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knows that Columbus students can achieve great things. He himself is a product of the Columbus City School District and an alumnus of the I KNOW I CAN program. This graduate of Whetstone High School has long been interested in changing the public's perception of the school system. And as a member of the Columbus Board of Education, joining in 2001, he'll work to do just that.
Andrew first decided to run for the school board because he believed there were not enough different perspectives from which the voters had to choose. His background allows him to offer something unique to the district. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Earlham College. This Quaker affiliated institution instilled in him the importance of listening and how to be passionate without letting emotions interfere. And having to deal with different opinions is something Andrew is well accustomed to. Growing up in a household of 11 people (himself, three siblings, up to four foster children at one time, his grandmother and his parents) meant having to find middle ground on a daily basis.
Having such a large family also created some financial burdens. With his older brother just finishing up college, Andrew wasn't sure how he would pay for Earlham. He says I KNOW I CAN helped bridge the financial gap, making his first two years at college possible. And he adds that it is becoming much more difficult for students to attend college as state universities have become much less affordable. He says students can help combat that if they prepare ahead of time. He also adds that students should not be afraid to try different things. Andrew says, "It's not a failure if you don't like it or if you weren't good at it."
Clearly, Andrew has not been afraid to try new things. At 26, he is the youngest member of the Columbus Board of Education and is armed with goals for improving the district. His objectives are three-fold. The first is to find a dynamic superintendent, which according to Andrew has been accomplished. He says, "We found the best of the best." The second is to pass a bond package in 2002, and the third is to pass an operating levy in 2003 or 2004. In the meantime, Andrew wants to focus on improving the dropout and truancy rates. He, along with other board members, are looking to develop a separate structured school that would focus on getting students with these problems back on track and back to their own school within a year.
Andrew's position as a Columbus Board of Education member is not his only one. He is also the Coordinator of Community Relations with Haas, Spicer and Wilson, Inc., a local public relations firm. And while the present is certainly keeping him busy, Andrew has big plans for the future. He would like to get his master's degree in Education and teach elementary school. With his belief in the importance of education, it's an arena he hopes to stay in for a long time.
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