To the editor:

I am running for a seat on the CLK School Board in the upcoming Nov. 8 election.

I’ve been retired from the CLK Schools for the past five years. I have several grandchildren in the school system and want to offer my time and knowledge to help make the CLK schools the best they can be in all areas.

I have firsthand knowledge in those services that support the school system. I was a bus driver, custodian, groundskeeper (including the football field), the main equipment operator for snow removal for several years and did maintenance and daily service for the wood boiler system for several years also.

I have a good understanding of many of the inner workings that support the school system in its entirety. I can offer insight and hopefully be a help in making decisions in these areas that are very important to running an efficient school system which ultimately benefits our students

I’m really interested in seeing a greater emphasis for a good trades program. It’s nice to see there has been some movement towards a welding program. I see potential also in coordinating and sharing ideas with the ISD and its CTE (career technical education) program. We could look into building trades and machine tool, plus many others.

I would also like to explore the possibility of partnering with local businesses to develop work study opportunities. What greater education can you get than actually seeing how things are done and participating in the finished product.

I hope to serve on the School Board and work with the other members helping in whatever way I can to ensure that our school system continues to offer the best education to our students and that it operates in the most efficient way possible.

I feel my 25 years as a former employee makes me a good candidate, and I would like the opportunity to serve the students and people of the area. I would appreciate and ask for your vote. Thank you.

James Vertin

Laurium