Tim Fulton is a candidate for Sitka school board. The municipal election is Tuesday, Oct. 4.

My name is Tim Fulton and I am running for re-election to the School Board.

I am proud to be part of such a great group of people who sit on the current board. Boarding is a team event and I believe we work well together. We have learned each other’s strengths and weaknesses and are able to use those to work for what is best for our kids. I am sorry to see Mollie go, yet very thankful for what I have learned from her. I know that I will be asking myself not only what is good for kids but what would Mollie think.

I am also proud of what we accomplished over these last three years. Following are a few examples:

We used the stimulus funds to upgrade technology that was sorely lacking. Our computers were on different operating platforms, and connectivity was limited. All our time was spent trying to get the computers to work. Now our administrators, staff, and students can spend their time being creative, innovative and productive. It is a pleasure to watch our younger students engaged and excited about learning and our older students thinking globally.

We hired a cultural director, who I believe will help us address and understand how we can help out Native students be more successful. It has helped create a better working relationship with the Native community and is helping us integrate the Native culture into our classrooms.

I want to say thank you to our amazing teachers who identified that some of our kids were feeling bullied. On their own, they purchased the Olweus anti-bullying program, and then worked closely with the district in its implementation. When our students feel safe, respected, and motivated to go to school we have created an environment where learning will thrive.

Our home school program was struggling for support. We have turned this around and now it is a great option for parents and students to be a part of the district in a way that works best for them.

We are updating the assembly and the community on a regular basis about what is going on in the district.

The math program has been an issue for years. We are not only taking a look at how we can improve our math scores but have developed a plan to look at how we are doing with our programs on a regular basis.

I no longer have a child in the district but honestly feel that each of our students is my responsibility. I am passionate that every child has the same opportunities, encouragement, and chance for success. I believe in local control of education, and that it takes a community to raise a child.

I believe that as we go forward we need to continue to keep our eye on the above mentioned items so as not to lose our momentum. We also need to continue to ask the community, our educators, and ourselves how we are doing in all aspect of our children’s education.

I would love the chance to hear your thoughts and concerns, and to continue representing you on the school board.