Matthew Pawlowski for Bloomington School Board

Vote November 3rd, 2009

My Goals:

-Every student that attends Bloomington District 271 must have an equal opportunity to learn and attain the necessary life skills to succeed.

-I value the importance of educators and administrators having the necessary tools to promote and enforce school policies.

-I pledge that as a board member, I will be open to suggestions and ideas from educators, administrators, students and especially parents.

-And last but not least, I pledge to bring you the most fiscally transparent board possible.

Why I’m Running:

Seven years ago I moved to Bloomington. Proximity to the Twin Cities, great parks, and friends brought me to Bloomington. My priorities changed when I got married and especially when our son was born. My neighborhood, proximity to work, parks, and yes the schools kept me in Bloomington to raise a family. Now that my son is two, our focus has shifted once again toward education and what choices we will have to make in his schooling. We have concerns for his future and the future for the Bloomington School District. We have a vested interest in our son receiving a quality public education. From time to time I talk to neighbors and friends and local issues do come up. One of which is Bloomington and its schools.

Folks that have lived here for quite awhile speak of Bloomington Schools at one time being the best in the nation. Not just the state, but the nation. While other friends talk of sending their kids to alternative schools. Quite a few are looking to send their children to either charter or parochial schools and even some are home schooling. Little did I know that Minnesota was the first state to have charter schools dating back to 1991.

Competing with these alternative schools is just one of the challenges that face our Bloomington Public Schools. Our changing demographics and economic environment at the local, state and federal levels have and will test our system. My wife and I both attended public schools. Public schooling equipped us both to earn our college degrees. I see no reason why Bloomington Public Schools will once again be the best in Minnesota and the nation. I believe with creative solutions and hard work District 271 can rise in prominence once again.

Bio:

Name: Matthew Pawlowski

Family: Wife Leah, Son Anders

Residence: Bloomington, MN

Occupation: Insurance