LINN — Mitch Branson, 40, is seeking a seat on the Linn R-2 School Board in the April 7 election, citing a commitment to supporting teachers and strengthening the district for future students.

“I am seeking election to the Linn R-2 school board to help with the future of our school district,” Branson said. “I feel that we need to do everything possible to help our teachers. They play a vital role in shaping the future of our community and region.”

A lifelong resident of the Linn area, Branson lives just outside the city with his wife, Sophie, and their two children, both of whom attend Linn R-2 Elementary. He is a graduate of the district and has remained closely connected to the community.

Branson works as an Automotive Technology Instructor at State Tech, where he has been employed for more than 13 years. He said his experience in education provides a direct perspective on student preparation and outcomes.

“I deal with varying levels of students on a daily basis and can see the importance of a quality education when transitioning from the high school level to the college level,” he said. “I enjoy getting to work with these young people in helping them prepare for their careers and even more enjoy seeing them after graduation become successful in life.”

He also holds degrees in automotive technology and career and technical education, and has served in leadership roles within his church, St. John’s United Methodist Church in Linn, and professional setting.

Branson has been active in community and school-related efforts, including the Linn R-2 PTO, Lions Club, and the Happy Helper’s 4-H Club. He has also helped organize community events such as the Osage County Fair mud race and contributed to projects, including improvements to the elementary playground.

In his career at State Tech, Branson has served on the Faculty Senate, Curriculum Committee, and also as mentor to new instructors at the college. He’s also active as a merit badge counselor for the local Scouting America Merit Badge University at State Tech. “I enjoy supporting as many community events that may take place throughout the year as possible,” said Branson.

He identified the people within the district as its greatest strength. “The strength of our school district starts with the school board, administration, teachers, and staff,” Branson said. “All of the people in these four groups should be working each day with the goal of providing a quality education for our students. The support of these groups by the school board is crucial to achieve this goal.”

“We are required to meet the state-mandated issue of paying our teachers at a beginning salary of $40,000, and increase every year,” Branson said. “I support this mandate because I believe financially supporting our teachers and staff to the best of our ability will allow us to hire and retain quality people. I had very good teachers in school and hope that we can provide the best education to our children in all grade levels. I also am excited to see the changes that are in store for district with the current building project that will move the middle school classes out of the basement of the fieldhouse. This will be a huge improvement for our school.”

Branson supports an increase to the operating levy. “Supporting the upcoming Osage Co. R-2 tax levy is extremely important to move forward in paying our teachers this mandated amount,” he added.

He also pointed to student performance and the structure of the school week as areas requiring continued evaluation.

“Another concern is making sure our student test scores are consistently at a level reflecting the highest possible success,” he said, adding that he would like to better understand the impact of the district’s four-day school week. “I know there are mixed feelings in our district regarding our current four-day school week schedule versus a five-day week. This is a topic about which I would like more information. Has the four-day week affected our student test scores? Is there a way to track that information? Has the four-day week helped with teacher retention? These are questions to which I believe our administration can provide answers.”   

Branson said his initial approach, if elected, would focus on listening and learning.

“I do not believe that a new board member should approach getting elected to the board with ‘an axe to grind,’” he said.

Branson praised the current administration and school board. “They have done an excellent job in working toward a strong and successful school district, most obviously with the passage of the bond issue that is funding our current building project,” he said. “It would be my priority to continue to work together to support their efforts in growing and maintaining that success.”

Branson added that he would approach decision-making with a team mindset and a focus on student outcomes: “My end goal for these improvements will always be to ask myself, ‘Is this the best we can do for our students?’”

He added that he would consider multiple perspectives when addressing issues facing the district.

“I hope to address issues in an objective manner and with the understanding that everyone has their point of view that should be considered,” Branson said.

Branson can be reached by email or phone for questions or concerns.