OROL: Kevin Shenefiel 2001

Candidate for ORSD School Board 2001

Kevin Shenefiel Kevin Shenefiel
Lee, NH

I am a 24 year resident of Lee. I graduated from Oyster River in 1992 and received a BS in biology from St. Lawrence University in 1996. Currently, I am the proprietor of a carpentry, custom furniture, and repair business.

Philosophy

I don't believe that increased funding of education is the cure all. The role of public schools should not be expanded beyond their traditional responsibilities. Public schools should provide students with the opportunity to receive the knowledge and skills necessary to become a responsible and productive citizen; whether they choose to enter the work force, or go on to college or vocational school. Schools should not be out to control every waking hour of a student's life, or provide every community service imaginable.

Stance on Issues

Curriculum and Faculty

I favor improving the integration of curriculum between subject areas and grade levels. Faculty meetings to discuss the curriculum are a step in the right direction to eliminate holes and redundancy, but the general public should be invited to give input on what could be thinned from or added to the curriculum. Curriculum standards must be enforced. They do little good if teachers are free to ignore them.

Teachers should be evaluated in a fair and objective manner. Evaluations by students, parents, and fellow teachers; as well as the standardized test results of their students should be utilized; as well as the formal complaints and pre-announced formal observations that are currently allowed.

Buildings

I have not been a supporter of the School Board's high school reconstruction and addition plan. Of the plans aired over the past years, I favored renovating the high school at it current size and constructing a second high school to handle the doubling of enrollment since the high school was first built. I acknowledge there is little I can do with the majority of board members firmly behind their plan.

I am opposed to the 2.3 million dollar supplemental high school bond. I favor thoughtful design modifications with frugality in mind and environmental impact and operating cost a consideration.

In regards to the upcoming elementary school bond issues, I favor bringing multiple options to the voters at the next annual meeting, so voters will have a real choice in the planning stages. We should move away from the all or nothing tactics of past school boards.

Planning

I favor the development of a long range plan for facilities development, with realistic cost estimate for future building projects. The School District should take a active role in encouraging growth management in its member towns. It should encourage the use of impact fees on new residential development to pay for new schools and additions rather than using property taxes.

Meetings

As a K though 12 alumnus of the school system, I will bring an insider's view point, as well as knowledge of the not so distant history of the district. I will welcome suggestions and criticism from all the public. I will investigate and give due thought to all ideas.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Kevin Shenefiel
2 Wednesday Hill Rd.
Lee NH 03824
659-2883
keshenefiel@hotmail.com

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