Wayzata School Board Candidate: Bill Pritchard of Plymouth

There are nine candidates for three open seats on the Wayzata School Board this year. Below you will find the candidate biography for Bill Pritchard. (All candidates were contacted by Patch via email and given the chance to answer the same questions.)

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What previous political experience do you have (including other governmental positions you’ve held, whether elected, appointed or volunteer)?

I have not previously run for any political offices, however, I have experiences and involvement with various local governmental officials, City Councils, staff and agencies, throughout the Twin Cities, including Plymouth and Wayzata.

What other relevant experience do you have?

I serve as a Board Member with the Wayzata Boys Basketball Association and am a volunteer coach for the Wayzata/Plymouth Baseball Association.  A current member with the Twin Cities Builder Association, Minnesota Builder Association and National Association of Housing where I serve on the Public Policy Governmental Affairs Committee.  

What is your occupation?

I work in the Financial Service industry as a Financial Professional with Prudential Insurance Company of America.  Prior to my current career with Prudential, I was in the residential and construction industry for over 20 years. 

Where did you go to school? 

I have a degree in Planning and Business Administration from Mankato State University, Mankato, MN.  

What city within the Wayzata School District do you live in?

I have resided in Plymouth and within the Wayzata School District for the past 25 years.

Do you have a spouse, children or any other family members you’d like to tell voters about? 

My wife Cathy and I have two sons.  The eldest, Zach, recently graduated from Luther College in Iowa and our younger son, Nate, is a fifth grader within the district.  

What are your campaign goals?

The district’s top priority is and should remain foremost its’ “Student.”  

Start with the basic as to what’s best for the “Student” and all else follows.  That’s not to say there are not other top priorities, opportunities and challenges.  Certainly, the growth, as well as providing and maintaining adequate facilities, budgetary, financial, personnel and academics are all priorities.  My plan to address these priorities is to keep to the basic and respectful of the needs of the students.  “Seek to ensure a world-class education that prepares each and every student to thrive today and excel tomorrow in an ever-changing global society” (Mission Statement of Wayzata Public Schools).  Fortunately, I am not alone in addressing this plan, as it’s a collaborative effort from parents, guardians, and all of the District employees, educators, staff, volunteers, administrators and Board members. 

What issues are you most focused on?

Issues that I am most focused on for the Wayzata School District:

The Wayzata School District has been and is one of the state’s leaders in excellence of education for each and every student.   The district has historically maintained one of the state’s highest bonding/credit rating.  It is a school district that is highly desirable by families with children as well as without, because of its quality of educators, staff, volunteers and administration, along with strong support from the parents and community.  Its’ facilities are well maintained and provides a safe, clean and friendly environment.  Wayzata students not only excel in the classrooms, but also outside in extra curriculum activities, where students are provided additional opportunities to learn and grow.  Wayzata’s students consistently rank at or near in test scores, SAT’s and academic achievements.

As a resident of the Wayzata School District for the past 25 years, I am proud of the accomplishments by the current as well as the past efforts all those in the district of what has been achieved and maintained.  As a result of their stewardship, the legacy of Wayzata School District has a ‘Tradition of Excellency.’  It does not mean that we should become complacent and rely on the past, rather, we need to be willing to challenge, seek open communication and vigorously engage all stakeholders to get involved.  

The District is facing rapid growth, and I believe it is fortunate we have a highly dedicated employment base of educators, staff, volunteers and administrators.  I respect the honest, dedicated, ethical and efforts of these individuals.  I believe that these individuals are truly committed to ensure all students receive the best quality and excellence of education possible.  It is important that we stay on task to continue to challenge all (parents, educators, staff, administration and the Board), to stay engaged and involved, working together, maintaining a sense of community, equity for all, integrity of doing what’s right, and being respectful. 

Why should voters choose you?

It is my opinion, you can:  “Tell someone something, they may forget. Show someone something and they may not remember. Involve someone and they will understand.” The challenge for all of us is to be involved. I am choosing to be involved.  I decided to seek a position on the School Board not to change what others have initiated, but rather, to enhance and hopefully improve on what has been achieved.  As I look beyond 2013, how to manage the growth within the district and maintain the quality of education will be a challenge.  As a stakeholder within the district, I am choosing to get involved, to be a representative that will challenge, support and lead.  I believe my financial experiences within the Financial Service industry, entrepreneur focus towards business organizations, and community involvements are valuable asset as the District continues to grow. I am asking for your Vote on November 5th, to be your representative on the Wayzata Board of Education.