Askren hopes to serve Othello schools

Looking to make a difference

OTHELLO - Eric Askren is running for district director position three on the Othello School District school board to improve the schools and teacher morale.

"I'm very interested in increasing teacher morale. I think that teacher morale has been suffering," he said. "I'm interested in letting the teachers know that we appreciate them, by encouraging them and doing what we can to make sure they have voice. I'm very interested in the teachers being supported and being heard. I think they are our greatest asset."

Askren has experience volunteering in his daughter's classrooms once a week at Hiawatha Elementary School.

"Last year I helped with reading, I helped with science projects and art projects. I helped with simple things like making copies and helping the teacher be organized," he said. "Really I just want to be at the teachers' disposal … whatever it is to make their lives easier."

Askren began volunteering again in his daughter's classrooms last week.

"That's really been a great thing to do, volunteering and being involved with the school directly and knowing what the needs of the students are, the needs of the teachers are and the needs of the administration," he said.

He said he is excited about his candidacy.

"I feel pretty confident about it. So far I've had a lot of support, I think it's going to be fun, I'm enjoying myself already. I enjoy hearing people's ideas and I enjoy being at the schools and being involved, Askren said. "I'm excited about the possibilities of enhancing our credibility with the community by being more policy driven and transparent."

He said it's important for the school board to be open, transparent and accountable to the community.

"I think some of the biggest issues facing the school district are teacher morale and parent accountability." Askren said. "I worry about that because if the teachers aren't treated well and aren't happy it directly affects the students."

He hopes to encourage parents to become more active in their children's education.

Askren plans to be active with improvements to the school facilities.

Due to the recent passage of a large bond, he expects a lot of upgrades for the school district.

There is a tremendous need for more space and the school district is growing in an incredible way and we need to be on top of that," Askren said.

He said it's important to plan for growth of the community to house more students at the schools several years ahead of time to be prepared.

Askren said he has an ear for listening, a heart for the issues he hears and is policy driven.

"I am just interested in doing what I can," he said.