Star Tribune Endorses Tom for Re-Election!

"Incumbent Tom Goldstein, 52, also merits a return to board service for a second term. A thoughtful attorney and former businessman and community organizer, he is a business rep for a health care union. Like Street-Stewart he has been part of some district successes, including passing the 2006 referendum, developing a promising framework to improve achievement and making some courageous budget decisions."  Read the full story here.

Four years ago when I decided to seek election to the St. Paul School Board, I did so because I believed that I could make a difference—that the passion, determination, and life experience I had to offer would enable me to become an effective member of that body. Thanks to your support, I won a four-year term in 2005, and since that time have tried to bring a level of dedication and commitment to my role as a board member befitting of the trust placed in me by the voting public.

School board work is not glamorous, and in the face of unfunded mandates, declining enrollment, and a parsimonious governor, can be an especially challenging experience. But leadership is about overcoming obstacles, and in my time on the board I have continuously emphasized putting kids first and ensuring that our schools focus on transparency and excellence in everything we do.

Unfortunately, in a political environment where test scores often appear to be the only tool by which we measure school improvement or student success, it is sometimes difficult to appreciate the significant progress that we’ve made as a district the past four years. Lots of positive things have happened, and I’m proud to have helped support several important accomplishments, such as:

• Developing a true framework for closing the achievement gap between student groups.
• Focusing on accountability and efficiencies that ensure we are maximizing the use of available resources.
• Passage of a six-year levy referendum in 2006 to fund early childhood education and reduce class size.
• Monitoring leadership development and school oversight to ensure collaborative management of our schools and a consistent evaluation process for teachers.
• Encouraging strong parent involvement and input from all communities

That said, there is obviously much more to be done:

• After twenty years or more of debating the issue of the achievement gap, we must have the courage to implement the proven strategies that will raise the standards for all students and ensure that every child has the skills to be successful in college and beyond.
• We must find a way to increase the resources available to the district so the kinds of programs that promote the artistic, cultural, and physical development of children don't continue to end up on the chopping block.
• We must hire a high-performing superintendent, committed to St. Paul, with the skills and experience to realize the strategic goals of the district and work collaboratively with the Board, city officials, and elected leaders, and our many partners in the business, labor, and faith communities.

As a school board member, I take seriously the responsibility I have been given to make important decisions about the future of our schools, and I have tried very hard to model the kind of thoughtful leadership that such decisions require. The next four years will be a crucial time for public education in St. Paul, and I seek re-election because I intend to see through the essential changes that must happen in our schools—not just for my son or your kids, but for all of our children. They deserve nothing less.

Please vote in the general election on November 3rd!

To determine your polling location, simply click on the link below from the Ramsey County elections web page:

 http://xnet.co.ramsey.mn.us/elections/precinct_finder/

Best,


Tom Goldstein