Patch Candidate Profile: Enrique Ramos For ISD 833 School Board

SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN — This fall, Woodbury and Cottage Grove residents will vote on school board members for South Washington County Schools.

Enrique Ramos is one of nine candidates running for School Board in the Nov. 2 election.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles over the coming weeks.

Age (as of Election Day): 36

Position Sought: ISD 833 School Board Member At Large

Party Affiliation: Non Partisan

Family:

My wife and I live in Cottage Grove. Our six-year-old and eight-year-old children attend Nuevas Fronteras in St. Paul Park.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: Bachelors in Business Administration

Occupation: IT Consultant & Real Estate Professional (Self Employed)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: N/A

Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/enriq...

Why are you seeking elective office?:

I am running for school board to ensure that we all have a voice. I am eager for the opportunity to continue raising the voice of our community, and for the opportunity to
represent all students, families, and educators.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it:

I believe the number 1 issue is always effective pedagogy - are our kids learning? Effective pedagogy requires a comprehensive approach. That means listening to our students, our educators and our families.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?:

I come from an under-represented group, who attended public school in the inner city, went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and currently in pursuit of a masters. So, I have very holistic experience with education and the education system.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency):

Given the circumstances, I believe they are performing well.

How do you think local officials are performing in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?:

Given the circumstances, I believe they are performing well.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Operating and capital projects levies. I believe in investing as much as possible in education. However, it must be data driven and based on the budget updates the increase in levies appears warranted.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?:

I am a husband, a father, a business owner and have extensive experience working in education as an IT Director.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

“People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.” Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?:

This is a non-partisan race, so we must serve each and every child well. I think we owe you to our community to be responsive, transparent, and accountable and to ensure that all students have what they need, and every family is well supported.