NameTimothy Nanson
What office are you running for?544 School Board
County, District/TownshipOtter Tail County
Address1811 County Highway 111
Fergus Falls, Minnesota 5657
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Phone(805) 908-5694
EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Are you currently the officeholder and seeking re-election?No
Is this your first time running for office?No
Election Date11/05/2024
Social Media Handles

Facebook group - Nanson4schoolboard

KEY ISSUES
1. Provide the top 2 reasons why you want to run for school board?

My two main reason for running are for Parental rights and Transparency

2. Name the top 2 issues with your current school board or district and how you will address each issue.

One of the two main issues is lack of Parental/public input - not that parents and other don't want to be involved but because the board makes involvement difficult. This leads to a lack of transparency with parents and the public.

We need to encourage participation from parents. We can start by being more inviting, less confrontational and by having a larger room where people feel welcome. We can also acknowledge peoples opinions and let them know they are being heard and understood - even if we don't completely agree with their view point. This is currently not being done.

The board needs to remember that they were voted in by the people and that the people need to be heard. By welcoming participation and opening the conversation we become more transparent. Making sure the public know the thoughts and direction of the board is a big step towards that goal.

No single person has all the best ideas BUT I bet that as a whole, we can come up with some really good solutions to the issues that trouble our district.

3. Do you support school choice? Why or why not?

Yes. School choice creates competition and competition drives us all to be better. If our school district becomes a shinning start of MN education parents and students are going to gravitate to our schools. If we continue our downhill slide then the student deserves a better alternative.

4. Who do you think is the ultimate authority in a child’s education and wellbeing?

The parents are the ultimate authority in a child's education and wellbeing.

5. Do you agree with the statement “America is inherently racist”? Why or why not?

I do not agree with that statement. However, I do believe that racism does exists and that it needs to be combated. CRT and SEL are NOT the way to address the issue.

6. What are your thoughts on “Comprehensive Sex Education”, “Diversity Equity and Inclusion”, and “Social Emotional Learning”? Should these be a part of our public education curriculum or supplemental learning materials or left to parents to teach and why?

This is like 5 questions in one. Yes, I think there should be Sex Education provided in our schools like I believe there should be more life classes taught. Sex Ed has been a part of our education for generations and it is good for students to learn the "science" behind what is/can happen during sex. I also believe that parents should be able to OPT OUT if they are uncomfortable with the material.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - yes, ALL students should be heard, loved, educated, and cared for equally because they are all God's children. Regarding staff, we should hire the best, most motivated based on their accomplishments period. I don't care about skin color, religious or sexual preference as long the person is the best equipped for the job and keeps there personal and political views out of the classroom.

SEL - Yeah, who isn't in favor of well mannered kids that say please and thank you? We want our kids to be polite and take ownership for there actions. But beyond that SEL has no place in our classrooms. SEL is creating a generation that believes they will get by and negotiate life by hugging it out and diagraming their feeling to each other. No thank you.

7. With declining academic achievement in reading, writing, math, and science in schools across the nation, how would you address these issues if elected?

This is probably my third biggest issue. We are spending more time with SEL and kumbaya sessions then we are with preparing our students to be competitive in tomorrows world. We need to get back to basics. Educate the entire person. Teach them not for the sake of test regurgitation but provide actual knowledge. This is achieved by making practical education a priority. By finding educators that are engaging and by providing the classes that motivate our students.

8. Safety is a major concern for most families, how would you support and encourage safety measures for girls in their private spaces, if elected?

I support safety for girls and boys. There should be ZERO tolerance for bullying and there should be ZERO tolerance for boys in girls private spaces and the same for girls in boys private spaces. I want ALL students to feel safe and supported when they come to school every day.

9. Do you believe Title IX is in jeopardy in our public education system today?

I am not sure if Title IX is in jeopardy or just being tested to the extreme. I am absolutely opposed to biological men participating in women only events. That includes sports and in the locker/bath room.

10. Do you have any other endorsements? If so, please list them.

I appreciate your time and consideration.