Tim Centers Candidate Introduction

By Timothy L. Centers

LEADERSHIP WITH A VISION

Some of my objectives as a Board of Education member are:

COMMUNICATION Challenges, achievements, recognition ... there are countless issues facing a School District, all which should be shared with the community. Communication has been identified as a Strategic Plan Topic, with a Spring 2002 target for the report completion. This topic's priority should be accelerated with a Winter 2001 report target.

COOPERATION The Board of Education should encourage Boosters and Support Groups in the District with proactive dialogue and positive feedback. The Board of Education should encourage these organizations to participate at Board of Education meetings and work in cooperation with these organizations for the benefit of all of our children and community.

ACCOUNTABLITY The Board of Education is accountable to the taxpayers of the District. The School Board must be prepared, and willing, to provide an explanation and justification for all Board activities.

FACILITES Overcrowding in our Elementary Schools, an ongoing concern since the 1997 elections, was predicted by a Master Plan that was developed for our School District several years ago. Based on our School District's sustained pattern of growth, these issues will continue to be an on-going problem and cannot be deferred any longer. Completion of a facilities assessment is identified in the current Strategic Plan and is targeted for a Spring 2002 completion. To provide an atmosphere and environment that is both safe and conducive to learning, this schedule must be strictly adhered to so that a timely, cost effective, implementation plan can be administered.

FINANCES Finances are essentially Income and Expense, with the reality that a School Board has very little control over income, which is critical in determining programs offered to our children. Placement of levies on the ballot for taxpayer approval is the only real opportunity the School Board has on affecting income. My goal is that before any levy is proposed to the taxpayers, a clear and concise justification of need will be communicated to the taxpayers. Expenses are identified in the operating budget that the School Board is responsible, and accountable, for approving. The School Board must work in cooperation with our District's Treasurer to identify and prioritize these expenses, and to identify operating savings opportunities. This information would be used to proactively deal with financial planning and budget issues.

A significant portion of our district's Strategic Plan deals with our facilities and finances. With my background in Engineering and Business Operations, I have experience in both areas and I am qualified to perform the duties required of our Board of Education. I am prepared to accept the challenges that our School District is facing, as well as the accountability that is rightfully expected by the District's customers, the taxpayers of the Three Rivers Local School District.

Thank you for your time, and your support at the polls on November 6, 2001.

Tim Centers