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GCS Governing Board Election 2012: Candidate Q&A - Pete Shearer

Years of residency: 42

Occupation: Building maintenance supervisor

Why are you running for school board?

Because they gave my kids a very good education, and I've been involved in the school since '92, and I just feel like I want to give something back. To have the kids get the best education possible.

What qualities do you possess that would make you a good candidate for the position?

Since we've had so much staff turnover I can't say that I've been friends with most of the teachers over the years. I've been very involved with the school in affecting change through the administration, listening to teachers and joining with other parents, in order to back up the educational system. I think I have the ability to help people work as a team.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing the district right now?

I think teacher turnover is our biggest issue. The financial aspect of it is looming, depending on the state's Prop. 204, that's a very large issue for all education in Arizona.

If you were re-elected, what would you like to improve on?

I would like to see the teachers have more say in what methods they use to teach kids. I was on the parent-teacher advisory committee to the superintendent and I would like to see that reinstated and have more communication between the teachers and the administration and the parents.

What do you think the district can do to improve the high teacher turnover rate?

Let the teachers have more of a say. They're the ones that are at the base of the teaching hierarchy, they teach the kids, and we should listen to them more and try to have them help shape the educational system.

What do you think the school could do to improve test scores?

Same thing. In the 90s we had a friend that taught school out of state, and she asked, 'how can I come to the Grand Canyon? I want to teach there because it's a great school.' And we said, 'there is no teacher turnover. There aren't any openings. You're out of luck.' So I think the success of the kids getting educated is continuity in keeping the teaching staff here for more than just two or three years or a year. They get to know the community, they get to know the families, family history, and so it's very important for us to improve teacher longevity.

Are there any programs that you would like to see implemented at the school?

I think that basically, nationally and statewide, we are creating a problem by relying too much on testing and not enough on the actual students. The teachers that went on strike in Chicago are saying the same thing: they have to teach the test. So I don't think we need more programs, I think we need to give the teachers more time and flexibility in teaching the kids the importance of the "three r's."

If re-elected, what are your goals?

To see the dropout rate decrease, to see the graduation rate increase, to see the teachers stay longer and to see the kids get a better education.


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