Escambia County School Board District 2 has two candidates running for the seat currently filled by incumbent Paul Fetsko. The information below was completed solely by the candidate at the request of the Pensacola News Journal and appears unedited.
IF A CANDIDATE DID NOT RETURN A QUESTIONNAIRE BY DEADLINE, THEIR Q&A WAS NOT PUBLISHED.
Name: Paul Fetsko
Office you’re seeking: School Board District 2
Occupation: Retired Educator & Current School Board Member
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Secondary Education, & Certification in Deaf, Hard of Hearing Pre K – 12. Double Masters in Administration & in Supervision. Masters Level Certification in Curriculum.
Why are you running for this office?
To continue supporting students, teachers, parents and the community for the best outcomes in the Escambia County Public Schools.
Are you an incumbent? If yes, how long have you served on the school board?
Yes, finishing 8th year (2 terms) on the board.
What experience do you have that makes you qualified for this office?
36 years as an educator in Escambia County. Including time as a classroom teacher, a mid-level administrator in Special Education and a district level administrator as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction. Followed by eight years as a school board member.
Do you or have you been a parent of a child(ren) enrolled in Escambia County Public Schools?
Yes. All three of my sons were enrolled in the Escambia County Public Schools, kindergarten through 12th grade. I currently have two grandchildren in the Escambia County Public Schools.
In your view, what is the role of public schools?
To prepare our students for a successful life and for them to become competent contributors to society, informed participants in the democratic process and to enable them to pursue any of their dreams.
In your view, what do you see as the biggest issue facing public schools in Escambia County Public Schools?
The most pressing issue at this time is the lack of state funding to support the traditional public school programs.
What do you think the district should be doing to mitigate dropping enrollment due to private school enrollment?
The district needs to demonstrate that our schools are the best choice parents can make for educating their children. Steps that are currently in process are providing choice options, career and technical education opportunities, and varied educational placement choices (ie. traditional K-5, K-6, K-8, Middle School, High School, Magnet Schools, Special Centers).
What do you believe should be changed about the school district, and what specific steps would you take to implement those changes?
I believe the district needs to right size facilities with enrollment and increase the number of K-8 opportunities so parents choose to continue enrollment in the Escambia County Public Schools.
What do you believe the school district is doing right, and how would you improve it?
I believe the district is providing a wide array of education possibilities for students who function at a basic level all the way through the most advanced and highest academic levels.
Our offerings are far greater than any of the other districts in the Panhandle. What I will continue to do is to assure that these opportunities continue despite financial concerns and that the classroom is the last place that feels the impact of declining funds from the state.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Paul Fetsko for Escambia County School Board District 2 Q&A
Reporting by Paul Fetski, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
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By Paul Fetski, Pensacola News Journal | USA TODAY Network
