Leyton School Board Candidate - Dave Wiedeman

What made you decide to run for Leyton School Board this year? I have decided to run for the Leyton School Board because of my love and devotion to this school and community. I want to serve the school that has supported me and my family for the past thirty-five years. Having been an educator for four decades, I feel I have a lot to offer as a school board member.

What do you think the Leyton School District does well? We have a very dedicated faculty and staff who genuinely care about students and want them to succeed. We also have a community that is supportive of students' academic and extracurricular activities and their achievements.

What about the Leyton School District would you like to see change? I am most concerned about the division over the direction of our schools in the last few years. The facts show that there are nine people running for school board this year, while ten people ran for the board in 2018. As someone who follows these trends, there seems to be a disconnect between the School Board and what the community perceives as the vision for our schools. I think all the candidates who are running want what is best for the students of our district. But if there is not a general consensus from the Leyton community on a unified direction it will impact student learning.

What characteristics or qualifications do you have that will enable you to implement suggested changes in question 3? I have been a teacher, coach, administrator for the last forty years. I think I understand how a school system should function. As a board member, I would communicate with the people who work for our school district. These are the individuals who work daily with our students. Their opinions and views should be valued. I would also talk to students and parents to find out what we could do better to prepare students for the outside world. I would encourage community members to visit with me or any board member about their concerns for the Leyton School District. I believe in the value of being a good listener and communicator. I would do my best to unite our district.

What is the most important thing for voters to know about you as they consider your candidacy? I would be honored and humbled to be elected to the Leyton School Board. It would be a blessing to serve the community that has supported and encouraged my family since moving her thirty-five years ago.