PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS QUESTIONNAIRE WILL BE PUBLISHED.

The News-Herald
Election Questionnaire
Name: Michael Virant Age: 42 Home address: 11665 Hosford Rd Chardon, Ohio 44024 Length of residence in that community: 18+ Years Gender:

Date questionnaire completed: Office sought: Chardon School Board Political party: Male

Sept. 20th 2011

Campaign Web site:

N/A

Occupation: Former Regional Operations/Finance Manager 17 years, Stay at home dad beginning 2008 Employer: N/A Marital status: Married Name of spouse: Sonya

Name and age of any children: Public office experience:

Noah 9, Gabe 7 and Zoe 5 None

Political office held 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Municipality

Years served

Elected or appointed?

Non-elected experience (committees, boards, etc.): Treasurer for Cub Scouts Pack#92, Former 3 term Finance Council member at Chapel of the Divine Word Kirtland

Education:

School/City/State High School Saint Ignatius, Cleveland, Ohio College John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio Graduate CWRU Weatherhead School of Management, Cleveland, Ohio Other

Years

Degree-Subject or Certification Diploma B.S.B.A M.B.A

(Note: Only list schools from which youve graduated and/or earned degrees. Please indicate if currently attending.) (Note: If youve completed a certificate program, please list in Other row and indicate certificate obtained.) Should you be elected, what are three specific areas youd like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it? One of the first and most immediate areas to be addressed will be selection of appropriate replacements for the treasurer and superintendent, both of whom are leaving their positions. Both positions are critical to the long-term success of the district. With the superintendent in particular, it will be critical to identify candidates who understand and have a passion for education, but also the leadership abilities and vision required to lead the district in challenging times. The individual will need to be creative in their approach to providing the best possible education to the students within the district, and also be willing to reduce costs and operate within the districts budget. The second area of focus is the creation and implementation of a new strategic plan for the district. It is imperative that the board members demonstrate leadership and at the same time listen to the members of the community to prepare the district for the present and future. Transparency and effective communication will be crucial in this process. The strategic plan needs to address many items: Buildings/facilities; alternate sources of funding (other than taxes); modifying the curriculum to meet the needs of a changing environment (computer classes/foreign language); offering pre/post care for students (to assist working parents); involving the entire community in strengthening the school district; selling unused assets; expand arts/music; and creation of an internship program. The third area of focus will be on eliminating waste and closely controlling expenses. In many ways, the district can benefit tremendously from being run more like a not-for profit business. Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you? I have a passion for education, and feel that a good education is critical to the success of each student as well as the community as a whole. I am a highly skilled professional with extensive experience/expertise in financial analysis, strategic planning, operations management, training, project management, process improvement/implementation. Over the last 3 years I have obtained significant information about the district by attending board meetings, participating in focus groups, volunteering my services to research various topics. I understand the major and minor challenges that the district will face in the coming years and am prepared to help lead the district. As a Former Regional Operations & Finance Manager, currently a stay-at-home dad, I have the knowledge, ability and time necessary to complete the job.