School Board Candidate Profile: Mike Thissen

The South Washington County School Board has five seats up for election in 2013.

Four members will be elected to four-year terms; one will be elected to fill the vacancy of the two-year term expiring Jan. 4, 2016.

There are 14 people vying for the four-year terms and three candidates for the two-year term. The election is Nov. 5.

Mike Thissen, of Woodbury, is vying for a four-year term.

Check back on Patch for more candidate profiles.

Patch: Why are you running for school board?

Thissen: I will provide a voice for all the teachers and parents and will encourage input from both groups.

My interest is in providing students with the best education possible while remaining fiscally responsible. To me that starts in the classroom and it is my goal to be sure that taxpayer money is used wisely to give our teachers what they need to best educate all kids.

We need to teach kids life skills and how to be productive citizens-not just critical thinkers and problem solvers. The kids are the ones impacted by any decision made by the board.

The district needs to utilize the knowledge and day-to-day experiences of teachers to make decisions that impact student learning.

Patch: What qualifications do you have?

Thissen: I am involved with children activities in the community, am on our homeowner’s association board, and am a parent of children at the elementary and middle school levels.

I will definitely bring a different perspective to the school board using logic and common sense approaches.

Patch: How are you voting on the three ballot questions? Why?

Thissen: I am undecided at this time as I am researching the ways that the money will be spent in the classroom.

Patch: What is the biggest challenge facing District 833 schools? How would you address it?

Thissen: The push for technology and technological trends. Putting technology in the hands of students does not make the district a leader in technology.

Teachers needs to be provided training opportunities and time to learn and create activities that will benefit students in the classroom.

Patch: Anything else you'd like to add?

Thissen: If you want to see change, open communication, and a different approach to board decisions, please vote for me.

Previous Profiles

Tracy Brunnette

John Griffin

Katie Schwartz

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