David Stimac for ISD 181 School Board

11/10/2022

Good Morning! Voting Day has come and gone and unfortunately, I came out on the short end…the very, very short end! I want to sincerely THANK everyone who voted for and supported me. It was a very interesting experience…my first time running for any elected position. I met a lot of great people and look forward to seeing you ALL at future ISD-181 school events!

I want to wish the new Board Members the best of luck! I hope you will all work together to make great decisions for our District and ensure our kids get the best you have to offer!

11/08/2022

Tomorrow is a big day…please get out and vote! I want to wish all the School Board Candidates the best of luck and I want to thank everyone that has supported me!

I have also received some feedback indicating that it is not clear what my agenda is in running for the school board. That is a fair assessment…to be clear, I really do not have an agenda. I am confident I have the leadership experience and educational background to be a great board member and I just want to help…with 5 seats open it is a great opportunity to get more involved! It’s hard to have an agenda when I don’t have ALL the facts behind the “issues” people are concerned about. If I am elected to the board I will work hard to learn the issues and help make the best decisions for our District.

Here is what I will focus on if elected:
* Best Educational Opportunities for ALL students
* Hire the Best teachers and Staff…support them
* Curriculum…Make it Relevant and Challenging
* Build Strong Relationships…with students, staff, parents, and community
* Safety…set standards; establish procedures; partner w/law enforcement
* Lead by Example…Mutual respect for ALL…”Golden Rule”
* Understand all sides of issues…decisions based on facts not emotions
* No Set Agenda…be objective…fair and impartial

11/03/2022

Good Morning! The Brainerd Dispatch gave school board candidates another opportunity to expand on our responses to their Voter's Guide.

To see the responses from the 2-yr candidates go to: https://www.brainerddispatch.com/news/local/brainerd-school-board-2-year-seats-elect-2

Here is what I provided:

Expanded School Board candidate information for Brainerd Dispatch (800 words)

Name: David Stimac

What is the first thing you would like to accomplish as a School Board Member?

The first thing I would accomplish if elected to the school board is to learn everything I can about what we are doing well and what areas we can improve on. I want to ensure our public schools provide the best possible educational opportunities for our children and provide a safe working and learning environment for everyone. It starts with hiring the most qualified teachers and having a professional staff that can support them. Our curriculum must remain relevant and challenging to best prepare our students for success after high school. Finally, building strong relationships with all stakeholders is key, as community support is a critical piece to public education and good public schools ensure success for the community!

Specifically, how would you accomplish that task?

I would start by meeting with our school principals to understand how they are being supported. I would make myself available to the teachers to better understand what they need to enhance their classrooms and their careers. I would seek inputs from our parents, businesses, and community members to ensure we are preparing our students for success beyond high school, whether they enter the work force, learn a trade, or attend college. I would dig into our budget process and existing contracts to ensure we are making the best use of our limited, but valuable resources. I would review existing policies to ensure we have the right safety procedures in place and engage with local law enforcement to better understand current and emerging threats. I would work hard to establish open lines of communication with students, teachers, staff, parents, and the community to ensure we ALL remain vigilant in keeping our schools and children safe.

What do you see as the role School Board Members play in public education?

The school board’s role is to set policies, manage the budget, and advise the superintendent to enable the teachers and staff to provide the best educational environment for ALL students. I also see my role as a board member to be an advocate for transparency and would seek inputs from our parents, businesses, and community members to ensure they all have the opportunity to be heard and that they have a “say” in what we are trying to achieve as a school district. Good communication is key!

Why are you the best choice to represent the district?

My experience as a retired military officer, substitute teacher, volunteer, and coach will bring a unique perspective to the board. I am running for a 2-year seat on the board because I want to be more involved in supporting District 181. I have always wanted to teach and coach and since retiring from the Air Force I finally have that opportunity. I have been substitute-teaching, volunteering, and coaching in Districts 181 and 182 the last five years. I have enjoyed working with and getting to know the teachers and staff in our district. Being selected to the Board will put me in an even better position to support them. My experience as an Air Force Colonel has taught me how to lead in challenging environments, make critical decisions, and manage limited resources. I am confident I can make tough decisions that are both fair and impartial and I will work hard to push back on policies that do not serve the best interests of our school district.

Tell us anything else about yourself you would like voters to know.

I am married to Christy, we have a daughter Annabelle and son Jonathon. Minnesota is the third state our daughter has attended school and the second for our son. We have enjoyed being a part of all the school districts we have belonged to and our children have been blessed with getting a quality education through the public-school system from some amazing teachers. I am proud of my public-school education which opened the door for me to receive my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from the US Air Force Academy and Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Troy State University. I am also proud of my 29 years on active duty, serving in 7 states and 2 countries, including a deployment to Iraq. I have also traveled throughout numerous other countries during my time in the military learning first-hand about different cultures, languages, and people. I spent the last 15 years of my career in executive leadership positions managing multi-million-dollar budgets, enforcing policies, and leading large organizations. During one of my assignments I was the commander of a group of over 1,500 maintenance personnel, responsible for 58 aircraft and the ex*****on of a $240 Million flying hour program. My last duty assignment was at the Pentagon in Washington D.C., where I supported the $400 Billion F-35 aircraft program. My career has provided me amazing leadership experiences and educational opportunities that I can bring to the District 181 School Board. I am invested in our schools and this community and would be honored to serve the community by joining the Board in December!

There are nine candidates running to fill the two special two-year seats on the Brainerd School Board.

10/15/2022

Please join us on Monday, 24 Oct...should be a great opportunity to get to know some of the candidates running for the School Board. Hope to see you at the NPC!

10/04/2022

I am running for a 2-year seat on the Board because I want to be more involved in supporting District 181. I have always wanted to teach and coach and since retiring from the Air Force I finally have that opportunity. I have been substitute-teaching and coaching in Districts 181 and 182 the last five years. I have enjoyed working with and getting to know the teachers and staff in our district. Being selected to the Board will put me in an even better position to support them. My experience as an Air Force Colonel has taught me how to lead in challenging environments, make critical decisions, and manage limited resources…I am confident I can make tough decisions that are both fair and impartial. Christy and I are very happy to be back in the Brainerd Lakes Area…it has always been the place we called home. We are invested in our schools and this community. I have served my country for 29 years and would be honored to serve the community by joining the Board in December!

10/04/2022

I have more signs...please let me know if you would like one in your yard! I will deliver it but I will not stand next to it all day! You can send me an email at [email protected]

10/04/2022

The School Board Candidates also received questions from members of the community. The questions included topics such as CRT, Comprehensive Sexual Education, and mandates for masks and vaccines. Some candidates chose not to provide a response. In an effort to be transparent my responses are below…

ISD 181 School Board Candidate Questions
Responses provided by David Stimac

1) What is the biggest problem facing ISD-181? What is your plan to address it?

One of the greatest challenges facing our district, and all of Minnesota, is recovering from the negative impact the COVID-19 restrictions has had on our children. Too many students have fallen behind in reading, math, and behavioral development. My plan to address it is to keep the social and political distractions out of our schools. We need to focus on teaching science, technology, math, engineering, and the arts.

2) What is your definition of Critical Race Theory (CRT)? Do you support it’s teaching in the school district? Why or why not?

The way I understand Critical Race Theory (CRT), it is a way of looking at American History through racism. CRT theorists believe America is inherently racist and systemic racism is imbedded into our legal systems and institutions. I do not believe or support CRT. CRT is just another distraction but unfortunately it is being taught in some school districts. I think we need to address it head on and educate the community on what it is and refute it with facts.

3) Do you support comprehensive sexual education, including details of LGBTQ sexual relationships, being taught in any or all of K through 12? Why or why not?

No, I do not support comprehensive sexual education being taught in K-12. However, I do support limited, age-appropriate sexual education in 7-12 where our goals should be to reduce teen pregnancies, sexual assaults, and STDs.

4) What role do you believe parents play in a student's education?

Parents/guardians play a critical role in their child’s education. They need to stay informed with the curriculum and maintain open lines of communication with teachers and administrators. They need to be involved as much as they possibly can…attending parent teacher conferences is a must, ensuring their children are disciplined and not a distraction to classes, and volunteering to support school activities…parents need to take an active role in educating their children.

5) Do you support parental opt-out options for more than just sexual education? If so, for what?

I think it is up to the parents to decide what they would like to opt-out of. I am open to hear their requests and would try to support them within reason.

6) Would you support mask mandates, quarantines for COVID-19 or another virus, if something similar happens again? Why or why not?

If we learned anything from COVID-19 we know that mask mandates and quarantines for ALL are not effective. Quarantines and mandates are not “a one-size fits all” solution, COVID-19 does not pose a serious risk to healthy kids. I think the school district did the best they could with what they were given by the state of Minnesota. I cannot criticize what the board, our teachers, and staff did for our kids as I believe they had their best interests in mind. However, it was very frustrating dealing with mandates that seemed to lack common sense…so, moving forward we need to push back on policies being set for us that do not make sense…we need to do what is in the best interests of the kids, teachers, and staff in our school district. It’s impossible to predict future “pandemics” and my response to it. But, I do believe we need to protect the people that are the most vulnerable to the health risk and take necessary steps to protect them.

7) Would you support vaccination requirements if COVID-19 or another virus, if something similar happens again? Why or why not?

Minnesota Department of Health requires certain vaccines for school enrollment, for example, tetanus, Polio, measles, mumps, Hep B, so yes, I support vaccine requirements. The COVID-19 shot is not a vaccine and I would not support mandating it or similar shots. The decision to receive these types of shots is up to the individual after consulting with their doctor.

8) Would you support a requirement that students stand for the Pledge of Allegiance each day? Why or why not?

As a retired military veteran, I definitely support standing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in our schools. I am proud that our schools recite the Pledge of Allegiance and I support continuing this practice. It shows respect for our Country and represents the freedoms that many have fought and died for. We are blessed to live in a country where we have freedom of speech and freedom of expression so, while I do not agree with someone that does not want to stand and recite the Pledge I do not think we should make it a requirement.

10/04/2022

10/04/2022

School Board Candidate Screening Questions
Questions Provided by Education Minnesota Brainerd

1. Why did you choose to run for the Brainerd School Board?

I want to be more involved in supporting our schools. I believe my leadership experience as a retired military officer and my experience as a substitute teacher will bring a unique perspective to the school board.

2. What has been your involvement in ISD 181? Have you served on any district committees or volunteered within the district?

I have been an on-call K-12 substitute teacher since 2018 and have worked at several schools within the district. My wife and I have also volunteered many hours over the last 5 years supporting many different events at Garfield Elementary. We have supported field trips, chaperoned the 4th grade trip to Deep Portage (twice), and have helped out in the class rooms.

3. What do you perceive the role of school board members to be in the running of the Brainerd School District?

The school board’s role is to set policies, manage the budget, and advise the superintendent to enable the teachers and staff to provide the best educational opportunities for ALL students.

4. In the event the district is lacking financial resources, what would you recommend? (Levy referendum? Cuts in staff and/or programs? Other options?)

I would consider all options that are available and carefully weigh the impacts of each before deciding what options to pursue.

5. Are there any areas in the curriculum that you feel need to be changed or improved? If so, what are they?

During my experience as an on-call substitute teacher I have not noticed anything in the curriculum that needs to be changed at this time. However, we need to continue to improve curriculum standards to ensure our classes remain relevant and challenging to our students in order to best prepare them for success after high school.

6. How familiar are you with the contracts for the bargaining units in ISD 181?

I was not involved with any of the existing contracts in ISD 181 but have reviewed them since I decided to run for the school board. I will continue to improve my understanding of these important documents.

7. How do you feel we could improve the public education system in our district?

We can improve our public education system by employing the best qualified teachers and staff and ensure they have the support needed to provide the best educational opportunities for our students.

8. What role do you think teachers should play in the decisions made at the local schools?

Teachers play a very important role in public education. They have a tremendous impact on our children and can instill life-long values that positively shape their futures. I highly value their feedback and would seek their input on any decisions that would impact them or the quality of education we can provide our students.

9. In the next five years, what are the greatest challenges facing public education in our district? In Minnesota?

One of the greatest challenges facing our district, and all of Minnesota, is recovering from the negative impact that the Covid-19 restrictions has had on our children. Too many students have fallen behind in reading, math, and behavioral development. Another challenge will be providing a quality education with limited resources as budgets continue to shrink and a quality work force is harder to find.

10. What role do you believe schools play in addressing equity in regard to training and education of both staff and students?

Our schools should set the example of treating everyone with dignity and respect.

11. Do you have any conflicts of interest where you personally benefit financially (related to an active employee of ISD 181, hold current business dealings, plan for future business contracts, etc.) if so, what are your strategies to address this during voting situations?

I do not believe I have any current conflicts of interest but if any arise I will communicate any conflict with the other board members and take appropriate actions to mitigate any real or perceived conflict.

Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share with us?

I am a retired US Air Force Colonel after serving 29 years on active duty. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the US Air Force Academy in 1988 and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Troy State University in 1999. I spent the last 15 years of my military career in executive leadership positions balancing operational, financial, personnel, and regulatory constraints. At one of my assignments I was the commander of a group of 1,800 maintenance personnel responsible for 58 aircraft and the ex*****on of a $243M flying hour program. During my last duty assignment, I was stationed at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. where I served as the Logistics and Sustainment Division Chief supporting the $400 Billion F-35 aircraft program.

I grew up in this area, graduating from Crosby-Ironton High School, and moved back to Brainerd in 2017 (my wife is a Brainerd HS alum). I received my Educator License to be a Short Call Substitute Teacher in 2018 and have been substitute teaching in both District 181 and 182 the past 4 years. I am also an Assistant High School Baseball Coach at Crosby-Ironton and have coached youth hockey the last 5 years in Brainerd. We have two children attending Forestview Middle School. I would be honored to serve on the District 181 School Board to help ensure we continue to offer the best educational experience for ALL of our students.

10/04/2022

Here are my responses to the Brainerd Dispatch Voter's Guide...

Employment: Retired USAF Colonel; Substitute School Teacher in District 181 and 182; Assistant Baseball Coach at Crosby-Ironton High School; Brainerd youth hockey coach.

Public office experience: I do not have any public office experience but I served my country for 29 years and I am now ready to serve my community.

What do you want to accomplish if elected? (50 words or less)

I want to ensure our public schools provide the best possible educational opportunities for our children. It starts with hiring the most qualified teachers and having a professional staff that can support them. Our curriculum must remain relevant and challenging to best prepare our students for success after high school.

Specifically, how would you accomplish your goals? (100 words or less)

I would start by meeting with our school principals to understand how they are being supported. I would make myself available to the teachers to better understand what they need to enhance their classrooms and their careers. I would also seek inputs from our parents, businesses, and community members to ensure we are preparing our students for success beyond high school, whether they enter the work force, learn a trade, or attend college. Finally, I would dig into our budget process, existing contracts, and current policies to ensure we are making the best use of our limited, but valuable resources.

What abilities or qualifications separate you from your competition? Why are you the best candidate for the job? (100 words or less)

I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from the US Air Force Academy and Master’s Degree from Troy State University. I served 29 years on active duty spanning 12 duty assignments, serving in 7 states, 2 countries, and a deployment to Iraq. I spent the last 15 years of my military career in executive leadership positions making tough decisions that affected budgets, policies, and personnel. My career has provided me amazing leadership experiences and educational opportunities that I can bring to the District 181 School Board to ensure we continue to offer the best education for ALL of our students.

10/04/2022

Here are my responses to the League of Women Voters questionnaire...

Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 Characters)

My experience as a retired AF Colonel, substitute teacher, volunteer, and coach will bring a unique perspective to the board. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Troy State University. I served 29 years on active duty serving in 7 states and 2 countries, including a deployment to Iraq. I spent the last 15 years of my career in executive leadership positions managing multi-million dollar budgets, enforcing policies, and leading organizations with over 1,500 personnel. I am confident I can make tough decisions that are both fair and impartial. I will work hard to push back on policies that do not serve the best interests of our school district.

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 Characters)

First, ensure we hire and support highly qualified teachers and staff to provide the best educational opportunities for ALL students. Second, ensure our curriculum remains relevant and challenging to best prepare students for success after high school whether they enter the work force, learn a trade, or attend college. Finally, engage parents, businesses, and community members to ensure they have the opportunity to be heard and have a “say” in what we want to achieve as a school district.

How will you work with staff and teachers to promote safety in our schools? (500 characters)

I would review existing policies to ensure we have the right safety procedures in place and engage with local law enforcement to better understand current and emerging threats. I would meet with staff and teachers to ensure they are informed, supported, and trained to respond to emergency situations. I would also work hard to establish open lines of communication with students, teachers, staff, parents, and community to ensure we ALL remain vigilant in keeping our schools and children safe.

10/04/2022

https://youtu.be/X6RBIZLbFNw

Watch the first 30 minutes to see the 2 year candidates address the board.

September 12, 2022, School Board Meeting