LINN — Dr. Shawn Strong, 52, is seeking reelection to the Linn R-2 School Board in the April 7 election, and he’s eager to lead the district through a rough patch.

“I originally ran for school board to bring new leadership (superintendent) and begin football,” said Dr. Strong, who currently serves as the board president. “In my second term, I wanted to be a part of getting our students out of the basement of the fieldhouse. I am running again because I know we are headed into some tough financial times as a state that will significantly impact schools. We have so much positive momentum that it will be important to have a strong board during difficult times. At a high level, strong schools are needed to build communities. I believe in this community and want the best for it.”

A resident of Linn for 10 years, Dr. Strong has been in education since 1999. “I love being part of something bigger than myself,” he said. “I have been fortunate enough to lead State Tech and continue what Don Claycomb started. I have worked in industry, taught, and worked my way up to being the President of an incredible institution of higher education. I believe this is a unique skill set that has prepared me well for the school board.”

The district has the lowest tax levy allowed in Missouri. “The state is facing a several billion-dollar shortfall,” said Dr. Strong. “Secondary education and higher education will be targeted. Missouri is mandating higher teacher pay, which I support. The combination of increasing costs and certain cuts is going to be the single greatest issue for the foreseeable future. Retaining good teachers and addressing student behavior will always be challenges, but nothing compared to finances.”

Dr. Strong believes that Linn R-2 has incredible leadership, teachers, staff, and community support. “We are building great facilities and making progress on academics,” he said. “The Linn R-2 district, and all it has accomplished, sets a standard that we probably take for granted and should be very proud of.”

Dr. Strong said he believes it’s important to continue progressing despite a difficult financial position. “We have a superintendent who knows numbers and how to educate students,” he added. “The best thing a board can do when the district is headed in the right direction is to stay out of the way. There is a lot of talk about a four-day versus a five-day school week. I suspect other candidates will weigh in on that. You have to ask if that is the best for learning. While I am not a fan of the four-day work week, rolling it back is going to be difficult now that we have it.  The reality is that for the foreseeable future, finances will dictate we stick with the four-day week unless there is overwhelming support for the five-day week.”

According to Dr. Strong, the reality is that the board really does not “make improvements” like many would think when the district has good leadership. “While we can help set some high-level priorities, our main role is to support district leadership and their vision,” he said. “In our case, we have a leadership team in place with a vision for the district. We have a great school board now, and none of the candidates would be bad for the district. The best way for us to make improvements is to simply support the direction we are headed.”

Dr. Strong has believed in service throughout his career. “While at Missouri State University, I received the University Service Award, primarily for my work with Habitat for Humanity,” he noted. “I have been on the JC Chamber of Commerce board and am active with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce. I am extremely proud of being a part of a group of dedicated volunteers that brought football back to Linn.”

Dr. Strong ran for the board because he believes that strong schools make strong communities. “A strong community is incredibly important for every business trying to attract employees,” he said. “I didn’t like the direction the former district administration was taking us. The board and I, at the time, recruited Bob James and fixed this. I am incredibly proud of what the district has accomplished and have a vested interest in strengthening our community. If you agree, I would appreciate your vote.”

Dr. Strong has two children, Lucas, 22, and Lexy, 15.