I am Ron Bridges and I am considering running for the Sumter School District. I have been involved with District 17 for 4 years and have served in many different volunteer roles in the schools and district.
I have been asked, “Why are you running for school board?” The best way to say it is to say it three ways. I believe there must be strong leadership expressed by the school board to set the tone for the entire district. I will bring that leadership. There must be a closer relationship and involvement with the community and I will work to develop that relationship and involvement. I believe there should be smooth consolidation of Districts 17 and 2 and I will cooperate and work for that smooth consolidation.
Leadership. I will bring a robust leadership style to the Sumter School Board. I do not sit back and “rubber stamp” other’s ideas and suggestions. I want primarily two questions answered. How will this help or hurt our district, schools, our teachers, and most importantly our students? Why is this a good idea? I expect answers. If those simple questions cannot be answered satisfactory, the plan should not be approved until they can be answered. I search out other people’s ideas and opinions. Our community is full of good ideas and the only thing lacking is asking for them. I will work toward those goals.
Community Ownership and Involvement. I will work to bring the community and School District closer together. The community owns the district and the community must be treated as such. Apathy is a common problem and by reestablishing community involvement in the district and schools we can start working on removing that apathy. In studies where community involvement has been increased, civic responsibility and involvement increased and most of all student grades improved. This is my passion and I will work to increase involvement with the schools and the district as a whole.
Consolidation. I will work toward cooperation with the Consolidation Transition Team. We know the schools will consolidate, and cooperation with the team will help make the consolidation smoother. Now is not the time to “kingdom build” but to work for the seamless consolidation for the good of the students, teachers, and the community. I will work toward that end, the smoothest consolidation possible.
I am prepared to work for the Sumter Community and the School District. As a team we can reach higher levels that will be seen for generations to come.
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