Drake, Robert
Candidate for
Biographical Information
Address:
16680 Elderale Drive
Middleburg Hts.
Current Occupation:
Education:
Please answer the following questions in no more than 300 words.
1. Why are you the best candidate for office?
These are very difficult times for Ohio School Districts. I believe that it important to the community to maintain a quality education program. Our district has recently voted down 3 school levies. The voters do not want to pay more taxes. It is up to the school board to find a way to maintain quality education and live within the budget. Ohio and the federal government need to assist struggling school districts. New emphasis needs to be placed on education. The federal government should not be able to pass mandates without financial assistance. As a school board member I would spend time and energy looking for other sources of income for our school district. Education is the key to a strong community.
2. If elected or re-elected, what are your top three (3) priorities and why?
1. Safety and Security First and foremost we must guarantee our parents and the community that their children will be safe. Significant dollars have been spent since Columbine and 9/11 on security items for our buildings. In addition, parents must feel that the teachers and staff of Berea Schools are dedicated and moral caretakers of their children. There is no other industry that has such a responsibility. 2. Financing. School districts cannot run at a deficit. Currently without additional sources of income, financial cuts must be made. Before any buildings or programs are cut I will suggest the school board ask the voters for a levy. I will also encourage Ohio for some assistance. 3. Technology. As President of the Polaris Career Center, I have seen the importance of technology in education today. Polaris and the Berea School District are leaders. Virtual schools are already being used by charter and Home-based schools. We need to explore the opportunities that may be available using the internet.
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