To the Journal editor: :

My name is Jason Zdunek, and I am running for the Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education this November. As the only candidate running that is a licensed teacher, the father of two children attending school, and a graduate of the Marquette Area Public Schools (Class of 1999), I will provide animpactful perspective regarding historic and current challenges our schools face. The last couple of years have been difficult in many areas, including education. I am best positioned to help our schools move forward, together.I have broad academic and work experience to ensure MAPS has a sound budget now and into the future without raising taxes.

I have worked as the Finance Administrator at the Marquette County Community Foundation, as a consumer banker and mortgage banker for Wells Fargo Bank, and as an Area Technician for the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development. These areas allowed me to work with personal finance, Fund level accounting, as well as municipal finance. Given my experience, I look forward to making sure I am able to help develop budget solutions for MAPS to ensure we can attract the best employees in a shrinking applicant base. I will work to ensure bonding issues are thoroughly and timely developed with MAPS staff and communicated to the community. At a time when everything is becoming more expensive, I will work to ensure that your tax dollars are spent wisely while making sure MAPS is in a positive financial position now and into the future.

If elected, I look forward to working to ensure extracurricular activities are leveraged as a part of helping students after a difficult couple of years. I have been a coach or activities volunteer for 19 years. I have seen firsthand the value these activities have on students.

Whether there is an opportunity to supplement in classroom instruction in the arts, music, or athletics, I will look to place budget importance on extracurricular activities.Marquette is the home for me and my family. I know the asset our schools are to our community.

If elected, I will make sure this continues. This November, I am asking for your vote for Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education.

JASON PAUL ZDUNEK

Marquette