Four candidates are seeking seats on the Austin School Board in the Nov. 8 election. The field includes newcomers Carolyn Dube and Nathan Wradislavsky, along with incumbents Richard Lees and Don Leathers. The top three finishers will be elected. All terms are four years. Board member Mary Jane Kestner chose not to run for another term on the board.

Nathan Wradislavsky

Nathan Wradislavsky, 41, will seek his first term on the Austin School Board. Wradislavskey is a stay-at-home dad. He and his wife, Sara, have three children.

Q: Why did you decide to run for school board?

A: I believe in serving the community and with three kids feel the school board is an excellent way to be more involved in our community.
Q: What are the things that you believe will make you a good board member?

A: I am a good listener, communicator and team player. I care about the school system and our children.

Q: The district has long been discussing alternative calendars and start times. Would you support these? Why or why not?

A: The program that is at Sumner Elementary now seems to be doing a good job. While some students and families would benefit from an alternative schedule and the additional focus on learning, other family units might not find an alternative schedule optimal.  I think making a change to the school calendars would require a total community effort, with the support of parents, businesses and childcare centers.

Q: Austin has a high percentage of students who qualify for free and reduced lunch and a high percentage of students whose home language is not English. What should the district do to address the achievement gap?

A: I really see this as a larger issue. As the African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I feel these issues expand out to our community as a whole, if we come together to take care of our tribe we should be able to see some advances in the achievement gap and our children in general.

Q: What other issues would you like to see addressed by the board and why? 

A: I feel the current school board is doing a good job. One challenge the board will have to address is figuring out how to embrace the multiple cultures within our district with the resources available to us.

Q: What would we find you doing on a Friday night?

A: Hanging out with my family, either at home or away.