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.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
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
Where and How to Vote on Sept 8th
Are you wondering where your polling place is? Would you like to see a sample ballot for information on how you would vote? Check out the side bar on this page under Where and How to Vote. There's a couple links for you.
Your Polling Place......courtesy of the auditor.co.polk.ia.us website
PRECINCT POLLING PLACE ADDRESS
Des Moines-12
Zion Lutheran Church
(Includes part of Des Moines-98 in the Johnston School
District)
4300 Beaver Ave.
Johnston-1 Johnston City Hall 6221 Merle Hay Rd.
Johnston-2 Crown Point Center 6300 Pioneer Pkwy.
Johnston-3
Johnston Evangelical Free Church
(Includes parts of Grimes-2, Jefferson-1, Urbandale-8,
and Urbandale-11 in the Johnston School District)
9901 NW 62nd Ave.
Webster-1
Meredith Drive Reformed Church
(Includes parts of Urbandale-1, Urbandale-2, Urbandale-
4, Urbandale-6 in the Johnston School District)
5128 NW Meredith Dr.
Your Polling Place......courtesy of the auditor.co.polk.ia.us website
PRECINCT POLLING PLACE ADDRESS
Des Moines-12
Zion Lutheran Church
(Includes part of Des Moines-98 in the Johnston School
District)
4300 Beaver Ave.
Johnston-1 Johnston City Hall 6221 Merle Hay Rd.
Johnston-2 Crown Point Center 6300 Pioneer Pkwy.
Johnston-3
Johnston Evangelical Free Church
(Includes parts of Grimes-2, Jefferson-1, Urbandale-8,
and Urbandale-11 in the Johnston School District)
9901 NW 62nd Ave.
Webster-1
Meredith Drive Reformed Church
(Includes parts of Urbandale-1, Urbandale-2, Urbandale-
4, Urbandale-6 in the Johnston School District)
5128 NW Meredith Dr.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Board Intentions? It's About Issues, Not Personal Agendas
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 #4 – It is our expectation that school board member’s intentions be based on isues, not personal agendas. Given that statement, what type of working relationship should board members have with each other and how does this relationship affect the Board’s abilty to operate effectively?
My Response:
This is great, because this falls in line with one of my top 3 goals. I want to be a catalyst for effective and efficient teamwork by the board. Effective teamwork involves a number of things, but most importantly it involves active listening, open and effective debate, and consensus. Everyone is going to have different opinions and views on different policies, curriculum, what have you. We all have different personalities and a different set of values. We won’t agree on everything, but it’s the board’s duty to debate everything and come to a consensus on what they feel will better our school district.
The goal of the board should be to embrace the issues presented and be willing to openly debate those issues, knowing to stay away from personal attacks. True teams can do this. They can have an intense debate, come to a decision, and walk out of the board room as friends or colleagues, knowing that their decision is going to better our school district.
The working relationship of the board members should be built on respect: respect for each other, respect for the students, staff, and parents, respect for the community, and respect for the issues. Human nature is that of selfishness. We are designed to be somewhat selfish by nature and therefore some people will come with personal agendas. With that said, though, a board built on respect realizes this and works hard to keep it out of the agenda. Pushing personal agendas does not show respect for the rest of the team. The school board is voted on by the community members, and therefore needs to respect the ideas of the community members by listening and acting on the issues at hand and not getting caught up in personal agendas. This “true teamwork” approach will make an effective board.
JEA Question #4 – It is our expectation that school board member’s intentions be based on isues, not personal agendas. Given that statement, what type of working relationship should board members have with each other and how does this relationship affect the Board’s abilty to operate effectively?
My Response:
This is great, because this falls in line with one of my top 3 goals. I want to be a catalyst for effective and efficient teamwork by the board. Effective teamwork involves a number of things, but most importantly it involves active listening, open and effective debate, and consensus. Everyone is going to have different opinions and views on different policies, curriculum, what have you. We all have different personalities and a different set of values. We won’t agree on everything, but it’s the board’s duty to debate everything and come to a consensus on what they feel will better our school district.
The goal of the board should be to embrace the issues presented and be willing to openly debate those issues, knowing to stay away from personal attacks. True teams can do this. They can have an intense debate, come to a decision, and walk out of the board room as friends or colleagues, knowing that their decision is going to better our school district.
The working relationship of the board members should be built on respect: respect for each other, respect for the students, staff, and parents, respect for the community, and respect for the issues. Human nature is that of selfishness. We are designed to be somewhat selfish by nature and therefore some people will come with personal agendas. With that said, though, a board built on respect realizes this and works hard to keep it out of the agenda. Pushing personal agendas does not show respect for the rest of the team. The school board is voted on by the community members, and therefore needs to respect the ideas of the community members by listening and acting on the issues at hand and not getting caught up in personal agendas. This “true teamwork” approach will make an effective board.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sarah Brown Wessling - Iowa's Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Johnston School District's very own Sarah Brown Wessling. The Johnston High School language arts teacher and chair of the english department was awarded by the Iowa Department of Education as the state's Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations Ms. Wessling. Your school district and community members are proud of you!!
note: information gathered from http://www.kcci.com/news/20532710/detail.html
Congratulations Ms. Wessling. Your school district and community members are proud of you!!
note: information gathered from http://www.kcci.com/news/20532710/detail.html
Why I'm Running as a Write In Candidate
I thought I should take the time to explain why I'm running as a write in candidate.
I was giving serious consideration to running for the Johnston School Board this year. During my contemplation, the nomination period lapsed and I wasn’t able to file nomination papers. Due to this, I am now writing you asking that you give serious consideration for voting for me on September 8th as a “write-in” vote for the Johnston School Board. As a lifelong Johnston School District citizen, I feel I can bring an energy and passion to a school district that I so greatly love.
1) I’m energetic and passionate about the Johnston school district. I think this is obvious as I have lived my entire life within the school district limits, have positioned my family to attend the school district, and have coached high school soccer within the school district. I’m entrenched in the school district and plan on being so for many, many years to come.
2) My oldest daughter will be entering the school district in one year. I want to make sure that our school district is making the necessary investments to not only provide her with the best education possible, but to provide all students with the best education possible. I feel these investments, whether monetary, time, etc. need to be made in several areas:
- Facilities – We need to provide our students with first class facilities that will maximize technology, in order to enhance the learning experience for them. Our students need an environment conducive to learning, and they need to be able to have access to the technology needed to maximize their learning potential.
- Educators – We need to provide our students with first class educators: knowledgeable, certified, passionate, and sincere teachers that will focus all their efforts into developing not only the young minds of our students, but also the character and discipline of our students. We need educators that will take a vested interest into every young person’s development. These educators will quite possibly spend more waking hours with our kids than we do as parents. For this reason, it’s imperative that we view our teachers as having an important role in the development of our children. They are the ones that will help us raise our children, by giving them knowledge, empowering their minds, honing their social skills, and developing their character. For the reasons listed above, we need to compensate our educators accordingly. We need to make it a priority to attract and retain the best educators in the state, by not only being competitive in teacher salaries, but by being the market leader. We also need to continue to be critical in our hiring practices to continue to ensure the best teachers available are hired to help develop our students. We need to continually review and critique our curriculum. We need to ensure that our curriculum covers a wide array of subjects and ideas, to help ensure that we are preparing our students for life after “Johnston,” whether that be higher education or the workforce.
- Extra-Curriculars – We need to make sure our students have more than enough opportunities to get involved in things outside of the normal school day. Involvement in activities (whether sports, drama, music, mock trial, social clubs, etc) helps develop our young people socially, emotionally, and physically
- Faculty, Staff, and Support Staff – We need to ensure that we are taking care of those responsible for creating our leaders of the future, by reviewing and discussing salaries, benefits, and work-life balance, to ensure that they are inline with our mission. Our schools could not be where they are at now, or where they are going to go in the future, without these people pushing us in the right direction.
3) The School Board needs to be an efficient and well functioning team, ensuring policies are set to protect our students, staff, parents, and community. Efficient and well functioning teams respect each other by not pushing personal agendas. Efficient and well functioning teams are able to actively listen to each other, and openly and intensely debate with each other, sticking to the issues at hand and staying away from personal attacks. Efficient and well functioning teams do not merely compromise on issues, but rather respectively deliberate until a consensus is reached. I will help be a catalyst for effective teamwork for the Board.
4) The political process should be one of choice. That is, the community should have their voice in determining who is elected to the school board. I do not feel that it’s due process to have three candidates running unopposed for three seats. No one should be guaranteed a seat because they happen to be the only one running. We need to make sure that the community can have a say into who is elected to the Johnston Community School Board.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my "platform" with you. Please let me know if I can answer any further questions.
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