Dave “Watchdog” Miner

Q. What is your top priority for the district as a candidate for School Board?  What is your plan for achieving this priority?
A. PRIORITY: Insure that the District is Financially and Academically solvent and safe and healthy through the pandemic.

PLAN: Continue financial and academic progress by closely monitoring expenditures and securing the resources, including millage already approved by voters, to make our district a desirable and rewarding workplace for teachers and other employees and a great place to learn.

Q. What is the biggest opportunity that, if embraced by the district, would lead to an improvement in student achievement?
A. BIGGEST OPPORTUNITY: Continuing our Community Grade Level Reading Campaign.

Q. Describe your experience working with large, complicated budgets.   How will you determine how to fund priorities?
A. EXPERIENCE: Since 2012, as a School Board Member, I have gained experience with budgeting and operation of Manatee School District funds ranging from combined General Revenue and Capital Fund Revenue of $385,592,604 to $591,775,050.  All of these budgets involved many fund sources and a multitude of differing requirements of use, distribution and allocation.

PRIORITY FUNDING: Priority for much of the funding is prescribed by contracts as well as  state and federal law so that budget familiarity and experience with funding requirements and flexibility is a plus. Classroom needs will always be my highest priority.

Q. How can we ensure our Pre-K through 12 school district programs and curriculum meet the needs of our business community in preparing students to successfully enter the workforce?
A. The best way to continue molding our programs and curriculum for our business community’s needs is to continue district partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to obtain  assistance in providing the very best education and training our students and our community deserve.

Almost needless to say, part of the “best way” includes continuing to coordinate the availability of training and learning for high school students at Manatee Technical College (the recognized best technical college in Florida and an important part of the Manatee School District for which the School Board is proud.)

Q. What role should local businesses play in supporting our schools to ensure students are graduating with the skills necessary for successful employment?
A. Good Schools are Good for Business. Good Schools attract Good Businesses and customers to our community. Local Business continuing support of millage, mentoring, and involving themselves with our schools is essential for providing students with the enhanced education skills necessary for successful employment.