Candidate questionnaire: Harold M. Miles

NAME: Harold M. Miles

AGE: 47

PLACE OF BIRTH:

Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau

SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Wife of 19 years is Paula Miles. One daughter, Grayson Miles, age 15 and one son, Creighton Miles, age 13.

OCCUPATION: Community banker

EMPLOYER: Bank of Advance

PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT:

None

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING THE ADVANCE SCHOOL BOARD?:

The most important issue facing the school board is funding, more specifically, the decline in state and federal funding. So far the decline has caused the district to cut two teachers' positions. On April 5, Advance R-4 is seeking passage of Proposition 2 which would increase the district's operating levy by 25 cents, which needs to pass in order for the district to maintain its current level of staffing. The proposed new rate would be $3.36, down from $3.43 of the 2009-1010 school year but higher than the current year levy of $3.11.

WHAT IN YOUR BACKGROUND OR EDUCATION MAKES YOU QUALIFIED FOR THIS OFFICE?:

My educational background includes graduating from Advance R-4 high school and from Southeast Missouri State University with a B.S. in business administration.

My occupational background primarily consists of managing the local, community bank in Advance for the past 19 years. Other experiences I've had that will be beneficial include being a current school board member, serving on the Advance Improvement Corporation, the Stoddard County Industrial Development Authority, and Advance Youth League. My daily involvement in the community and with its leaders keep me in touch with current events and provides insight on how to best address challenges the school district faces.