School Committee Candidate Shane Halajko

Seekonk Patch sent a list of questions to the seven candidates running for two school committee seats in the April 1 election. Below are the questions along with the answers submitted by candidate Shane Halajko.

—Jonathan Friedman, editor

Name: Shane Halajko

Age: 44

How many years have you lived in Seekonk? Just about a life long resident - 36 years

How many children do you have in the Seekonk public schools? Do you have any children who previously attended Seekonk public schools or plan to send children to the Seekonk Public schools in the future? 3 children in the school system

What is your current involvement with the school district (PTO membership, volunteering, etc.)? Volunteer / sponsor

What is your day Job? If you are retired, what was your former job? Realtor / Entrepreneur

Why are you running for school committee? I want to be an available, direct contact person for the residents in town to express their comments and concerns.

What makes you a better choice than your opponents? I do not know too much about my opponents. But I did go through the school system and graduated in 1987. I know the level of excellence that we expect from our schools.

What is the state of the school district? Are there problems that need fixing? If so, what would you do to fix them? We have a solid school system with dedicated professionals, parents and students. Funding always seems to be an on going issue. I would work with the other school committee members as a unity of one to address any problems that need to be corrected.

As a member of the school committee, you have just one vote and need at least two people to agree with you to get anything approved. How well do you work with others? What is your experience with productively working in a group? I have excellent negotiating and communication skills. Working with groups of people is what I do for a living.

What do you like to do in your free time? I like to spend time with family and friends. I enjoy weight lifting, swimming, walking and biking. I also enjoy coaching as well.

Is there anything else we should know about you? I served as a member on the cable board of directors, school committee member (2003-2005), Seekonk Call Fire Fighter. I'm currently on the Special Events Committee for The Community Preparatory School in Providence. Eighty percent of their funding comes from fund raising, twenty percent comes from grants. It's a school that serves gifted, low income children.