PURPLE PRIDE! January 14th, 2009

Few things could make me happier than to represent the people of our community on the USD 250 Board of Education. I’m writing today to introduce myself and ask for your vote in April. I am proud to be from Pittsburg and a graduate of PHS. I’ve spent the overwhelming majority of my life in Pittsburg and hold experiences in the school district as some of my earliest and fondest memories. Surely the education I received here has made me the person I am today.

When my wife and I found out that we were going to be parents for the first time we made a decision to return home to Pittsburg and raise our family. A big part of that decision was based on our desire to educate our children in a diversified, quality, educational system led by people we knew we could trust. Some of the same great educators that taught me so well when I was a child and made my family feel at home in their presence have now taught my children and make my family feel the same way today. We weren’t chasing careers when we returned to Pittsburg but have found a great life here. It was truly the quality of life that Pittsburg and USD 250 offered that solidified our decision to come home. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about what a great decision that was and now I’m a candidate for the school board.

So, why vote for me? What sets me apart from other candidates? I can tell you that I have an understanding of the traditions and future of the district as well as an undeniable awareness of the challenges facing the children, parents, and educators of the district. I have a connection with people from all walks of life in our community and won’t represent the wishes of just one group. I am approachable and was taught at an early age to put my conscience above what any person thinks of me. I can also tell you that I come from a long line of fair, open-minded people who have always demonstrated the strength to object when they see that something is wrong, stand up for those who need defended, and discern what is worth fighting for. I’m more direct than your average politician and yes, I’ve been told I’ll never make it in politics because of that. You can depend on straight answers from me.

I have also been told that due to my wife Lita’s employment with the district I shouldn’t be allowed on the board. The gentleman that made that statement was trying to forward the idea that having me on the board would be a conflict of interest. I offered that not only is it not prohibited, but that my wife and I are educated, experienced, professional people who can easily manage the unique challenges my being on the board might present. I also asked him if he and his wife agreed on everything, everyday.

I’ve also been asked if I’m running for the school board to protect my wife or to exercise a vendetta on someone. Please believe me when I say my wife is the most dedicated, hardest working person I’ve ever met and her work ethic, production, and integrity stand on their own and are far from needing protected. Additionally, I would recuse myself on any vote dealing with her employment.

Historically speaking, I can see where voters might be on the lookout for potential board members who carry a grudge. Far from having some vendetta or ax to grind, I’m looking to give back to the district and community by adding my unique perspective that I’ve developed in over 40 years in our community. I have no individual group or project that I’m looking to advance and my residency will not be a problem now nor in the future. I have the highest regard for the entirety of the USD 250 family at all levels of employment. It’s my respect for, and willingness to listen to staff members that will add to my effectiveness as a board member.

I’m running to be a member of the USD 250 School Board of Education because I wish to assist in making decisions that benefit the children of the district while preventing special interests from injecting politics or personal grudges. I am a lifelong community member and I’ve seen the system work. I’m a proud graduate of the public school system, supporter of administration, faculty, staff, academics, and athletics. With four children in USD 250 schools I have a genuine interest in the district’s success and plan to live here for the rest of my life. I’m not overly fond of the sound of my own voice, yet have the ability and desire to speak out for the advancement of district goals that serve the entire community. I’m an advocate of openness and transparency and I don’t believe anyone should have to pay higher taxes. I will respond to patron and staff member concerns with an open mind keeping the district’s best interest in mind as well as having empathy for those expressing concerns. There are things in the district that I would like to improve yet stake no claim to having all the answers. I can guarantee meeting each issue with an open mind and genuine concern for the people of Pittsburg, young and not so young. I was told recently by a new board member that initially you spend time just learning the terminology used in board discussions and I’m sure that will hold true for me as well. Nevertheless, it’s my unbiased dedication to the philosophy of the district and how it affects ALL the people of Pittsburg that will guide my decisions on the board should I be so fortunate as to earn the trust and vote of the people of Pittsburg.

In regard to the board’s role, I believe the school board should provide oversight in day-to-day operations of the schools without micromanaging. If we as board members have done our jobs during the hiring process, then competent people can and should be allowed to use their skills and do their jobs. Additionally, I believe that the board’s role in curriculum development and the meeting of mandates should be one of strong leadership with consideration given to the strength of the Superintendant’s and Assistant Superintendant’s qualifications and record of production in curriculum. I am concerned that in the daily rush to educate such a large number of children, all with different needs, a clear vision of the big picture can be lost. Noting that the development and accomplishment of standards is a necessity, I still feel that the rush to keep up with ‘No Child Left Behind’ can challenge the sense of ownership parents and children feel in their schools, as well as rob teachers of the opportunity to attach their unique gifts to the educational process. I may not remember every single thing that my teachers taught me while in school here but I do remember how they taught it. I want to make sure that today’s kids will feel the same way. Finally, I believe meeting the needs of the most needy, tremendously underprivileged students, while not overlooking the needs of the rest of our students, is the greatest challenge facing USD 250. With budget concerns ever-present, and especially in tough financial times, it’s important to remember that none of this can be accomplished if we don’t take care of our hard-working staff members.

Thank you for your consideration. I appreciate your vote,

Todd Biggs
Candidate for USD 250 School Board
232-5676