District 197 Candidate Profile: John Chandler

Four candidates are running in the District 197 (West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan) School Board Election this year. There are three open spots on the board.

Patch asked the candidates about their experience, connection to the district and about the issues that they would focus on. Here is the response from candidate John Chandler.

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What leadership experience do you have?

I offer leadership through experience in multiple organizations.  Through my Army National Guard experience I demonstrated ability to serve in variety of leadership capacities, including company commander, and can improve processes when planning and executing projects with accountability.  As a professional fundraiser I have served on the local Association of Fundraising Professionals board.  As a volunteer I am on my second board term with the Rotary Club of Saint Paul and am now Treasurer.  

Through my association with the Boy Scouts of America I served in increasing assignments of responsibility for 10 years professionally and now as a volunteer I serve a local Cub Scout pack that benefits boys in 14 local schools, serve on an Advisory Council, and have served on two nominating committees to recommend volunteer leaders.   I am committed to service above self which is required of school board service and am comfortable representing organizations.

What other relevant experience do you have?

I have served on the I.S.D. 197 Educational Foundation board since January 2012, participated in district’s strategic planning task force and middle school transition efforts, and volunteered at Somerset Elementary for 5+ years.  Working at Dodge I see firsthand our district’s partnerships in action.  I am Treasurer for Rotary Club of St. Paul.

What is your occupation?

Director of Development at Dodge Nature Center

Where did you go to school?

Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge

Do you have a spouse, children or any other family members you’d like to tell voters about?

Married with three children currently attending schools in the district; two children attended the district’s early learning program and Dodge Nature Preschool.

What is your connection to District 197?

I am an active community volunteer: MHAA coach, Cub Scout Pack volunteer, and Somerset Elementary volunteer.

What issues are you most focused on?

Learning opportunities should be available for every child to succeed.

Why should voters choose you?

I am endorsed by SEIU Local 284. After 20 years of service in Army National Guard, retiring with rank of Major in Military Intelligence branch, and volunteering in multiple organizations, I have demonstrated ability to serve in leadership capacities in addition to maintaining civilian full-time employment.

Our family moved to this district as a temporary move but then relocated within the district because we wanted to stay in the school district.  I care about our communities and the schools.  I am thankful of our district and recognize that it is a great district. 

I am passionate about a well-rounded student experience through academics and extra-curricular activities.  I want children to be safe to try new experiences.  And I value diversity and want our children to be comfortable with diversity.

Through my volunteer roles and my children’s activities I interact with many parents and enjoy listening to what others have to say.  Listening is a priority for me.

If elected to serve on the school board I want to be accessible.  I will put my military background and various board and volunteer experiences to use for ensuring different communities find common ground to find solutions together, processes are improved, and networks are leveraged to maximize our district’s potential.

For our family, Sibley is the end result for our children within ISD197 and we feel confident that Sibley will prepare them for after high school.  From my perspective, I hope that Sibley will continue to be held to high academic standards, will strive to get all high schoolers involved in extra-curriculars, and will be open to technology in the classroom. Website: www.bit.ly/jc4sb