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Hello! My name is Tim Hodge.
I'm running for the Newton, KS School Board. The election is on April 7, 2009 and I would appreciate your
vote. The deadline to register to vote is March 23, 2009.
Scroll down to find out about:
1. My Platform 2. How
you can help 3.
Resume 3. Why
I'm running
Platform 1. Responsible and Effective Spending 2. Review the Effectiveness of Standardized Tests for all Grade Levels 3. Increased Awareness of Importance of Early Childhood Education Here's how you can help! 1. Donation, Please send to
Campaign to Elect Tim Hodge for School Board, Michael Llamas Treasurer, P.O. Box 176 Newton, KS 67114 2. Distributing
fliers 3. Request a Yard Sign 4. Endorsement 5. Email Tim at tim@hodge373.org
Why I'm Running Biography: My
wife and I have three (3) children that are or will be attending the Newton Public Schools. We want the
very best education our community can provide so my kids and their peers will be equipped with the education they need to
be happy, productive citizens. Economy:
With the current economic environment, it is more important than ever to maximize our tax dollars for our children.
For the past five (5) years, I've practiced law with a firm that's been in Newton for more than 35 years. I hope to bring that practical, business experience to the
table as our own local Board works to strike a balance between effective spending and responsible budgeting for the coming
years.
Standardized Tests: I believe the quality of our children's education will depend
on how our district responds to standardized testing. As a former teacher, and husband of a current USD 373 special
education teacher, I recognize the tendency to "teach to the test" for fear of being blamed for student failure.
Unfortunately with these pressures, "teaching to the test" is commonplace and memorization becomes the mark of success.
Our students will need to do more with their education than recite a string of facts. They need to have a well
rounded education that promotes critical thinking. As a Board Member, I will pressure our State
and Federal governments to allow our teachers to go above and beyond the standardized testing that is dulling the education
field. Early Childhood Education:
As a father of two (2) preschoolers and member of the Newton Community Childcare, Inc. Board, I am convinced of the importance
of preschool education. The years from birth to kindergarten form the building blocks of reading, mathematic,
language and social skills. Investing early in the lives of children, will reap enormous rewards and avoid behavior
and learning problems in the future. Conclusion: Local government is not about simply filling spots anymore. Now more than
ever, we need people with relevant skills to help guide us through these times and protect our future. With experience
as a public school teacher, father of children in the district, and being an attorney, I believe I have the skills
necessary for the USD 373 Board of Education. I would appreciate your support in this upcoming election.
This website paid for by the Tim Hodge for USD 373 Campaign, Michael Llamas, Treasurer
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