David Miller for Deer Creek School Board

Answers to Your Questions ...

Below are questions that you have asked me. If you have a question, please email me.

Why are you running? My grandson is a junior and will graduate from a good school. My youngest granddaughter is yet to start school. I feel that with the continuation of the current management of the District, the quality of school that exists today will not be there in a few years. My management background and innovative ideas will get us back on track. We need a master plan and strong direction. This is where I can make a difference in the futures of ALL the children of Deer Creek.

Why do you feel you can be an asset to the Deer Creek School Board? As I see it, we are faced with a difficult task due to the fast growth and lack of planning in the past. I feel that my 30 years of management experience will be helpful as we go forward. I have the time to devote to the developing a master long range plan and the experience to make it work. And while a long range plan must be developed, short-term decisions (or "band-aids") must fit within that plan. This will keep the District from wasting dollars and time. We have to have facets of the master plan for each area of the educational system. We must plan for the academic growth, development in the arts, expanding athletic needs and stay on the cutting edge of technology for all of our children to succeed. In the current state of our District, management, planning and communications with all patron, are key skills needed on our school board. I stand ready to help and have the time to devote to these important tasks. I also urge you to visit my newest page entitled: My View: The Role of the Board to see what I think the job of the Board needs to be in the coming years.

What do you feel is the job of a school board member? There are the usual tasks on any board such as policy, fiscal integrity and vision, but the board also has to ensure that the right managment team is in place to operate a fast growing organization. Communication is key in the development of ideas and planning with the organization and the board must keep open lines of communication with the patrons of the district. I also urge you to visit my newest page entitled: My View: The Role of the Board to see what I think the job of the Board needs to be in the coming years.

Can we keep from having to use portable buildings at our existing elementary schools? In the short-term, I do not see how we can avoid the use of portable buildings. The master plan should incorporate a plan for their elimination as soon as possible. The key to avoiding these buildings is the adjustment of the model so we are not opening new schools already beyond their planned capacity. In the meantime, we also need to look at the buildings we are purchasing and have them inspected prior to purchase. We need to make sure all of our children are learning in a clean and healthy environment.

What are the most important elements of a long range plan? While preparing young people for life is the objective, different elements are needed to be sure all students are receiving the best education possible. The plan has to have many smaller plans within it to incorporate physical plant/buildings, information technology, athletics and athletic facilities, media development and facilities, music and arts programs and facilities, training facilities and programs, and transportation to mention just a few. We have to plan and manage all facets of the district and educational opportunities because what turns one student on to school and learning may not work for another. We have to be all inclusive.

How do we pay for what is needed? There is the challenge. School financing always lags behind the need. We will need to be creative. Ad valorem tax base will grow, but in the short-term, we will need help. Private funds will need to be found. Corporate adopt-a-school help is out there. Grants need to be researched on a national level. I don't have all the answers, but I have a lot of ideas. It is evident that we need to look at all sources until ad valorem tax dollars catch up with our growth.

Answers to Your Questions ...

Below are questions that you have asked me. If you have a question, please email me.

Why are you running?
My grandson is a junior and will graduate from a good school. My youngest granddaughter is yet to start school. I feel that with the continuation of the current management of the District, the quality of school that exists today will not be there in a few years. My management background and innovative ideas will get us back on track. We need a master plan and strong direction. This is where I can make a difference in the futures of ALL the children of Deer Creek.

Why do you feel you can be an asset to the Deer Creek School Board?
As I see it, we are faced with a difficult task due to the fast growth and lack of planning in the past. I feel that my 30 years of management experience will be helpful as we go forward. I have the time to devote to the developing a master long range plan and the experience to make it work. And while a long range plan must be developed, short-term decisions (or "band-aids") must fit within that plan. This will keep the District from wasting dollars and time.

We have to have facets of the master plan for each area of the educational system. We must plan for the academic growth, development in the arts, expanding athletic needs and stay on the cutting edge of technology for all of our children to succeed.

In the current state of our District, management, planning and communications with all patron, are key skills needed on our school board. I stand ready to help and have the time to devote to these important tasks.

I also urge you to visit my newest page entitled: My View: The Role of the Board to see what I think the job of the Board needs to be in the coming years.

What do you feel is the job of a school board member?
There are the usual tasks on any board such as policy, fiscal integrity and vision, but the board also has to ensure that the right managment team is in place to operate a fast growing organization. Communication is key in the development of ideas and planning with the organization and the board must keep open lines of communication with the patrons of the district.

I also urge you to visit my newest page entitled: My View: The Role of the Board to see what I think the job of the Board needs to be in the coming years.

Can we keep from having to use portable buildings at our existing elementary schools?
In the short-term, I do not see how we can avoid the use of portable buildings. The master plan should incorporate a plan for their elimination as soon as possible. The key to avoiding these buildings is the adjustment of the model so we are not opening new schools already beyond their planned capacity. In the meantime, we also need to look at the buildings we are purchasing and have them inspected prior to purchase. We need to make sure all of our children are learning in a clean and healthy environment.

What are the most important elements of a long range plan?
While preparing young people for life is the objective, different elements are needed to be sure all students are receiving the best education possible. The plan has to have many smaller plans within it to incorporate physical plant/buildings, information technology, athletics and athletic facilities, media development and facilities, music and arts programs and facilities, training facilities and programs, and transportation to mention just a few. We have to plan and manage all facets of the district and educational opportunities because what turns one student on to school and learning may not work for another. We have to be all inclusive.

How do we pay for what is needed?
There is the challenge. School financing always lags behind the need. We will need to be creative. Ad valorem tax base will grow, but in the short-term, we will need help. Private funds will need to be found. Corporate adopt-a-school help is out there. Grants need to be researched on a national level. I don't have all the answers, but I have a lot of ideas. It is evident that we need to look at all sources until ad valorem tax dollars catch up with our growth.