MARION INDEPENDENT: BRENT VANWEY

I am Brent VanWey and running for Marion School Board. I was born and raised in Marion and attended school through the Marion Independent School District. My wife and I are heavily involved in activities within the district as well as raising three kids who are in 7th and 8th grades at Vernon and a senior at Marion High School.

I have been attending board meetings periodically over the last couple years with the intent to run at the next election cycle. As a proud Marion alum, I have been interested in the vision and strategic direction of the district over the last several years. My focus in running for School Board is to bring my knowledge and experience in developing a strategic plan focus on the next five, 10, 15 and 20 years. This will allow the residents of the district to again get excited about where Marion is going now and in the future.

My second area of focus is educational excellence. When I attended Marion we were awarded with FINE (First In The Nation In Education) for two years in a row. While this award no longer exists I am focused in helping understand what the test scores are and how Marion can once again compete and be recognized as one of the top schools in the area.

My final focus in joining the board is school finances. While school finance is very complex and Marion is headed in a very positive direction it is critical that the residents and students see this, eliminating the current belief that Marion is poor and can't afford to do anything. I would appreciate your support on Sept. 8. Good luck to all candidates as we all strive to make Marion a better place to learn and live.

' More information: brent.vanwey@gmail.com