Gervais School District 1
Director, Position 4

EBEN C. SWETT

OCCUPATION:

President/CEO Graphic Information Systems

OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND:

COO, VP/Operations, VP/Sales & Marketing, Operations Manager, Manager, Press Operator

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Lake Oswego HS, Denison University, Western Washington University NAPL and AVA Certifications

PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: Precinct Committee Person

I am happily married with three wonderful children, a longtime Gervais resident, and involved with a variety of local programs dedicated to helping children.

I am committed to improving school performance and strengthening the relationship between the Board and the public it serves believing the Board has a fundamental responsibility to develop educational policies and programs which satisfy the needs of All students, balanced with the concerns and aspirations of the community as a whole.

Altered transfer policies, failed bond measures, and declining academic performance indicators have strained relationships between our community and our schools in recent years.

I believe parents are ultimately responsible for the education of their children and that parents should be allowed the freedom to choose which schools their chidren attend. To my knowledge Gervais is the only Oregon district with closed boarders. I support opening the boarders and believe the Board decision to limit parental choice damaged the spirit and supportive nature of our district.

The maintenance and repair of our existing school facilities is essential. However, with a total District enrollment of roughly 1000 students, Board support for expensive new facility construction bonds is not justifiable. Instead, I believe a renewed focus on academic excellence and the attraction of students to our schools is most important.

It is a privilege to be selected to help improve the education of youth in our community. With that in mind, I ask for your vote. I also ask you to consider offering your support to other Board candidates who have the care, commitment and capabilities to:

Effectively Promote Public Education

Support Parental Choice

Focus on Academic Excellence

Ensure Fiscal Responsibility

Increase Parental and Community Involvement

Facilitate a Greater Sense of Community

Thank you.

(This information furnished by Eben C. Swett

and is printed exactly as submitted.)