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Francis Vigeant |
You have an interesting background in education. Tell us about it?
I’m
a first generation college graduate from a working class family. In
middle school I became part of a single parent family when my father
passed suddenly. I struggled through my early education because of an
undiagnosed learning disability. I was no stranger to struggle and hard
work.
When
I started my career teaching high school math in Lynn, I encountered
many students who faced the same academic and social struggles I lived
through. I wanted my math class to be engaging, so I used hands-on
science and engineering lessons with my students. When students built
windmills and launched rockets everyone showed up on task. It was the
right recipe.
I
went on to develop curriculum systems that empower students to develop
analytical thinking skills and engage in hands-on science, technology,
engineering, and math, beginning in elementary school. In my capacity as
an education specialist I’ve helped schools secure over a million
dollars of private grants, increase MCAS test scores 12-33 percentage
points, and developed communication strategies. Now I employ nearly a
dozen people and support the efforts of many other classroom teachers
and thousands of their students.
Do you think that owning a company that sells education software to schools creates a conflict of interest for you, when Salem may need your product?
Ethical
practices are my first priority. I’m volunteering my time as a member
of the school committee to help improve this district for everyone with
no intent or desire to profit. Throughout my service, I will continue to
abide by state ethics laws avoiding conflicts of interest and the
appearance of conflicts of interest. In the case of an overwhelming need
there are provisions under Mass General Law 268A, section 20 that would
allow other members of the School Committee in concert with City
Council to pursue a product.
Does the Salem Public School System currently buy your product?
Saltonstall made a small retail purchase of curriculum and materials last year.
You're a Mensa member? Seriously? Isn't Mensa just a club for smaht kids to feel superior and be snobby?
It’s
true. I’m a member. Seriously. We’re hardly a pretentious crew; in fact
we get together at Gulu, play games and grab dinner. Who knew? You’re
all invited to do these wicked smaht things too. People in Mensa are
genuine folks who enjoy sharing ideas and the company of others. I guess
that makes it a club like any other club.
Why should voters make the effort to head out to the primary polls and vote for you?
I’ve
experienced what works and what doesn’t work from every angle and can
use my experience to guide our superintendant, develop policy, and
inform budgeting to change tomorrow for our students today. I’m the only
candidate that represents active business experience, active public
school teaching experience, and active administrative experience with a
proven ability to influence student learning outcomes.
______________
There you have it. Sounds pretty qualified to me. For more information, see his website, Facebook page, or this press release posted by Salem Patch today.
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