Brandt House for School Board

Election Day: April 7, 2015 I am running for District 203 School Board (OFallon Township High School) in OFallon, IL, just outside of St Louis, MO. I was appointed to the school board in September 2014.  I am requesting your support to continue in my position for the next four years to accomplish the goals I believe will ensure a quality education for all students and meet the needs of a community that expects its schools to produce our nation's future leaders. I am a retired Air Force pilot with 20+ years of service.  I am also a single parent to my beautiful 8 year old daughter, Bailey. It is my desire to bring a unique perspective on education that compliments and broadens the school board's view of and solution to educational challenges, such as closing the achievement gap and conscientious fiscal responsibility. As someone who completed high school with a 1.9 gpa and subsequently graduated from one of our nation's most prestigious academic institutions, the U.S. Air Force Academy, I am very sensitive to academic programs that neglect to provide the proper attention to the elimination of the achievement gap. Students performing at the low end of the achievement gap get the least amount of attention and typically the least experienced teachers. I think a reversal of these trends will require innovative thought and determined program managers. Additionally, in the short period of time that I've been on the O'Fallon school board, I've seen the state of Illinois cut our funding level from 85% of our need down to 75%. While resource shortfalls like this typically lead to increased taxes for the community, I think it is important that we seek out alternative funding sources to offset these setbacks. In my military experience I have navigated similar resource challenges, and believe that my business background will allow me to give the proper attention to our taxpayers investment in district 203. I have a passion for the success of all our youth and believe in inspiring a "lifelong learning" attitude. Educational Background: U.S.A.F. Academy (BS: General Engineering); Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univ. (MS: Business Aviation Mgmt); Washington Univ. in STL (Currently pursuing MBA).  Community Service: Board Chair, Metro-East Area Communities for Empowerment (MACE); Tuskegee Airmen Inc.; E. STL Project Graduation; Ticket-2-Success mentor program. Thank you for your contribution to my school board campaign. I am committed to effective and efficient program management, as well as 100% focus on student success. Lt Col (Ret)Brandt House District 203 School Board.