Election 2011: Meet Byron Schwab, District 197 School Board Candidate

Editor's Note: Each candidate for the submitted their answers to the following questionnaire. The candidates had 125 words or less to respond to identical prompts. Their responses will be printed in their entirety one a day for the next seven business days, in alphabetical order. Those answers that exceeded the word count will be edited for length.

The Basics

Name:  Byron Schwab

City: West St. Paul

Education: B.S. in Music Education from Gustavus Adolphus College
Master in Education from the University of Minnesota
Specialist in Education from the University of Minnesota

Where do you work? Retired

Previous work experience: 14 years as Principal at Pilot Knob Elementary School, Eagan, MN; 4 years as Principal at Greenwood Elementary School, River Falls, WI; 16 years teaching (Senior High, Junior High and Elementary) music in Cottage Grove, MN; 2 years service in the United States Army

Questions for District 197 School Board candidates:

Patch: Why are you qualified to sit on the District 197 School Board?

Byron Schwab: I am an experienced educator with a very successful record both as an administrator and teacher.  I have lived in School District 197 for 28 years, been employed by School District 197 for 14 years, have two daughters who attended 197 Schools and therefore have a thorough understanding of the history of the School District, culture of the community, educational needs of students in the 21st century and operational procedures of a Minnesota Public School District.

Patch: Where do you stand on passage of the operating referendum that will be on the ballot?

Schwab: I support the referendum and know how critical this funding is, to sustain quality educational programing for the students in ISD 197.

Patch: What is the most important step the district must take to address financial pressures?

Schwab: The most immediate step the School District could take is to educate School District residents of the repercussions and consequences if the November referendum does not pass.  Aside from that, the District must continue to evaluate programs, curriculum, personnel and facilities for effectiveness and efficiency and adjust accordingly to maximize revenue.  

Patch: Aside from the budget, what is the most important issue facing the school district?

Schwab: The School District has the extremely important task of finding a Superintendent who will be able to lead ISD 197 with vision, wisdom, knowledge and charisma.

Patch: What area of education are you particularly passionate about?

Schwab: I'm particularly passionate about student success. After-all, a successful student is usually engaged, enthusiastic, productive, positive, healthy and generally becomes a productive, successful and contributing member of society.  What more would you want for the children in our School District?