Oak Ridge School Board: Tom Schreiner

Tom Schreiner

Name: Tom Schreiner

Age: 46

Place of birth: Cape Girardeau, MO

Spouse, children's names: Linda (wife) Andrea (2008 graduate of Oak Ridge School) Alison (daughter)

Occupation: Director of Technology

Employer: Jackson R2 School District

Businesses owned, all or part: N/A

Previous offices held or sought:

Currently serve as Oak Ridge School Board Vice President 9 years. Currently serve as Chairman of Grace Lutheran Church Congregation, Uniontown, MO 18 years.

What is the most important issue facing the Oak Ridge School District, and what can be done about it?

Continuing to enhance student education, providing professional development opportunities for our teachers as learning standards change, while operating with a balanced budget. To achieve these goals parents, teachers, administrators, and members of the board must all work together to help our students be college and career ready.

What in your background or education makes you qualified for this office?

Serving the past nine years on Oak Ridge School Board. Attending Missouri School Board Association regional meetings to stay informed and educated on the issues that impact our district. Being employed as Director of Technology for Jackson R-2 School District helps me understand key issues that districts face in areas of instruction, professional development, finance, technology, and district operations.

What is your view on Common Core educational standards?

Common Core is a learning standard. Learning standards were put in place in the mid 1990's to better prepare students for college and career readiness. There will always be some type of learning standard to assess student performance. It's important to educate and communicate with our patrons whatever learning standards are put in place. We must work together with our parents, teachers, and administration when advocating change as a unified voice for our students' education.

Do you think the Oak Ridge School District is a good place for teachers to work? Why or why not?

Yes, I do feel Oak Ridge School District is a place where our teachers enjoy working. We have highly educated teachers and a very low turnover rate at Oak Ridge. We also have some of the highest Annual Performance Report Scores in this area and I feel this is a direct reflection of our teachers' commitment and hard work. Thank You teachers, administrators, and support staff for all you do for our children.