Vote Rick Ainge for Nebo School District
Rick Ainge
for Nebo School District Board of EducationMy name is Rick Ainge. I am running for re-election to the Nebo School District Board of Education, District 4. I am a life-long resident of Nebo School District, born and raised in Spanish Fork. I have lived in Salem for twenty-nine years with my beautiful wife, Deanne. Together we raised three wonderful children, who are now married and have blessed us with eight wonderful grandchildren I am deeply rooted in this community. I am dedicated to serving its members and doing what I can to ensure that it remains a great place to live and raise our families.
My Promise to You
I truly believe that Nebo is the very best school district in Utah, and is among the very best in the Nation. For the sake of my own grandchildren, and for the sake of all the children within our communities, I am committed to keeping Nebo School District at the very top, demanding a standard of excellence and continual improvement, ensuring Nebo will always be a leader among school districts.
Why I Am Running for School Board
I believe that my education, background, expertise in accounting and finance, and my experience in the business world are very useful and valuable to the School Board and the District. As a school board, we have accomplished much and made great progress during my time on the Board. I also recognize there is yet more to do, and I believe in a need for continual improvement. I look forward to an opportunity to continue working with the other Board members, the administration, teachers, staff, parents, students, and community members to continually improve Nebo School District and the educational opportunities and experiences we provide our children.
Proven and Effective Leadership
I have served on the Nebo School Board for the past twelve years, serving as Board President for two years. During my time on the School Board, the District has shown amazing progress and has achieved many wonderful accomplishments.
Below are a handful of those accomplishments:
- Closed a $4.5 million budget shortfall caused by the collapse of the economy in 2008-2009 and resulting budget cutbacks – with no layoffs, no contract cuts, and without raising taxes.
- Implemented a 5X5 schedule in certain schools to provide more options and greater flexibility for students.
- Designed and implemented student success initiatives and related student success committees with parent and community members, with the focus of improving student success and achievement.
Committed to Excellence
As a board member, I am committed to maintaining and expanding excellence in our schools. Our students deserve nothing less, and we should expect nothing less. As a board, we implement policies that help foster excellence and provide an environment to help our teachers and staff reach their full potential. Through the building of Professional Learning Communities, collaboration, and plentiful, robust professional development opportunities, we provide our teachers with the necessary tools, guidance, and support while leaving them with the flexibility and freedom to establish what works best in their schools and classrooms.
Focused on
Student Achievement
As a board member, my primary focus is on student achievement. Every step along the way, we need to ask ourselves “Is this what is best for students?”
Each decision we make regarding policy, finance, capital projects, personnel, or anything else needs to be made with the idea of what is best for students as our overriding concern. To accomplish this, the Board has implemented twelve initiatives for student achievement.
Sound Fiscal Management
The District’s sound fiscal policies and strong fiscal position have helped the District to maintain a high bond rating on the bonds that the District issues for construction and capital projects. This has resulted in very low-interest rates on the bonds, which literally saves the School District, and taxpayers, millions of dollars in interest over the lives of the bonds. I have been very involved in the formulation of fiscal policies for the District, and my finance and business background has been important and useful in this process.
Parental & Community Involvement
Schools need parents who are partners in education, who will assist with learning activities, tutor students in need, help prepare or choose instructional materials, and otherwise work with the schools to help increase student learning. Collaborative relationships with parents and the community are critical to increasing student success and achievement.