Paul Rioux
Age: 43
How many years have you lived in Sitka and in Alaska? 24 years
Occupation: Marine Hydraulics Specialist
Current community involvement: Boy Scouts, 4-H, Raven Radio volunteer, Sitka Sportsmans Assc.
Previous government or other relevant experience: Sitka Sportsmans Association Board, Sitka Community Development’s board, Sitka Unitarian Fellowship Board
Why are you running for the Sitka School Board this year? I’m running because I want to work to help sustain the districts budget.
What are your top priorities if elected? Help sustain budget, support children, support teachers and staff
Budget
Many feel that the struggle between the governor and the legislature over education funding this year foreshadows much worse to come next year. How will you respond if the district is once again faced with having to lay off several (or more) tenured teaching staff?
I’m hopeful that can be avoided by being proactive.
Philosophy
For many years the Sitka School District has followed a “whole child” philosophy, educating students as broadly as possible in academics, vocational ed, the arts, and sports. Is this still a realistic — and affordable — objective?
I believe there is no greater investment than in our children. They are our future neighbors, employees, and coworkers; and more importantly our future leaders. I also believe schools, like all government entities should be as efficient and cost effective as possible.
Enrollment
Enrollment has been trending down in Sitka’s schools for almost two decades. While this is not exclusively a district problem, what should the district do to help arrest or reverse the trend?
I believe this is an economic development issue we need to address as a community, the demographic of Sitka has been shifting; and we need to decide what, if anything, should be done about that.
Advocacy
School board members have become Sitka’s primary advocates for schools, in both city hall and in the legislature. Do you see yourself serving in this capacity? Do you see yourself being effective?
Absolutely on both counts.
