Alsea School District, Position 2

Candidate: Doug Westlind

Age: 41

Occupation: Research Forestry Technician, USDA Forest Service.

Education: Bachelor's degree in geology from Oregon State University; standard teaching certificate in general science with specialties in biology, math and chemistry from Western Oregon University.

Family: Married for 26 years with two children.

Community service: Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader and assistant leader.

Q. Why are you seeking this position and why are you the best candidate?

A. I'm seeking this position because I care about my community, its young people and our school.

I have a background managing projects with up to 20 employees and budgets in the $1,000,000 range. Using this experience, I hope I can add constructive input during this difficult time for our schools. I am the only and hopefully best candidate for this position.

Q. The Alsea School District is building its 2009-10 budget. What should be the district's funding priorities? What programs could be cut? What should be added and how would you fund it?

A. This will be a difficult couple of years for Alsea Schools already lean budget. Our priorities should be maintaining as many core programs as we can for our students. Cuts will have to be made but need to be in areas that have the least impact on student achievement. Any new added programs will need to be very low or no cost until the budget situation improves.

Q. Like many school districts in the state, the Alsea School District is welcoming an influx of students from diverse cultures and educational needs. How can the district create change to meet their needs, show adequate yearly progress among its students and still stay within budget?

A. Just this week, because of the poor budget, the state senate education committee approved legislation temporarily suspending many requirements for school reporting, special needs programs, counseling, talented and gifted, etc. Meeting the needs of all students will require a dedicated staff and strong community involvement. Fortunately, Alsea has both.