Scott Wood

Background

Profession: Owner/Manager Wood’s Crushing and Hauling, Inc.

Educational background: Graduate of Sandpoint High School

How many years as a Bonner County resident: 45

Marital status: Married

Family: Two children

Questions

1. I will work collaboratively with the other board members and take advantage of training for school board trustees on school finance and the role of a school board member. I will advocate for increased vocational and technical learning opportunities for students, continue to support parent involvement in their student’s education and I would like to review school facilities and explore creative ways to improve facilities.
2. Maintaining facilities. Our facilities are aging and it is fiscally responsible to keep the buildings in the best condition possible. I am a proponent to looking for creative way to accomplish this. Ensuring that LPOSD policies are matching our local community values. Changes to policies based on outside influence could damage the relationship the district has with its community partners and student families. Advocate for Stabilization of State funding for our school district. State funding is a critical piece of the puzzle and it’s important the district receive the funds it deserves.
3. Solutions will come from a joint effort, that is why there is a board to discuss these, and any issues, to come up with the best solutions possible. We need to work with local legislators to advocate for Statewide education funding, including facility money and career technical education. We need to support LPOSD leaders in continuing to gather community input to best guide the direction of the district and continue to promote parental involvement in their students’ education.
4. I have no personal agenda for running for school board trustee. I want to give back to the community and school district that allowed me to be a successful business owner and I want the same for my children. I think a lot of our long-time local residents want that same thing whether it is for their children or grandchildren. I am a good listener and problem solver and will work hard to support education in a non-partisan manner. I will seek to get answers for issues that are brought to my attention.
5. Yes I do. I have never had any indication that it is not going in the right direction. I believe the current board has worked well with the administration to meet the needs of the students and have a connection to community values. I think the strategic plan that was developed and implemented this year is a great indication of how the district plans to move forward and continue to make improvements.
6. I think the trustee in zone 1 needs to know the community, has been in the community for generations and has a vision for what is best for the students. Students deserve a safe learning environment, with great teachers and ample opportunities, that allows them to grow into productive adults in our community. These are the future leaders in Bonner County, we want to see them be successful and contribute to our community’s success.
7. My kids are in their 8th year in LPOSD. In those years, but especially recently, I have not heard or seen any issues that their education is being affected by. I also know several teachers throughout the district and those who I am friends with have not mentioned anything to me about issues that are being overlooked.
8. School boards should be non-partisan, only setting policies that fit community values, follow state laws, and are good for students. Everyone will not always agree with each other, but I feel we should agree what is best for the students should come first and find common ground in that to move forward. My family has been living, working, and attending school here for five generations. This community is important to us and as I look forward to what the next generation will face, I can be trusted and will work hard to make LPOSD the best possible for our future.
9. I like that I can still walk into my favorite restaurant, see plenty of familiar faces, and have conversations with friends and neighbors. Our family is highly involved with Sandpoint Legacy Wrestling Club, which we started five years ago with some other dedicated coaches, and training the next group of hard-working kids to wrestle for SHS someday is amazing. I enjoy seeing my boys participate in the Bonner County Fair each year with their 4H market animals, which is something I did as a kid, and spending a week at the fairgrounds connects you to pretty much everything.
10. Eight months out of the year I am a wrestling dad and coach in my spare time. On my free weekends though I enjoy going out on the lake on our pontoon boat, hiking into a mountain lake, Jeeping up in the mountains, hunting, and fishing.
11. Probably had a few disagreements with my wife that I’m sure she helped me understand her side of the issue. Seriously, with no one thing coming to mind, as a business owner every day you have to work with different people, listen to their concerns, answer questions and come up with solutions or compromises. You can’t go into any situation being so stubborn you are unwilling to listen and work with others.
12. My family all play a part in having the biggest influence. My parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles have all taught me several key life lessons. They showed how critical a good work ethic is in life and business. That there is nothing more important than family. To do things right and stand up for what you believe in. Making sure I am passing down to my children the life lessons I learned from so many strong role models is what influences my actions today.
13. I think integrity, trustworthiness, good work ethic and the ability to listen to others are most important.
14. Are you for or against public education? I am definitely for public education, that is why I am seeking this position. There are groups out there, working to dismantle the system rather than make it better.
15. First and foremost, I am not a politician and I do not have an agenda. I want to work with the board, LPOSD administration and the community to keep our district moving in the right direction. I am a fourth-generation local with two of my own kids in the district. I would like to see them, and all kids, be successful and continue to make this community better. I owe my success to a supportive family, a great community, and the education I received here, and this is a great opportunity to give back what was given to me.