiful evening. I’ll be in attendance as well, and look forward to meeting you and answering any questions I can about my campaign and the upcoming election.
In the meantime, have a great Friday and I look forward to seeing you tonight.
- Eric Peterson
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Have a Flyer!!
This is an important election for our school district and we need to make sure that we are taking the time to make an informed decision. We also need to make sure everyone knows that there is a choice this year! Although there are only 3 ballot candidates for 3 open seats, with enough support, a write in nominee can make a difference.
I'm going to need your help, if I'm going to obtain a seat on the school board. We really need to get the word out that there is an excellent candidate out there who really cares for this community and this school district. A candidate that will work hard to bring the issues to the table for discussion. A candidate that won't bog down the Board or the community with the pushing of personal agendas, but will rather bring energy and passion; focused on resolving those issues that are at the heart of our school district.
So, would you like a flyer? Are you willing to help me spread the word? Feel free to print this flyer, or send me an email and I'd be glad to email the flyer to you .(peterson4jsb@gmail.com).
Thank you.
My Top 3 Goals
Since I’m running with somewhat late notice as a write in candidate, I didn’t get the chance to partake in the public forum that the Johnston Education Association (JEA) hosted a couple weeks back. Since I feel it’s important that all voters see all opinions, I thought I would take the next few days to answer some of the questions that the JEA asked to the 3 ballot nominees.
2. What do you see as 3 of your top priorities if elected?
I’ve discussed my top 3 goals as to why I’m running in previous posts, but I’ll reintroduce them and bring them altogether here.
1) I want to help be a catalyst for effective teamwork by the board. That means that the board needs to be built on respect: respect for each other, respect for the community/students/staff, and respect for the issues. An effective team needs to listen actively and intently to the public and then needs to openly and persistently debate the issues presented. Issues are discussed. Personal agendas are not. The deliberations are respectful, making sure that personality conflicts and personal attacks are not introduced. This Board is nonpartisan. Board members should not be focused on “liberals vs. conservatives” or “democrats vs. republicans.” They should not let their party lines interfere with their vision and their decision making. They should not let their party lines cloud their judgment. Board members, instead, should be focused on what’s best for this school district and this community.
2) I want to help be a catalyst for the pursuit of excellence. I want our district to develop a long term vision for excellence, achievable by several shorter term goals. We need to continually ask ourselves, “What is excellence?” and “How are we going to get to excellence?” We can’t be complacent, but rather, we must be proactive. We can’t just settle on being a good school district, but rather, we must continually pursue being a great school district. We can’t just do things as we always have, but rather, we must realize that as our students and community develop, and as technology develops, and as we continue to grow, we must look at what changes are needed to help keep us on that path to greatness. We’ll need to look at how we invest. We’ll need to ensure that we continue investing in those things that are going to get us to excellence: world class facilities, world class faculty and support staff, world class curriculum improvements, and world class co-curriculars.
3) I want to help be a catalyst for an energetic and passionate team. I view our Board as a “team”, working with and for other “teams” (students, faculty, community members, etc). In my experience, the best way for a “team” to stay productive and focused is to ensure that the team has energy and is passionate about their mission. I’ve served on many different “teams” (sports teams, business teams, volunteer teams), and I continue to bring an energy and passion to what I do. I’ve been entrenched in this school district my entire life and I definitely have the passion needed to help our school board advance this district in the right direction.
2. What do you see as 3 of your top priorities if elected?
I’ve discussed my top 3 goals as to why I’m running in previous posts, but I’ll reintroduce them and bring them altogether here.
1) I want to help be a catalyst for effective teamwork by the board. That means that the board needs to be built on respect: respect for each other, respect for the community/students/staff, and respect for the issues. An effective team needs to listen actively and intently to the public and then needs to openly and persistently debate the issues presented. Issues are discussed. Personal agendas are not. The deliberations are respectful, making sure that personality conflicts and personal attacks are not introduced. This Board is nonpartisan. Board members should not be focused on “liberals vs. conservatives” or “democrats vs. republicans.” They should not let their party lines interfere with their vision and their decision making. They should not let their party lines cloud their judgment. Board members, instead, should be focused on what’s best for this school district and this community.
2) I want to help be a catalyst for the pursuit of excellence. I want our district to develop a long term vision for excellence, achievable by several shorter term goals. We need to continually ask ourselves, “What is excellence?” and “How are we going to get to excellence?” We can’t be complacent, but rather, we must be proactive. We can’t just settle on being a good school district, but rather, we must continually pursue being a great school district. We can’t just do things as we always have, but rather, we must realize that as our students and community develop, and as technology develops, and as we continue to grow, we must look at what changes are needed to help keep us on that path to greatness. We’ll need to look at how we invest. We’ll need to ensure that we continue investing in those things that are going to get us to excellence: world class facilities, world class faculty and support staff, world class curriculum improvements, and world class co-curriculars.
3) I want to help be a catalyst for an energetic and passionate team. I view our Board as a “team”, working with and for other “teams” (students, faculty, community members, etc). In my experience, the best way for a “team” to stay productive and focused is to ensure that the team has energy and is passionate about their mission. I’ve served on many different “teams” (sports teams, business teams, volunteer teams), and I continue to bring an energy and passion to what I do. I’ve been entrenched in this school district my entire life and I definitely have the passion needed to help our school board advance this district in the right direction.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Public Schools and Student's Values & Assumptions: To Reinforce or Challenge?
Since I’m running with somewhat late notice as a write in candidate, I didn’t get the chance to partake in the public forum that the Johnston Education Association (JEA) hosted a couple weeks back. Since I feel it’s important that all voters see all opinions, I thought I would take the next few days to answer some of the questions that the JEA asked to the 3 ballot nominees.
9. Is it more important that public schools work to primarily reinforce the values and assumptions students learn outside the school environment or to challenge them? Why?
My Response:
This is an interesting question, because there can be several viewpoints on this. To start, I think we need to distinguish between values and assumptions, because they can be looked at differently, and talked about seperately.
Values - This can become a grey area, because on the one hand, the schools need to realize that they are really working in conjunction with parents, friends, etc. to help develop these students minds, character, and social skills. Therefore, the schools really need to be supporting the home life and helping reinforce the values that the kids are learning. On the other hand, it's the schools duty to make sure they are teaching and developing these students to be better people: more knowledgeable, good character, etc. So, if there are values that the students have learned outside the school environment that are unhealthy to themselves or their surroundings, then yes, I think the schools need to step up and challenge these values.
Assumptions - Assumptions can always be challenged. Why? Because assumptions are opinions, they are not fact. Challenging assumptions helps create and foster critical thinking skills. Challenging assumptions helps students look at all sides of an issue before creating an opinion. Challenging assumptions helps build character.
In all, although the schools need to work in conjuction with parents, friends, and outside influences, the schools also need to remember that there are definitely times where values and assumptions need to be challenged. If nothing else, it helps develop these young students.
9. Is it more important that public schools work to primarily reinforce the values and assumptions students learn outside the school environment or to challenge them? Why?
My Response:
This is an interesting question, because there can be several viewpoints on this. To start, I think we need to distinguish between values and assumptions, because they can be looked at differently, and talked about seperately.
Values - This can become a grey area, because on the one hand, the schools need to realize that they are really working in conjunction with parents, friends, etc. to help develop these students minds, character, and social skills. Therefore, the schools really need to be supporting the home life and helping reinforce the values that the kids are learning. On the other hand, it's the schools duty to make sure they are teaching and developing these students to be better people: more knowledgeable, good character, etc. So, if there are values that the students have learned outside the school environment that are unhealthy to themselves or their surroundings, then yes, I think the schools need to step up and challenge these values.
Assumptions - Assumptions can always be challenged. Why? Because assumptions are opinions, they are not fact. Challenging assumptions helps create and foster critical thinking skills. Challenging assumptions helps students look at all sides of an issue before creating an opinion. Challenging assumptions helps build character.
In all, although the schools need to work in conjuction with parents, friends, and outside influences, the schools also need to remember that there are definitely times where values and assumptions need to be challenged. If nothing else, it helps develop these young students.
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Role of Student Led Organizations in School
Since I’m running with somewhat late notice as a write in candidate, I didn’t get the chance to partake in the public forum that the Johnston Education Association (JEA) hosted a couple weeks back. Since I feel it’s important that all voters see all opinions, I thought I would take the next few days to answer some of the questions that the JEA asked to the 3 ballot nominees.
JEA Question #5: As you know, the issue of safe and welcoming school environments has become an importantdiscussion point among educators, administrators, and parents. What role do you see studentorganized groups playing in this effort? (these might include a before-school prayer club. film club. gay-straight alliance. etc.)
My Response
I think student organized groups can play a very important and significant role in helping create a welcoming school environment. It allows our students to stay active and to be a part of something that they enjoy being a part of. It allows our students to connect and to network with other students based on similar passions. It builds friendships and relationships, which I don’t think anyone can argue that our students need to develop. It most definitely promotes a welcoming environment for our students.
Not everyone likes to play sports, or participate in music, or be in theatre. Not everyone likes science, or math, or history. Not everyone likes homework (okay…maybe no one really likes homework). My point is that our students are a diverse group of people with a diverse group of interests, and these social clubs can help most everyone find something they are passionate about. When students have options, they are more likely to get involved. I don’t care if the group consists of 25 people or 6 people. There need to be options for our students to stay involved. The more involved our students are, especially with something they care about, the less time they have to find other “time fillers” which may not be healthy for them. Involvement in student led groups also helps our students build character, social skills, and conflict management skills.
I will agree with Marci Cordaro here that I am more focusing this answer on high school level groups. I too would be somewhat concerned about groups in lower level grades; however I would entertain the idea of certain social groups in upper middle school grades.
JEA Question #5: As you know, the issue of safe and welcoming school environments has become an importantdiscussion point among educators, administrators, and parents. What role do you see studentorganized groups playing in this effort? (these might include a before-school prayer club. film club. gay-straight alliance. etc.)
My Response
I think student organized groups can play a very important and significant role in helping create a welcoming school environment. It allows our students to stay active and to be a part of something that they enjoy being a part of. It allows our students to connect and to network with other students based on similar passions. It builds friendships and relationships, which I don’t think anyone can argue that our students need to develop. It most definitely promotes a welcoming environment for our students.
Not everyone likes to play sports, or participate in music, or be in theatre. Not everyone likes science, or math, or history. Not everyone likes homework (okay…maybe no one really likes homework). My point is that our students are a diverse group of people with a diverse group of interests, and these social clubs can help most everyone find something they are passionate about. When students have options, they are more likely to get involved. I don’t care if the group consists of 25 people or 6 people. There need to be options for our students to stay involved. The more involved our students are, especially with something they care about, the less time they have to find other “time fillers” which may not be healthy for them. Involvement in student led groups also helps our students build character, social skills, and conflict management skills.
I will agree with Marci Cordaro here that I am more focusing this answer on high school level groups. I too would be somewhat concerned about groups in lower level grades; however I would entertain the idea of certain social groups in upper middle school grades.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Your Resume is "Light" Mr. Write In!
I’ve seen and heard a few comments lately about me having such a "light" resume, as well as questions of why I’m running as a write in and didn’t take the time to get on the ballot. Well, since I’m not here to avoid the issues or other’s opinions, I figured I’d take a minute to provide an explanation.
Both of these really come down to one word: timing. I’m a 29 year old father of two (a 4 ½ year old and a 2 year old), with a master’s degree in business administration. I know what you’re thinking now: “So what? What does that have to do with anything? Are you just tooting your own horn?” My answer is simply that it has everything to do with it and no, I’m not just bragging. See, if you think logically about this, I spent 18 years going through the school district (5 years pre-school and daycare, and 13 years K-12). I then spent 4 ½ years at college. I married shortly after college and started my career. I worked about 4 years and then decided to go to grad school. During that 4 year time period before I went back to school, my wife and I started a family and she went to grad school. I let her finish school first, and then went to get my Masters degree, in which I finished up in December of 2008. So, quite honestly, the timing has not been right for me until now. I was very focused on establishing my family and creating a stable environment for them. I was focused on finding and maintaining a stable career. Now that I’ve done all that: finishing my education, and creating a stable family and career, coupled with the fact that my daughters are almost to the school year age, I’m now focused on helping better our school district.
Does that mean I forgot about the school district all those years? No. I tried to stay involved the best I could. I coached. I worked part time at the schools. I stayed involved in the district through the fire department. Now that we’re settled as a family and we’re stable, I have the time it requires to be active on the school board. I know it’s a big time commitment, and I now have that time to serve.
The other thing I did to stay active in the community was serving as a volunteer firefighter/EMT. I volunteered on the Johnston Fire Department starting my senior year of high school, and continued for 6 years all through college. I would drive home every weekend and every Thursday to participate. I even left an Iowa State Basketball game to drive home to help at a house fire. I was busy, but I was committed. See, when I commit to something (like I’m doing with this campaign), I stay committed. I work hard. I see it through. That’s what I’m bringing to the school board. Energy. Passion. Commitment. Focus.
So much of my resume is centered on my education and my community involvement because there wasn’t enough time for me to worry about building my resume for the school board. Let me ask you this: Would you rather have someone on the board that has spent their time building a resume, yet has no work ethic, no dedication, and no determination. Or, would you rather have a guy like me on there: one that may have a “light” resume, but one that will work hard, be committed, and bring an energy and passion to the school district? I’ll leave that to you to answer.
“So, why didn’t you go through the nomination process then, you ask?”
Well, this has to do with timing as well. I’ve been thinking about running for school board for a few months or so now. I really spent some time figuring out if I was going to be able to commit the time needed to run. I also spent some time talking with my wife. It was a fairly long process, because I wanted to make sure I was running for the right reasons. When I came to the decision to run, there were only a couple days left, and I didn’t think I would get the papers and signatures in time. So, I actually put my campaign on hold and was going to run next time. However, I was approached by several people that were concerned with having only 3 nominees running unopposed for 3 seats. After doing some research, I became equally concerned, and decided that I would commit fully to running for the school board.
Again, it was timing. I wasn’t avoiding going through the nomination process. I wasn’t trying to avoid the issues or the debates. In fact, I think if you refer back to this website daily, you’ll see that I’m trying to address the issues and sound off on what all the other candidates have had to sound off on.
Finally, I say to each their own. I know we all won’t agree and I know we all "can’t just get along." I ask, however, that you recognize that I am who I say I am, and that I will work hard for this school district. And, I ask that you not let a “light” resume hold you back for voting for me. I’ve proven myself in other areas of my life, and I will prove myself worthy of a school board seat.
Thank you,
Eric Peterson
Both of these really come down to one word: timing. I’m a 29 year old father of two (a 4 ½ year old and a 2 year old), with a master’s degree in business administration. I know what you’re thinking now: “So what? What does that have to do with anything? Are you just tooting your own horn?” My answer is simply that it has everything to do with it and no, I’m not just bragging. See, if you think logically about this, I spent 18 years going through the school district (5 years pre-school and daycare, and 13 years K-12). I then spent 4 ½ years at college. I married shortly after college and started my career. I worked about 4 years and then decided to go to grad school. During that 4 year time period before I went back to school, my wife and I started a family and she went to grad school. I let her finish school first, and then went to get my Masters degree, in which I finished up in December of 2008. So, quite honestly, the timing has not been right for me until now. I was very focused on establishing my family and creating a stable environment for them. I was focused on finding and maintaining a stable career. Now that I’ve done all that: finishing my education, and creating a stable family and career, coupled with the fact that my daughters are almost to the school year age, I’m now focused on helping better our school district.
Does that mean I forgot about the school district all those years? No. I tried to stay involved the best I could. I coached. I worked part time at the schools. I stayed involved in the district through the fire department. Now that we’re settled as a family and we’re stable, I have the time it requires to be active on the school board. I know it’s a big time commitment, and I now have that time to serve.
The other thing I did to stay active in the community was serving as a volunteer firefighter/EMT. I volunteered on the Johnston Fire Department starting my senior year of high school, and continued for 6 years all through college. I would drive home every weekend and every Thursday to participate. I even left an Iowa State Basketball game to drive home to help at a house fire. I was busy, but I was committed. See, when I commit to something (like I’m doing with this campaign), I stay committed. I work hard. I see it through. That’s what I’m bringing to the school board. Energy. Passion. Commitment. Focus.
So much of my resume is centered on my education and my community involvement because there wasn’t enough time for me to worry about building my resume for the school board. Let me ask you this: Would you rather have someone on the board that has spent their time building a resume, yet has no work ethic, no dedication, and no determination. Or, would you rather have a guy like me on there: one that may have a “light” resume, but one that will work hard, be committed, and bring an energy and passion to the school district? I’ll leave that to you to answer.
“So, why didn’t you go through the nomination process then, you ask?”
Well, this has to do with timing as well. I’ve been thinking about running for school board for a few months or so now. I really spent some time figuring out if I was going to be able to commit the time needed to run. I also spent some time talking with my wife. It was a fairly long process, because I wanted to make sure I was running for the right reasons. When I came to the decision to run, there were only a couple days left, and I didn’t think I would get the papers and signatures in time. So, I actually put my campaign on hold and was going to run next time. However, I was approached by several people that were concerned with having only 3 nominees running unopposed for 3 seats. After doing some research, I became equally concerned, and decided that I would commit fully to running for the school board.
Again, it was timing. I wasn’t avoiding going through the nomination process. I wasn’t trying to avoid the issues or the debates. In fact, I think if you refer back to this website daily, you’ll see that I’m trying to address the issues and sound off on what all the other candidates have had to sound off on.
Finally, I say to each their own. I know we all won’t agree and I know we all "can’t just get along." I ask, however, that you recognize that I am who I say I am, and that I will work hard for this school district. And, I ask that you not let a “light” resume hold you back for voting for me. I’ve proven myself in other areas of my life, and I will prove myself worthy of a school board seat.
Thank you,
Eric Peterson
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