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Schools

Q&A: Richfield School Board Candidate Brian Lematta

Brian Lematta is running for election this November.

Editor's Note: With 15 residents vying for just three open seats on the Richfield Public School District School Board, Patch will be featuring individual Q&As with the candidates before the Nov. 8, 2011 election.

Brian Lematta has lived in Richfield for seven years and is running for what would be his first term as a member of the this November. Lematta has a full educational history: He studied humanities and history at Reed College and the University of Oregon, law at Columbia University, and business at the University of New Mexico. Lematta talked with Patch via e-mail following the .

Richfield Patch: Why did you decide to run for the Richfield School Board?

Brian Lematta: From kindergarten to graduate school, great teachers in great public schools inspired me to lead a rounded and successful life. Election to the board will let me help ensure Richfield students have same opportunity to achieve their potential. I have the talents and temperament to ably perform the complex duties of a Board member while judiciously considering the interests of all stakeholders. My training in the law and experience as a successful small business owner will enable me to be a good steward of the district’s resources and the taxpayer’s money.  

Richfield Patch: What do you see as your particular qualifications for serving on the Richfield School Board?

Lematta: [In addition to my education background, I have] over 20 years experience as an attorney and law partner, four as a Minnesota business entrepreneur. Expertise in administrative law, complex rule making, negotiations, contracts. I'm a parent and grandparent ... a current board member and seven-year resident, of City Bella ... [and I've] twice completed the Pikes Peak Marathon.

Richfield Patch: What do you think are the major issues facing the district in the coming years? What do you think needs to be done?

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Lematta: [For one], secure, adequate [and] sustainable state funding. The board should work through the Association of Metropolitan School Districts to reform the legislative practice of delaying and shifting school funding to balance the state budget. [We need to] increase the student “capture rate.” During Superintendent [Bob] Slotterback’s term, the percentage of eligible Richfield students enrolled in the district has risen to 74.5%. The board should set a goal of increasing this capture rate to 90% by 2022, to maximize state per-student funding and fully realize economies of scale.

Ensure availability of resources to expand the and tracks to middle schools and the high school. The board should support STEM and dual language certification for upper grade teachers, and facilitate the administration in attracting more exceptional STEM and dual language educators.

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[In addition], address teacher burnout, ... continue shrinking the achievement gap among our students, ... [and] increase opportunities for gifted and talented students through the expansion of the Advanced Placement program.

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