ELECTIONS: What Sets Each Candidate Apart?

On Tuesday, Shakopee residents will be asked to vote for three people to fill positions on the Shakopee School Board. With four like-minded candidates running, Patch asked what sets each of them apart.

Matt McKeand: Passion for Education, Professional Skills

I think that I should be one of the candidates elected because of my passion for high quality education as well as my impact as part of the Facilities Task Force and being one of the presenters.

I also believe my intelligence and professional experience in talent management, which has really taught me ways to set organizations up for success - by maximizing the talents within, finding ways to develop needed skills, or by knowing how to acquire the best new talent.

Jeremy Casper: Campaign for All-Day Kindergarten, Long-term Facilities Task Force Recommendations

I have been campaigning on bringing all-day kindergarten as an optional program to parents in the district. We are one of the few districts in the area that does not offer an all-day kindergarten option. With the Facilities Task Force recommending a possible kindergarten center, this would be the perfect opportunity to offer an all-day option. I am pushing for the option of all-day kindergarten as I believe that this will help increase our student achievement.

Another area is regarding the long-term recommendations of the Facilities Task Force. The task force did an excellent job in their short-term recommendations. However, I am not sold yet on the long-term recommendations. There are a lot of unanswered questions that I feel need to be resolved before we can ask voters to increase their taxes. First, what is the plan for the middle school level and the projected overcrowding there? Why did we stop at 2019 and not go out to 2030 to match the City of Shakopee and Scott County comprehensive plans? Will we have the demand long term to support two high schools or will we eventually need to close one like Hopkins or Edina did years ago? How are the sports teams going to be split up? Do we continue to have football play at the Jr. High or do we have to build additional stadiums? Have we looked at programmatic or curriculum changes that could increase the capacity of the schools while increasing student achievement at the same time?

I want to make sure that we do not fail taxpayers, parents, or students, which is why I think it is important to ask the hard questions and make sure that we have brought the best proposal forward.

Reggie Bowerman: Extensive Local Education Experience

I previously served on the school board from 2008-09. I’ve also served on various school committees and task forces including Curriculum, Facilities, Business & Technology and Financial Planning. Also, my tenure on the Shakopee Education Endowment Foundation (SEEF) board, which is dedicated to supporting unfunded innovative local educational projects.  And my time volunteering for Shakopee Citizens for Education. 

This collectively demonstrates my commitment to local education and grasp of the key issues.  At a time with four new board members, a new superintendent and several critical issues facing the district, my extensive local education experience will be an important asset to the board.

Angela Tucker: Service to the Shakopee School District, Mom of Special Needs Child, Corporate Business Experience

I have been serving and advocating for the education needs of our community for the last six years. All of my contributions and time served on the Special Education Parent Advisory Council, Curriculum Advisory Board, Strategic Task Force, Facilities Task Force, and in the schools has been instrumental in positioning myself to be an excellent member of the School Board. It also shows that I’m committed to the Shakopee Schools and our community.  Over the years I have had the pleasure of building great relationships with many school staff members and parents.

Secondly, I’m a mom of a special needs child who is currently an eighth grader. Often times parents of special needs kids are told the words no, never, can’t, and impossible. I’m one of those parents who will not accept those words. My child will have the same opportunities as any other child however; it might be modified to meet his needs. I will continue to advocate for my child and all children to be given an equal opportunity to be successful.

Lastly, I believe that my corporate business experience also sets me apart. I have been in the corporate environment for over 12 years. I have experience managing people, creating efficiencies, budgeting, hiring, performance management, problem resolution, and international interactions. Having these tools will assist me in being a productive member in the school board.

I believe that with all the changes happening within the district the community needs a School Board member who has been involved and knows the ins and outs of the district. The district also needs someone who is willing to make a difference.