My name is Bill Post and I moved to Fallon from Oregon a year ago. My career background is in broadcasting (TV and radio) but I most recently finished my time as a State Representative (Assemblyman) in the Oregon Legislature. I served four terms in the Oregon House. In that time, I worked on many pieces of legislation but most importantly for this position, I worked on and voted on multi-billion dollar K-12 budgets for the state every two years. My wife is a 30+ year special education teacher. Most of what I know about education comes from being around her.
I am running for the school board for the same reasons I ran for State Representative. I love Churchill County and I want to make a positive difference. I believe in service to our community. Several community members asked me late last year to run and after careful consideration, I agreed. One of the biggest “knocks” against me is I’m the “new guy.” I believe that is an advantage for the school board and the district. I am not tied to anyone or anything in this county. Meaning I have fresh eyes, fresh ears, and new ideas that are not affected by whom I know or whom I am connected to in the community.
I see quite a few issues that need to be addressed in our school district and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and go to work. For our kid’s futures, for our teacher’s benefit, and for the overall good of this great community.
Churchill County has been designated a Purple Star school district that shows a commitment to students and families connected to the military. How can the school district build upon that designation?
I have a deep and abiding love, honor, and respect for our veterans and our active military, and can never thank them enough for what they did and do for our freedoms. I’m so glad to hear of this designation and would do whatever is necessary to maintain that designation. Specifically, I’d like to see more time spent between students and the military, especially veterans in the community. Activities that can teach our kids something important yet also help out our veterans. We have several great veterans’ groups here in Churchill County so let’s get them as involved as we possibly can.
The school district has outsourced food services. Would you be in favor or not in favor if the school board wanted to extend outsourcing for janitorial services and transportation?
I would not be in favor of further outsourcing. Sometimes saving money is not as important as saving community. I believe it was a mistake to outsource the food services. I grew up on a school lunch that was provided by the mothers in our community. And of course, the “lunch lady” who coordinated all of that. We received healthy and nutritious meals that were “home cooked” in our school kitchens
In selecting superintendents during the past 32 years, trustees have selected only one candidate from the local school district. Should the district continue with this trend or should the district develop administrative talent from within the district who would be qualified to lead the school district and build upon the status quo?
I absolutely believe that we must work within the district to find our superintendent. Not only the superintendent but all administration positions, as much as possible, should come from within the district. This accomplishes two things: it gets us a person who knows the district well and can lead with that knowledge and it gives hope to those who are teaching now and trying to further their careers in education. They don’t have to advance their career by moving to another state. They can find that in Churchill County. I strongly believe that we must find talent from within the district and do whatever it takes to help them get the certificates and education they need to advance into administration.
Would you favor the continuation of the partnership between the school district and Western Nevada College by expanding more programs for high-school-level classes? Please explain.
Short answer: yes. Long answer: Only if it does not get in the way of anything being done at the high school. No classes at WNC should take precedence over high school.
School districts across the state have experienced problems in hiring staff and then keeping them in the rural setting. As a trustee, what would you do to help Human Resources attract more educators and keep them in Churchill County?
The problem that I see is that “attracting” people to the district is difficult when the district is not “attractive.” The easy answer is to pay more. And yes, we should pay more to our teachers and support staff. We can also do the little things that make CCSD more attractive to prospective teachers. Make sure that a prospective teacher is fully compensated for all years worked in education. Let them know that there is a chance for advancement. Make sure that they are receiving the best benefits possible. It’s almost a separate issue to keep them in CCSD. As trustee, I will work closely with HR to make sure that our district is keeping our teachers happy.
What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of our current school system?
I believe that the strengths of the district are: the community pride and the great teachers and support staff in this district. I can’t thank them enough for their sacrifice every day. The weaknesses are: the amount of bullying in the schools, the school bus system and the administration. Strong leadership is needed to improve those areas.
What is the one biggest change, issue, or improvement you would like to see occur or would you advocate for during your term on the school board?
I would like to see more development in the career and technical education program. We are in a time of great need for blue-collar workers with the aging out of the “boomers” and “millennials” in so many careers. No kid should feel that college is their only course after high school. There are so many jobs that are lucrative and life-lasting for our kids after high school. I know the program is available but, would like to see more money, more support, and more promotion.
What is your opinion about communication between the board and the staff, visiting schools, and how many opportunities would you have to spend observing and talking to staff at school sites?
Here is where my being the “new guy” can be a bit of a liability. I am not as knowledgeable on this issue. I don’t have kids in the district. So, I can’t answer the first part but can the second part. I will spend a lot of time talking to students and staff at school-related events. I intend to visit often and hold “listening sessions” as informal gatherings for staff, students, and parents so that I can hear what they are most concerned about.
How would you proceed if your opinion is different from the rest of the board – would you be willing to stand your ground, build a coalition, or go with the flow?
It depends on the situation. I will stand my ground on certain issues and not waiver one bit. I’d prefer to build coalitions and get more done. I will never “go with the flow.” I don’t “go along, to get along.” That accomplishes nothing.
What would your support level be for maintaining or improving the Career and Technical Education programs at the high school and middle school?
I think that answer is within the seventh point. I will do whatever it takes to improve the CTE program. It can’t be stressed enough, it’s important.
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