| |
 |
|
Tim Bradley
Age: 58
Candidate for: Tulsa Technology Board of Education, seven-year term
Birthplace: Washington, D.C.
Lived in district: 15 years
Job Title/Employer: Plumbing Inspector, City of Tulsa
Married to: Currin Bradley
Number of children/schools they attend(ed): One son who graduated from Booker T. Washington High School
Religious or civic organization affiliations, including any leadership positions: Plumbing Contractor Association; President of Tulsa Tech Teacher Association
Registered voter? Yes
Previously sought or held elected office? No
Highest level of education, name of institution, and year graduated: Master's of Adult Education, Oklahoma State University, 1985
Why are you seeking this position? As a 25-year employee (Bradley was a plumbing instructor for TTC from 1982 through 2007), I believe I have much to offer Tulsa Tech. I would like the chance to work with the district to help guide its future.
What do you believe are the chief responsibilities of a school board member? Ensure that the students of the district are safe and provided a positive learning environment. Board members should be involved in Direct School Board Policy. Ensure that TTC Board policies are adhered to. Work with other board members to set goals and direction for the school district.
How much time would you plan to spend in the schools in your voting district on a weekly basis? I would plan to spend as many hours as necessary to obtain information of the schools' function and needs, without interrupting the daily operations of the school.
What should the relationship of the school board be to the superintendent? The superintendent is an employee of the district and is responsible to the Board of Education. The BOE must direct the actions of the superintendent related to the goals and needs of the students of the district. The superintendent serves at the will of the Board of Education.
What are the greatest strengths of the school district? Tulsa Tech's greatest strength is its students. TTC students have gone on to become leaders in our community and their vocations. Another great strength of TTC is the instructors. TTC instructors are the best of their professions. I have had the honor of working with some of the most caring, dedicated and professional, teachers. Tulsa Tech also has the best teaching/learning facilities available. Tulsa Tech has the means to keep its students on the leading edge of technology.
What are the greatest weaknesses of the school district? Tulsa Tech was designed over 30 years ago to help students that did not plan to pursue a college education. Tulsa Tech seems to have lost its direction. It is as true today as it was 30 years ago that not all students are bound for college. There are many hard working taxpaying members of our community that did not go to college. There are trades and skills that can be taught to a non-college bound students. There is a great need for tradesmen as well as skilled workers in our community. Tulsa Tech's greatest weakness is that it has gotten away from what we did best, teach people to work.
What changes and/or new initiatives, if any, would you like to see in the district? Tulsa Tech needs to expand programs that prepare people to work. Student achievements related to TTC's education needs to be more recognized. I would like to see TTC return to its original intent: "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime."
Please include any other comments or concerns you have about the school district here: Tulsa Tech is the greatest educational institution in this country. I know this because I have been a part of it. The positive effect TTC has had on so many lives is seen every day in our community.
Tulsa Tech is one of the best kept secrets of our community and our state. I think it is important all students in the Tulsa area are able to obtain what Tulsa Tech has to offer.
|
|
