Three unopposed school members enjoy their service

Talk about it

Why would you run for a seat on the Alexandria City Council or the Alexandria School Board?

The Echo Press asked that question to the six candidates running for school board and the six candidates running for city council.

This is the last of four stories containing their answers. It includes comments from the three candidates who are running unopposed for election to the District 206 School Board – Dean Anderson (position 3), Jean Robley (position 5) and Alan Zeithamer (position 2).

Although the three won’t face any challengers on the November 2 ballot, their comments about their school board duties are worth printing.

•Dean Anderson believes in School District 206 and feels it’s blessed with wonderful people.

“We have excellent, dedicated teachers and paras working directly with our students. We have great bus drivers, secretaries, custodians, food service people and capable administrators supporting our classroom learning process. We are strong,” said Anderson.

“I have enjoyed serving as a board member and I feel that I still have a good bit to offer the district and the community. I know many of you personally and enjoy being your school connection. I understand the issues facing the school system and I think I can offer some good solutions and creative ideas to keep District 206 out front and productive educationally.”

Serving as the board chair for the past several years, Anderson said he realizes the importance of casting the vision, strategic planning and good policy formulation and he believes he has the vision, energy, intellect training, communication skill and heart to serve the kids of District 206 and the Alexandria area.

“We have many major upcoming decisions to be made, which will set our direction for decades to come,” he said. “I want to be there to help guide the process. It will be my pleasure to serve you again.”

•Jean Robley has fulfilled one term on the school board, which she described as an incredible experience.

“I have had the pleasure of being part of a team that shares a passion for education and works hard to ensure our children are given the tools and opportunities to help prepare them for their future in a rapidly changing world,” she said.

Robley added that administration, teachers and all of the support staff work hard to make a difference in the lives of children. The challenges the district faces, she said, are numerous and the learning curve for a school board member is steep.

“The opportunity to work with a team that is very forward thinking, creative and willing to take on the challenges put before them is exciting and very rewarding,” Robley said. “That is why I am running for another term on the school board.”

•Alan Zeithamer, who has been a member of the Alexandria School Board since 1993, said his passion for and about education is stronger now than any time before.

“There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t spend time discussing education ideas and issues with one or more people. I spend a great deal of time reading, listening and studying all the current educational topics. Educating all learners to their highest potential is critically important.”

Zeithamer said being on the school board is fun and fulfilling. He said the school board and all the school staff are very dedicated and hardworking.

Tags: local news, school board, dean anderson, jean robley, alan zeithamer, news, politics, elections