Schools

Election 2011: Meet John Chandler, District 197 School Board Candidate

Four open seats on the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan School Board are set to be filled Nov. 8.

Editor's Note: Each candidate for the submitted their answers to the following questionnaire. The candidates had 125 words or less to respond to identical prompts. Their responses will be printed in their entirety one a day for the next seven business days, in alphabetical order.

The Basics

Name: John Chandler

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City: Mendota Heights

Education: BA, Louisiana State University

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Where do you work? Dodge Nature Center

Questions for District 197 School Board candidates:

Patch: Why are you qualified to sit on the District 197 School Board?

John Chandler: I offer experience but have a fresh set of eyes as our children begin their education in the district. After 20 years service in the Army National Guard I retired with the rank of Major and was discharged honorably. I am an active volunteer: baseball and soccer coach, Cub Scout Pack Cubmaster, Rotarian and many Somerset Elementary roles. I recently completed two-year term on the Rotary Club of Saint Paul board. With this term behind me I am looking for the next volunteer opportunity. I have been asked to serve on two other non-profit boards but prefer to seek school board election.

Patch: Where do you stand on passage of the operating referendum that will be on the ballot?

Chandler: In favor.

Patch: What is the most important step the district must take to address financial pressures?

Chandler: Pass the levy.

Patch: Aside from the budget, what is the most important issue facing the school district?

Chandler: Hiring the next superintendent.

Patch: What area of education are you particularly passionate about? 

Chandler: Learning opportunities should be available for every child to succeed.


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