Gary Suppiger

1. Lived in Bonner County 25 years. Raised three children, all attended LPOSD schools K-12. All excelled in school, were admitted to selective colleges, received academic scholarships. Their success would not be possible without LPOSD. We are grateful and want to give back to ensure future classes of children have the same opportunities our children did.

2. I parented children through the district for 39 combined years. I have volunteered at Sagle School as fourth, fifth and sixth grade math coach for 12 years. I was an involved parent, never afraid to send an email or call an administrator when I saw something that could be improved.

3. I am a parent of children who are succeeding. I have volunteered in the schools for 12 years and served on district level committees under several superintendents. As a small businessman I understand economics, value and budgeting.

4. I believe the current administration and trustees have steered us on a good course. Things are always evolving and changing. The goal is to keep improving. This year, LPOSD started a home-school program. Next year, we will offer families the option of all day kindergarten. We need to expand vocational programs.

5. The district needs to improve communication and accountability with the patrons who vote to tax themselves to provide essential funding through the levies. LPOSD is accountable for state funds through audits and accreditation. Patrons deserve the same consideration for their investments. Accounting needs to be more transparent and planning more inclusive.

6. Sagle Elementary math coach for 12 years. Prepared and escorted teams to Idaho State Forestry Contest, coached Mars Rover teams, judged science fairs, advised students on senior projects, judged Acadeca competitions, supported Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars. At district level, served on committees for supplemental levies, facilities levies, curriculum, budgets, and parent coordinating.

7. Prepare and attend a couple meetings a month to establish the budget, set goals for the superintendent, review the district’s performance. Unofficially, my intention is to put as many resources in classrooms as possible. Teachers are on the front line, making education happen. I want LPOSD to recruit, train, and retain quality teachers.

8. The world is getting smaller, more competitive. When Sandpoint students goes out into the world, they compete in the classroom, workplace, or military with students who come from a school district with significantly more resources. The challenge is to wisely use resources we have available to prepare our students for 21st century careers.

9. The district is doing remarkably well. U.S. News and Report named SHS number two in the state. Our graduation rate of 95 percent is well above state average. Our average SAT score, 1041, is above state average. According to College Board, 71 percent of our students are college ready; 65 percent attended college directly after high school.

10. I expect to be portrayed as a district rubberstamp because I support current programs and levels of funding. As a small business man, every check I write comes out of my pocket. I intend to be just as frugal with monies our patrons invest in education. All programs and personnel are evaluated constantly.

11. The difference between me and my opponent is I’m willing to support the district with the funding necessary to accomplish its goals. He didn’t support the recent supplemental levy. He stated he supported items on the levy but could not vote for it as presented. As a voter, you either supported it or not.

12. What are the differences between you and your opponent? My opponent and I have a lot in common. He is the parent of a LPOSD honors student, a successful businessman, pro kids, pro school, and collaborative. He supports district transparency, accountability, and more open decision making. The difference is I proudly support rural schools and the levy support necessary to maintain them.