I am running for a seat on the Knox County School Board in District 3 because I love this great city and now feel called to serve the children entrusted to our schools. I believe that more than ever the Board needs experienced people like myself who understand how to lead a large organization by working closely together with the Superintendent. I hope to bring a fresh perspective to the Board to solve problems and move our schools forward.
If you have been following the recently proposed $400 million school budget, you understand more than ever that we need qualified candidates who can hold the superintendent and administration accountable for improving our student outcomes. In the last several months I have spent many, many hours analyzing the budget, interviewing Knox County teachers and principals, and researching best practices and new, innovative ideas used by other schools. I am passionate about making Knox County schools better. If elected, I can use my proven leadership skills and extensive business experience to help direct our resources to where we will see the best return for students, parents and taxpayers.
It is time for the school board to put forth a well researched, comprehensive plan to implement technology in the classroom. Education is the only major sector in America that has not leveraged computers to realize significant gains in their business model. This must change. Technology cannot replace an excellent teacher, but it is a tool that will make the classroom much more effective in reaching our educational goals. Can you think of any business that started using computers and said, "Nope, this doesn't work." Of course not.
I recently visited Webb School in Knoxville, a national leader in using iPads for the last two years. The results are astounding. Administrators and teachers from around the country are attending Webb's "Apple Days" to learn from them. Similarly the new Knox County School STEM Academy is seeing the power of providing iPads for every student. Can you see how a $400 per student technology investment can exponentially increase our return on investment where we are already spending $8,500 per student? Webb has already replaced all of their expensive textbooks and that is just the beginning of how technology can make our education system more efficient, effective and relevant for 21st century citizens. It seems to make sense to me that students should be using the tools in school that they already use at home and will be required to master in their careers.
Where can we find the money to fund this visionary idea? I have already identified two programs that cost several million dollars each year that I feel are not cost effective. National and local foundations, businesses and families would consider an investment in technology if they were shown a comprehensive plan that shows how we can increase our student outcomes. The Knox County Commissioners have shown great interest in investing existing tax dollars on school technology and if given a comprehensive plan would fund it, in my opinion.
I am committed to visiting with and listening to teachers. A good leader will listen and then use that information to help make decisions to lead an organization. Already I have identified several ideas on teacher pay that have come from the teachers. They understand that their world is changing and they want a voice at the table. If elected, I look forward to working closely with Superintendent McIntyre. I have already visited with him a few times and I am very impressed by his competency and passion. Like every CEO, however, he needs a qualified board to help him make decisions.
We all know how important education has become in attracting businesses that employ our graduates and create a foundation for supporting a family. In the next decade it is estimated that over 63% of new jobs will require post secondary education. For the remaining jobs, the level of education and competency needed has risen dramatically. Let's work together to create a school system that challenges our children to reach their greatest potential.
If you are interested in working with me to make our schools the best, then visit the VOLUNTEER page above or call my mobile at 245-2008.
Flourish!
Doug Harris
If you have been following the recently proposed $400 million school budget, you understand more than ever that we need qualified candidates who can hold the superintendent and administration accountable for improving our student outcomes. In the last several months I have spent many, many hours analyzing the budget, interviewing Knox County teachers and principals, and researching best practices and new, innovative ideas used by other schools. I am passionate about making Knox County schools better. If elected, I can use my proven leadership skills and extensive business experience to help direct our resources to where we will see the best return for students, parents and taxpayers.
It is time for the school board to put forth a well researched, comprehensive plan to implement technology in the classroom. Education is the only major sector in America that has not leveraged computers to realize significant gains in their business model. This must change. Technology cannot replace an excellent teacher, but it is a tool that will make the classroom much more effective in reaching our educational goals. Can you think of any business that started using computers and said, "Nope, this doesn't work." Of course not.
I recently visited Webb School in Knoxville, a national leader in using iPads for the last two years. The results are astounding. Administrators and teachers from around the country are attending Webb's "Apple Days" to learn from them. Similarly the new Knox County School STEM Academy is seeing the power of providing iPads for every student. Can you see how a $400 per student technology investment can exponentially increase our return on investment where we are already spending $8,500 per student? Webb has already replaced all of their expensive textbooks and that is just the beginning of how technology can make our education system more efficient, effective and relevant for 21st century citizens. It seems to make sense to me that students should be using the tools in school that they already use at home and will be required to master in their careers.
Where can we find the money to fund this visionary idea? I have already identified two programs that cost several million dollars each year that I feel are not cost effective. National and local foundations, businesses and families would consider an investment in technology if they were shown a comprehensive plan that shows how we can increase our student outcomes. The Knox County Commissioners have shown great interest in investing existing tax dollars on school technology and if given a comprehensive plan would fund it, in my opinion.
I am committed to visiting with and listening to teachers. A good leader will listen and then use that information to help make decisions to lead an organization. Already I have identified several ideas on teacher pay that have come from the teachers. They understand that their world is changing and they want a voice at the table. If elected, I look forward to working closely with Superintendent McIntyre. I have already visited with him a few times and I am very impressed by his competency and passion. Like every CEO, however, he needs a qualified board to help him make decisions.
We all know how important education has become in attracting businesses that employ our graduates and create a foundation for supporting a family. In the next decade it is estimated that over 63% of new jobs will require post secondary education. For the remaining jobs, the level of education and competency needed has risen dramatically. Let's work together to create a school system that challenges our children to reach their greatest potential.
If you are interested in working with me to make our schools the best, then visit the VOLUNTEER page above or call my mobile at 245-2008.
Flourish!
Doug Harris
