Dale Keene, 40, joined the School Board because he wants to make a difference; and the board was the next step.
Keene is running for position eight, at large, against David Kem. He was appointed to the board in December after Ken Roberts resigned.
He has served on site council, the PTC and strategic planning committee, he said. Joining the board was the next step in the progression.
Regarding the budget crunch, “I want to keep as far away from the classroom as possible,” Keene said. That means streamlining efficiency, and if the district must cut classrooms, then cuts affecting the classroom should be the last thing the district does.
“I think we do a good job overall,” Keene said. As far as efficiencies go, there are probably some things the district can look at in the maintenance and transportation areas with technology. Some expenditures can be put off until funding increases again.
One example is how the district buys fuel, Keene said.
“I know they’ve had some problems with having to change so many filters on the buses. We suspect that’s the governor’s mandate with ethanol.”
By using higher-grade fuel, the district may save money by replacing filters less frequently, he said.
With some discussion about sports in the budget, Keene said he doesn’t want to cut sports completely.
“It can be pared back a little,” he said. Games could probably played closer to home.
“If we have to, they’ll be looking at cutting junior high sports again,” he said. “I don’t want to, but I also know that education is primary. We’re facing some tough decisions. We have to weigh the options and go with what’s best for kids.”
Aside from the budget, Keene is interested in expanding education in the trades, he said. “Not every kid is meant to go to college. I’d like to see alternative ways of preparing them for life.”
That can be accomplished in the trades, he said. With declining enrollment, he is not sure how to go about it, but he would definitely want to look at it in his next term.
Among his ideas is a district-sponsored charter school that emphasizes the trades, he said.
Keene was born and raised in Sweet Home, and he has ties in the community, not only in church and Scouting but also with his family, he said, explaining why voters should elect him. “I want to see them do the best they can, and I’m the best man for the job.”