Boyceville Board of Education candidate: Nat Timper
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BOYCEVILLE — Two candidates are running for one position on the Boyceville Board of Education in the April 7 election.
Incumbent Steve Bird filed notification of non-candidacy by the deadline in December, and the candidates are Steven B. Olson and Nat Timper.
The Tribune Press Reporter sent out questionnaires to the candidates.
Here are Nat Timper’s answers to the questionnaire.
• What is your occupation?
I’m an engineer that designs mechanical/electrical systems for buildings. I work with architects, contractors, private owners, and the public. In addition for 14 years I was a part-time adjunct lecturer teaching engineering courses for the construction program at UW-Stout.
• Tell us about your family.
I’ve been married to my wife Ilona for 23 years. She is also an engineer and we work together in our engineering business. We have two sons, Luke and Mark, who are both recent graduates of Boyceville High School and are both studying at the University of Minnesota. Luke is a senior majoring in Electrical Engineering and Mark is a freshman majoring in Plant and Microbial Biology.
• What is your educational background?
I went to grade school in Wheeler and graduated from Boyceville High School in 1986. After high school I attended UW-River Falls for 2 years studying pre-engineering and graduated from Kansas State University in 1991 with a B.S. in Architectural Engineering. I’m also a licensed Professional Engineer.
• Why did you decide to run for the Boyceville Board of Education?
I grew up and live in this community. This is my home. I want to continue the great work that the current and past boards have done to ensure the success of all children in our community.
• What makes you suited to serve on the school board?
As a lifelong resident I understand the community and the issues that we face in rural America. I’ve also served at the discretion of the board in several capacities including on the community maintenance referendum committee, the Centennial Celebration committee and community advisory committees for both superintendent and principal selections. In addition, I have participated in the middle school career days and have helped Science Olympiad wherever needed.
• Besides the budget, what do you believe to be the biggest challenges or issues facing the school district?
I believe that a decline in agriculture/technology education is the other biggest issue facing school districts. Training the next generation, for example, of carpenters, electricians and mechanics starts in high school by offering a variety of courses for students to take. The “shop” classes are important.
• How would you suggest addressing those challenges or issues for the Boyceville school district?
The board needs to continue their support for agriculture/technology education.
• What other ideas do you have for improving the school district?
This isn’t a new idea and is currently practiced but I would continue listening to students, faculty and the community for ways that we can improve.
• Why are you the best candidate?
I want to see continued success for the children of this community and will do what I can to make this happen.
• What else would you like people to know?
We need women on the board. Any Board of Education in my opinion should reflect the demographics of its community.