Colfax Board of Education candidate Ken Bjork
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COLFAX — Four candidates are on the ballot in the April 4 election for three positions on the Colfax Board of Education: Jaclyn Ackerlund (incumbent), Kenneth Bjork (incumbent), Jodi Kiekhafer (incumbent) and Denise Solberg.
The Colfax Messenger sent out candidate questionnaires. Here are Ken Bjork’s responses.
Bjork, age 72, and his wife, Mary, have four grown children and ten grandchildren. Three of their grandchildren are in the Colfax school system.
• What is your occupation?
I taught and coached at Melrose-Mindoro High School before coming home to farm with my Dad and now my son Kyle.
• What is your educational background?
I graduated from Colfax Schools and the University of Eau Claire with a degree in special education.
• Why did you decide to run again for the Colfax Board of Education?
I am running for re-election to continue to support our entire school system … from the administration, teachers, support staff and bus drivers. It takes a team to offer a school where children are provided the opportunity for an excellent education and are supported in their individual abilities.
I also am running to support the administration as they work to ensure that our budget uses all the resources available to accomplish that goal of a great education in a working environment that supports both students and educators.
• What do you believe to be the two biggest issues facing the Colfax school district?
Hiring and retention. I feel that hiring and retention of employees is an issue in many districts around the area. The number of teachers, support staff and bus drivers has declined over the years. We have been fortunate to hire some of the best in these areas and we hope to retain their employment with us. We need to strive to be a school district that they want to be a part of.
In order to hire and retain employees we need to offer a great working environment where each of those employees feel like they are a vital part of the team.
Budget. As with any business it is important to keep the budget balanced. With the declining student numbers in our district this becomes more of a challenge. Every available dollar must be obtained and used wisely to balance the budget.
• Anything else you would like voters to know?
I encourage everyone to get out and vote and make your voice heard. Be informed and get involved in your school district.