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Keven R. Rondot
Age: 49
Birthplace: Tulsa
Candidate for: Broken Arrow Board of Education, Zone 3, five-year term
Lived in District 5: 38 years
Job Title/Employer: School board member
Married to: Tom Rondot
Number of children/schools they attend(ed): Three children who all graduated from Broken Arrow
Religious or civic organization affiliations, including any leadership positions: Attend First United Methodist of Bixby, Broken Arrow Alumni Association, Broken Arrow PTA Council, Leadership Broken Arrow, Broken Arrow PTA Council president, State PTA president
Registered voter? Yes
Previously sought or held elected office? No (Rondot was appointed to the board more than a year ago)
Highest level of education, name of institution, and year graduated: Bachelor's in dental hygiene from Nebraska
Why are you seeking this position? I believe all children deserve the best possible education. We are working diligently to give them that opportunity in Broken Arrow. We had the largest API score improvement of area 6A schools for last year. I believe we will be on top again this year.
What do you believe are the chief responsibilities of a school board member? To set policies that guide the administration, and staff in educating our children
How much time would you plan to spend in the schools in your voting district on a weekly basis? As much as needed or requested. As a school board member, we should set policies for the education of our students, not micromanage the school sites.
What should the relationship of the school board be to the superintendent? The superintendent is hired by the school board; he/she should be working hand in hand with the school board to implement policy set by the board and the state and federal legislatures.
What are the greatest strengths of the school district? In our district it is the teacher, parent and student relationships. We have a very active PTA, and they with the assistance of the district administration have established Parent University. This is to give the parents insight to the learning skills the students are being taught in the classroom. Our teachers are some of the best that can be found anywhere. Their dedication is evident not only in the classroom, but at our students' extracurricular activities.
What are the greatest weaknesses of the school district? As with all districts in the state, funding is always a concern. We need to find other revenue streams, so when the state budget has downturns, we are not having to lay off our teachers and staff. Also, we are growing, that in itself places the obligation to provide more classrooms. Sometimes having to build more classes and/or schools takes the focus off of older buildings. Ad valorem is a key source of funding for schools, and Broken Arrow needs to bring more business to Broken Arrow. Rooftops are great; they mean more families in Broken Arrow, but they do not generate the levels of ad valorem that businesses bring.
What changes and/or new initiatives, if any, would you like to see in the district? I would like to see every parent involved with their child's education. I would like to have every parent attend their child's parent/teacher conference. Studies prove that children whose parents are involved, are more likely to succeed in school. I want to see our children prepared when they leave Broken Arrow to continue their education or enter the work force.
Please include any other comments or concerns you have about the school district here: As State PTA President, I was able to visit many district throughout the state. Each had something special or unique about them. Each time I came home, I was very grateful that my children were with the caring and devoted teachers, and staff that we have in Broken Arrow schools.
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