Thompson Schools, District E: Blake Law - Loveland Reporter-Herald
Age: 41
Years in the area: 10
Family: Wife, four children pulled from Thompson to homeschool
Occupation: Entrepreneur
1. What is your stance on the recently enacted mask mandate across the school district?
My personal stance on the School Board enacted mask policy is that I would want parents, teachers, administrators and staff to individually make the choice on whether or not to mask. My political stance leaves room for compromise, my goal would be to present an email poll with a range of possible solutions to the body of parents, teachers, administrators and staff. The results of the poll would be reported back to the recipients along with an appropriately weighted compromise that represents the results of the poll. I believe on issues where there is such polarization, it is important to hear all sides and make compromises.
2. What role do schools play in teaching students about racism, social concerns and the history of America?
It’s innate. My answer only needs to draw on my experience as a parent. If you want your children to view everybody with love and compassion, you first need to set an example of that in all you do. When you make a mistake, you need to clearly acknowledge any wrongdoing and begin in earnest to repair any damage you have done. Children need to be taught with absolute clarity that we are all part of a world family that deserves respect and love. The sad and racist acts of the past can never be lost to history, but the bulk of the lesson should always be focused on unity, love and the growth that we have attained as a nation as we have worked toward overcoming them. American History is crucial. Our children must be taught the importance of their heritage. They must be taught of the sacrifices that were made in order for them to live in the freest nation in the history of the world.
3. What is your plan to address CMAS scores in the district compared to the rest of the state?
Our CMAS scores are low. I don’t want to just blend into the background when it comes to academic results. I want to have a culture of excellence in our schools. High test scores don’t start with curriculum, they begin with self mastery. I firmly believe in the old adage, “If you want your life to change for the better, start with making your bed.” One of the most effective ways we can improve test scores is to improve the personal expectations and accountability of our students. This way of thinking is commonplace among many private and charter schools whose academic scores dwarf our own. Another way to improve our academic results is to realign our focus on kids who are falling through the cracks. The desperate and drawn out struggle that my wife and I went through to finally receive an IEP plan for one of our children and a 504 plan for another taught me there is a severe need for growth here.
4. What do you think is needed to increase interest from the community universally in School Board meetings, discussions and decisions?
Another simple answer, just involve the parents in the decision making process. The best way to alienate a population is to ignore them. It’s no wonder why the School Board has trouble getting the community involved. When was the last time you received an email from the School Board saying something like, “We don’t know exactly how to proceed here, so we need input from every parent in the district to make sure that our decision is in line with the people who matter most?”
5. What is your primary goal or focus within the school district?
My goal is very straightforward. I will not allow the personal bias, opinions or agendas of the School Board to dictate the decisions that affect every family in the district. I will draw a line in the sand and give the schools back to the children and the parents who pay for them. We will hear ALL of the parents and I vow to respect their wishes for their own children. The parents will finally have a strong voice at the district level.
source: https://www.reporterherald.com/2021/10/10/thompson-schools-district-e-blake-law
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