School Committee Candidate Kyle Rose

Seekonk Patch sent a list of questions to the seven candidates running for two school committee seats in the April 1 election. Below are the questions along with the answers submitted by candidate Kyle Rose.

—Jonathan Friedman, editor

Name: Kyle Rose

Age: 45

How many years have you lived in Seekonk? 34

How many children do you have in the Seekonk public schools? Do you have any children who previously attended Seekonk public schools or plan to send children to the Seekonk Public schools in the future? I have two children in Seekonk public schools. My thirteen year old daughter is at Hurley middle school and is looking forward to the high school next year. I also have an eleven year old son at Martin school that will be moving up to the middle school next year.

What is your current involvement with the school district (PTO membership, volunteering, etc.)? I have helped chaperone a few of my children’s’ field trips.  My favorite was the history tour (bus ride) of Seekonk.  My daughter and I have not missed a father and daughter dance yet.  With that said there were several father son events (my favorite was laser tag.)  I also want my own two kids to know just how valuable my wife and I think their education is.  We go to every open house, communicate with their teachers throughout the year and (due to scheduling) my wife attends the yearly teacher conferences. We also show support by going to school related events like the band concerts, sporting events, book fairs, Spring Fling, Pumpkin Something, Flames of Fall, and the “charity dodge ball event.”

What is your day Job? If you are retired, what was your former job? I have been teaching for the last twenty years.  Of which, the past 16 years I have been teaching at Burrillville high school.

Why are you running for school committee? I have been working ever since I have been thirteen years old (a paper route.)  My parents, friends, past work history and Seekonk schools have taught me many things included my work ethic and drive. I truly believe that we are lifelong learners.  I also believe that if you have a skill set you should use it to help others and the community.  I am good at what I do.  My students enjoy my classes.  Probably because of my ability to relate and communicate with them.  I have a good repaired with my students, parents and my schools administration.  I have been complemented from my colleagues, administration and parents on my dedication to students (when my students have won awards in local and regional competitions in technology education) and my thrifty-ness when planning for next year’s budget.  I have extensive knowledge on the IT needs of schools having been involved in an eight million dollar renovation of Burrillville high school and holding numerous afterschool technology literacy activities.  Lastly, my ability to listen, communicate, and work with other to get things accomplished.  It is these qualities and skills I possess and want to give back to our community by being on the school committee.

What makes you a better choice than your opponents? Like all of the candidates we live in town and pay our share of taxes.  No one wants to pay more taxes; and most of all no one ever wants to hear that their tax dollars were used inappropriately or have been wasted.  Having a Masters degree in education and being a teacher (of twenty years) I know what the needs of our students and schools are.  The edge that I have is due to my work experience.  I have an understanding of students (advance placement, traditional and special education students) state regulations, mandates, school safety, budgets and the ability to communicate.

What is the state of the school district? Are there problems that need fixing? If so, what would you do to fix them? Over all I am happy with the state of Seekonk schools.  I also think “kudos” should go out to the current school committee for wrapping up the superintendents’ search and appointment.  They understood that the search and appointment needed to get done quickly because the longer they waited, the best of the best would have been taken by other school districts.  I agree with the appointment of Mrs. Bosco as the new Superintendent of schools.  She is a dedicated woman with the qualifications and ability to drive Seekonk schools into the future.  As I just said, I am overall happy with the direction Seekonk schools.  How I believe I can help is with the pooling of town resources.  The town and the school district are currently looking for a technology director.  Instead of having (and paying) two people for a position I believe that this position could be fill by one person.  I would also like to investigate other avenues which could save the town money like snow plowing.  The town and the school district should not have to budget for this separately.  This and other items that could and should be combined must be looked into so that our town’s time, resources and tax dollars can be saved.  Also school safety.  This is a very hot topic and rightfully so.  No one wants to live through what some other towns and school districts have gone through.  The violence needs to stop.  I believe that the town, it’s police, fire, rescue and schools all need to communicate and develop a plan to keep our schools safe.  After all, the funds to pay for such are coming from the same source our tax dollars.

As a member of the school committee, you have just one vote and need at least two people to agree with you to get anything approved. How well do you work with others? What is your experience with productively working in a group? It is my belief that listening and being able to communicate with others is important.  Life is about being able to get along and work with others.  I am not naive enough to believe that people are always going to be able to agree and get along. With that said, I think people can work through issues and agree to disagree and still reach a positive solution for the greater good.  It is difficult at times especially when things get heated and walls go up to keep an open mind, listen and talk things through because the group and others depend on positive outcomes.

What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy spending down time with my family.  They are actively involved in town sports and like most parents l spend my time cheering them and their team on.  To relax, I enjoy reading periodicals on sports, woodworking, and education. I enjoy watching the Patriots and taking my dog for a walk with my wife. Also, in the nicer weather you can always find me outside doing something in my yard.

Is there anything else we should know about you? Some people might have recognized my name from having gone through Seekonk schools.  Currently, people in town know me from coaching (for the past 5 or 6 years) with Seekonk rec. baseball and a one year stint with youth soccer.  Sports and being active is healthy and gratifying for all.  It is a great way to learn sportsmanship, being part of a team and participating in events that bring the community together.  On a different and just as important topic, I think it is important to remember that many brave people have given time and their lives to keep the American way of freedom alive.  Please come and vote on April 1^st!