Ensure our public education system puts our kids first by...
Restoring Balance
Why I am a Candidate
Why I am a Candidate
Why I am a Candidate
It is all about the kids! My wife and I have three children attending public schools in district 833. Over time I've become familiar with the state of public education in South Washington County. While certainly district 833 offers a quality education for our children, I am concerned that there is a shifting focus from the traditional/cl
It is all about the kids! My wife and I have three children attending public schools in district 833. Over time I've become familiar with the state of public education in South Washington County. While certainly district 833 offers a quality education for our children, I am concerned that there is a shifting focus from the traditional/classical academic curricula to a more politically biased curriculum. Additionally, there are increasing concerns regarding student behavior, lack of respect for our country, teachers and each other, and year over year declining academic achievement.
Public education should NOT be political. The school board should be apolitical. The purpose of our public school system is to offer a classical, well-rounded education designed to develop aptitude and promote critical thinking of complex issues. Public schools should not have a political monopoly where they program children what to think from some critical theory. Given each student is an individual, schools should focus on students' academic progress, encourage positive personal character growth, and offer diverse experiences and perspectives that prepare students for the real world.
My intention for running for school board is to balance the dominant ideology governing the school district to refocus on the academic fundamentals, support parental rights, encourage educator engagement and retention, while ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability in our district 833 public schools.
About Me
Why I am a Candidate
Why I am a Candidate
Well, it is not about me at all! I am just a normal husband and father of three sons who is constantly busy with something.
Growing up I attended both Tartan and Simley High Schools before attending college at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and later attended the University of St. T
Well, it is not about me at all! I am just a normal husband and father of three sons who is constantly busy with something.
Growing up I attended both Tartan and Simley High Schools before attending college at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and later attended the University of St. Thomas, receiving a Master of Science degree in Technology Management.
Currently, I manage laboratory operations for a large Fortune 500 company leading a team of technicians and chemists providing laboratory testing to support internal stakeholders and customers.
My wife Jill and I have been married for 17 years. 13 years ago, we moved to Woodbury specifically so our children could attend public school in District 833. Our three sons, Sean, Owen, and Finn, attend East Ridge High School, Lake Middle School, and Liberty Ridge Elementary respectively.
All three of my sons play baseball in the Woodbury Athletic Association, and I've had the distinct honor of coaching several teams over the years. My oldest son competes on the East Ridge Trap Team. Trap is a challenging and safe sport for our high school students, and I am glad to see the sport increase in popularity!
I am also a practitioner and teacher of the traditional Japanese martial art Aikido. I lead a small group of students on a path of self-improvement through austere training in discipline, focus, mental attitude, balance, and respect. Then comes the physical training focused on cultivating spirit and remaining calm under duress.
Finally, we are a family of sportsmen. We fish, hunt, shoot, hike, and explore the beautiful lakes, parks, and trails that Minnesota has to offer.
Key Issues
Why I am a Candidate
My Perspectives
- Prioritizing Academic Achievement
- Improve Parent Engagement
- Educator Support
- Fiscal Responsibility/Accountability
My Perspectives
My Perspectives
My Perspectives
- Academic success means that our education system prepares our youth to be competitive in the future global economy while promoting personal character growth. This is best accomplished with a classical education focused on reading, writing, logic, reason, mathematics, science, physical education, history, civics, and the arts. Actual acade
- Academic success means that our education system prepares our youth to be competitive in the future global economy while promoting personal character growth. This is best accomplished with a classical education focused on reading, writing, logic, reason, mathematics, science, physical education, history, civics, and the arts. Actual academic literacy! Political ideologies focused on division and special rights for certain groups at the expense of others are antithetical to a diverse and inclusive education.
- Parental rights supersede that of the school district. Parents also have an obligation to be attentive and engaged in their children's education. Educators have a responsibility to support parents, and parents have a responsibility to support educators. Education is a team sport.
- From talking to teachers, parents, and listening to my own children, I am aware of an apparent decline in students' behavior in school. Part of the solution starts at home. Part of the solution includes discipline and consequences at school. The rules have to apply equally to everyone.
- Fiscal responsibility is another major focus of my campaign. Given the rising cost of living, increasing taxes, inflation, etc., the public school system has a fiduciary duty to prioritize and execute projects based on the specific needs of a school or student population balanced with a definable return on investment (ROI) for the taxpayers. Data show the cost per pupil has increased year over year, yet the academic scores against standardized metrics continue to decline. The issue is not the amount of money available; it is the proper use of those funds in supporting public education. I will scrutinize budgets, levies, and bond proposals through the lenses of fiscal responsibility and ROI.
Next Steps
My Perspectives
Next Steps
As I embark on my campaign, I intend to talk to as many people as I can to better understand the diverse perspectives and priorities of our community. Even if people have adult children, children in private schools, or no kids at all, we are all stakeholders in public education. Indeed, well-educated kids capable of the critical thinking
As I embark on my campaign, I intend to talk to as many people as I can to better understand the diverse perspectives and priorities of our community. Even if people have adult children, children in private schools, or no kids at all, we are all stakeholders in public education. Indeed, well-educated kids capable of the critical thinking acumen necessary to make data driven decisions provides the best path towards securing future opportunities to grow and succeed in life.
As my technical website skills improve, I'll post information regarding events I'm attending. Please connect so we can meet and discuss whatever is on your mind. I am willing to listen to all perspectives provided they are expressed in good faith.
Help Wanted!
Your support and contributions will enable me to spread my message across South Washington County. Any and all help is appreciated.
Please send donations via personal check to:
Ryan Clarke for District 833
P.O. Box 25374
7595 Currell Blvd, Woodbury MN, 55125
OR donate via credit card per the button below!