Editor’s note: Cordova’s regular election is set for March 6, in the Cordova Center. Voting hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Community Room A. Two school board positions are open for three-year terms. Candidates include Bret Bradford, Dan Reum and Peter Hoepfner. The Cordova Times gave the same questions to all the candidates. These are their answers.
How long have you resided in Cordova?
Seven years
Why do you consider yourself to be the best candidate for the job?
I have the most experience in school business. I have taught in the classroom for 20 years and served another 20 years as a school administrator. Ten of those years were in Bush Alaska schools in three different communities In two of those schools,by creating a staff that worked cooperatively together and had high expectations, we were able to raise the student achievement level high enough to make AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) and were recognized for that accomplishment. This was the first year for these two schools to achieve such an honor.
3. What would be your top priority as a school board member?
School safety and high educational expectations for all students would be my top priority. All students deserve to be treated equally and fairly.
4. What would you do to make Cordova safer?
In reference to the school I would make sure all facilities have safety as a key component. Administrators and teachers need to know the school board has the safety and well being of all students, teachers and adults entering our schools a priority. Policies and procedures should be followed and if they are not solving problems then put procedures in place that work.
Mental health issues need to be appropriately addressed in all communities. My experience in some schools and communities is that mental health treatment is lacking and it should be a priority. It cannot be like I’ve seen in schools where it is put on the back burner and we’ll get to it later.
