Candidate Profile: Kurt P. Lewis, Fort Atkinson School Board

Fort Atkinson School Board Candidate Kurt P. Lewis

Age:50

Current occupation: Field Service Manager, Schneider Electric

Years of residence in Fort Atkinson:10

Education: Military training; continuing education in trade school; and Police Academy

Prior political experience: I have no prior political experience. However, my background is heavily weighted in public service as an Army veteran and former police officer along with many years of coaching youth sports. I have served my community in many ways.

Reasons for seeking School Board position: I believe it to be of highest importance that our school kids deserve and receive the best opportunities to excel. My role as a member of the School Board is to create and maintain an enabling environment for those opportunities – to get our school kids properly prepared for a highly competitive and diverse world stage.

Most pressing issues facing the office/position of School Board Member: In terms of academia, our pressing issue is to ensure that we set and maintain high standards of student performance. In terms of financial resources, it is important to have full control over our school district funding streams – not only to have adequate resources, but to be fully responsible with the use of those funds – to be fiscally responsible. Many people have asked me about recent referenda to raise additional revenue streams. Why is it that [for example] the jail doesn’t need a special referendum, but the school district does?

Conditions or projects to improve, initiate, or complete: I emphasize the challenge of engaging community members who may not have children in the schools – community engagement. I also want to see improvements in fiscal responsibility, safety and security, and communications and literacy, especially toward improved communication to inspire broader investment in the educational system.

Unique perspectives brought to the office of School Board Member: I am a parent of five children currently enrolled in the district. I am a fully involved dad; and as a coach for school sports programs, I am fully involved with the community.

Additional comments or insights for the public to know: As I mentioned, we need to prepare students for a global job market – a workplace that is diverse and highly competitive. This requires high standards and opportunities for students to excel, and it requires that our community continues to rally behind its schools. Our kids are no longer small-town USA. Our kids need to be prepared to compete for access to higher education or qualified to enter a trade of their choosing. We not only need to teach our children, but they need to be inspired to chase after the next opportunity in life. Citizens must not merely sit on the sidelines. Thank you.