Getting to Know David Madden - Part 3 of 3

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Strong Leadership and Strong Community Partnerships – What does this mean for us?
by David Madden

This last article will talk about my last two (2) Principles to strengthen our school system moving forward, Strong Leadership and Strong Community Partnerships.

Strong Leadership

I’m sure if you ask every member of the current School Board they will tell you they are engaged, that being said, the community clearly has a perception that there are communication issues between the School Board and the public. This perception must be changed for the School Board to have credibility within the community. I want to hear what people have to say and what they think needs addressed by the District. I think it is EXTREMELY prudent a potential future board member to seek the community out on my own on a consistent basis, whether it’s catching the breakfast crowd or attending an event, more consistent interaction is necessary. Seeking input, educating the public on issues, following up and following through will set the tone of leadership that is expected by everyone in the District.

The three most important things a School Board is to engage in as outlined by the Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) are the following (in no particular order):

1. Provide Facilities for Students and Faculty (provide funding for those facilities)
2. Hire a Superintendent (enforce District policy) and Treasurer (set and maintain a budget)
3. Listen to your local community and institute educational policies and standards consistent with the mood and attitudes of the community.

The only way to meet the intent for Item 3 is to actively pursue and engage the community you are representing outside of your legally required notification. Consistently relying on the community to seek engagement will only result in the continued perception that the School Board is not engaged and not listening. Ultimately there will still be decisions that are not popular, this is inevitable, but I truly believe if we continue to seek out; educate the public as much as possible, we can change the perception that they didn’t have a say or were not informed of the issue and all the potential complications the decision was required to encompass.

Strong Community Partnerships

I believe a strong and healthy school district should have strong partnerships with other organizations that have a vested interest in the success of the District’s success. Engaging businesses, having an active role in our local Business Advisory Council, consulting with Partnering for Progress, engaging the Boys and Girls Club, Private Schooling Institutions, Agricultural Industry, etc. could open new avenues for those entities to fulfill a need for the school district and vice versa. Finding positive areas of common ground and embarking on new ideas with these entities will have an impact on keeping some of our most skilled students from embarking on a K-12 education outside the District while still residing within our Community. We need to reverse the trend so families and children seek to be a part of our District in lieu of losing their talents to other School Districts.

Having lived in Greenville just over 11 years and growing up in a rural community similar to Greenville just 40 miles due south, it’s hard not to see the similarities and tremendous growth potential our community has. My “old” hometown has seen significant population and job growth while achieving and maintaining an excellent school rating. Every community has challenges and issues to overcome. Over the last 2 years, I have noticed a turn for the better, although it has not moved at the pace we all want it to, in totality it is moving in the right direction. There is a sense of urgency with-in a majority of the people I talk to, who believe NOW is the time to make as many of the right decisions as we can moving forward. I enjoy Greenville, believe in Greenville and I believe in my ability to help the School District, both in the short term and long term. Any lack of passion by me, in seeing the success of our children, local businesses and organizations within Greenville would be an in-justice to you while asking for your support.

After reading these articles, I hope you feel and entrust you have a candidate with the breadth of knowledge and commitment you would require to maintain and earn your VOTE and support moving forward. Please remember to vote on November 5th!

Don’t hesitate to contact me at david.madden35@yahoo.com and visit us @ https://www.facebook.com/DavidMaddenforBOE for additional campaign information.

I look forward to the opportunity of serving you.

David Madden