Candidate questionnaire: David E. Kennedy

NAME: David E Kennedy

AGE: 47

PLACE OF BIRTH: Advance, MO.

SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Natalie Kennedy (wife)

Madeline Kennedy

Abigail Kennedy

EDUCATION:

High School Graduate

Three years US Army

OCCUPATION:

Vice-President/ General Manager

EMPLOYER:

Metalweld Inc. 24 years

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART:

N/A

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

Advance School Board since 2007

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST NEED YOU HOPE TO ADDRESS IF ELECTED?

It probalby would be getting prepared for the changes coming down from our State Board of Education. The adoption of the Common Core State Standards will bring alot of changes to the curriclum and testing for our students. Making sure our students are ready to meet the increased standards and new testing is very important to me. Also, the State has adopted the fifth adition of the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP 5). Missouri already has the toughest standards for schools to be judged in the nation, and MSIP 5 increases that further. It is very important that our students, teachers and administrators are ready for this challenge.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

I know in my heart that a quality education is very important for the future success of our children. This is something I have been a part of since I have been on the board. We give the community a great return on their investment. We spend less per student than most districts, with student achievement that is near the top. This is done through a willingness and the ability to listen to all ideas and work together to implement those ideas that help to achieve our goals. I do that every day in my business and I know how to bring that same thing to our school. I am invested in our school. Not only did my wife, Natalie and I graduate from Advance, but my daughters Maddie (sophomore) and Abby (elementary) attend there now. I want our school not only remain successful, but improve each and every day.