Jim Thompson

Role of a board member: Individual members have no clout, Thompson said. The board has two functions: hire the administrators and superintendent, and to adopt policy. 

 

“That’s it in a nutshell, but you also advocate for kids. Any decision I make is kid-centered,” he said. 

 

Time available for board duties: He described his time available as “pretty well unlimited.” When he served in the past, there wasn’t a day that went by that he wasn’t checking district email and schedules. 

District connections: None. 

 

Board meetings attended in the last year: One or two, he reported. After serving on the board for 36 years, Thompson said he was “disappointed” to have lost the election by two votes, but that everything happens for a reason. He was able to spend those two years with his late wife during her final illness. She passed away last month. 

 

In the 36 years while he was on the board, he reports missing one or two meetings. 

 

“I committed to the board,” he said. In his decades of service, he completed so many trainings that he attained the level of “master level board certification.”

 

Technology/AI in the classroom: Thompson reports he is no stranger to working with cutting-edge technology. “Every job I’ve had has been technology-related,” he said. “You have to be flexible and decide quick if new tech is going to help or hinder any given situation.” 

 

At this point, Thompson says, it’s hard to say what AI’s role in the classroom should be. How to establish a culture that retains teachers and students: For teachers, it’s money and benefits. When a budget is 75% salaries and benefits, it may not always be possible to spend a lot more, Thompson said, and in that case, the board tries to do things to recognize teachers, support them, and reward them if money becomes available.

 

He mentioned the district’s move a few years again to pay one hundred percent of health insurance premiums, noting, “I think that was met with appreciation.”

 

Another thing the district is doing is growing their own workforce, guiding and paraprofessionals as they earn degrees. 

 

“It pays dividends to the district. They’re invested in the whole community. They understand the Zizzer culture.”

 

For students, it’s about meeting them where they are, whether they need more individualized instruction, a full stomach, or a place to belong. Thompson mentioned with pride the various programs that address these needs including The Zizzer Pride Academy, JAG, Bridges, and the backpack program. 

 

Any board action he would change: Not having information on some of the rationale that went into all decisions, Thompson said he really can’t say. 

 

Role of social issues in a school board election: “The only part of the conversation a board should have anything to do with is to treat every kid with respect,” Thompson said. What skills would help you manage a new superintendent: Thompson’s longevity on the board means he has been there and managed new superintendents several times.

 

“The days of long-term superintendents are gone,” he said. “As they get the experience, they look for other options. Lucas Brown, is a good example, and I don’t begrudge him that. We’re training a lot of other admins.”

 

Mr. Orchard has been set up to succeed, Thompson thinks. He must do a fair amount of learning, as anyone would. He has, however, been hoping to talk Mr. Orchard into earning the title of Dr. Orchard. 

“As a board we need to stress the importance of higher education,” Thompson said. 

 

Does he expect to step back into a leadership role, if elected? Thompson said he has “No intention of stepping back into the leadership role.” He says he was not seeking the board presidency when he was elected the first time, and that he would be “tickled pink” to go back on as a member.