Schools
Meet Tom Beutenmiller — Fox C-6 School Board Candidate
A questionnaire was sent to each of the seven candidates running for three, three-year terms on the Fox C-6 School District Board of Education. The following, in their own words, are their responses.
Tom Beutenmiller has been married for seven years and has two young sons, one of them attends kindergarten in the district.
A resident for approximately 17 years, he moved to Arnold after he was employed by the Arnold Police Department. Currently a Patrol Sergeant, Beutenmiller has worked in several capacities including as a patrolman, and detective.
“My experience with the elementary school has been extremely positive and I am very impressed with the quality of education that is being provided.” Beutenmiller said. “If elected my goal would be to serve as a resource for the Teachers, Parents, Children and Faculty; with the common goal of providing the best possible education for our children.
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Prior to being hired by the City of Arnold I received a Bachelors degree in Political Science and a Minor in Psychology from Southeast Missouri State University. I later received a Masters degree in Human Resource Management from Lindenwood University.”
How will the Fox C-6 School District deal with expected major cuts in state revenue?
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“The Fox C-6 School District would be impacted by revenue cuts as would any School District. Cuts would certainly make it harder to balance the District’s Budget, however I believe that with more fiscal responsibility we can continue to provide the kinds of services that people have come to expect. Good budget management will be a key role for the new board. As a new member of the School Board I would bring a fresh perspective on our priorities and responsibilities. With an emphasis on monitoring and regulating Administrative Spending, I believe we can achieve all our goals.”
What programs need to be added or deleted?
“Deciding which programs need to be added or deleted prior to having a good working knowledge of the budget and what funds are available would be irresponsible. I would hope to be able to keep all the programs and activities that are currently being offered. Many people of varying needs depend on these programs and it would be my priority to maintain as many services as possible. If cuts were to be made I would look in other areas first while preserving the specialized services that families depend on.”
Do you think a tax increase is needed to offset the dwindling resources of the school district?
“I do not think that a tax increase is necessary at this time. I do not believe that the budget is unmanageable at this time. I believe that with a renewed emphasis on fiscal responsibility that the school administration can provide the services that the families in the district have come to expect. If elected I will make the continuation of these services a priority while utilizing the funds that are currently available.”