St. Charles Board of Education Candidate Mike Thorne

Patch reached out to all local candidates for office to do an election profile before the April election. All candidates who spoke with Patch will be featured on the site. 

Mike Thorne, 61

Occupation: Retired Teacher
Education: Veteran United States Marine Corps  B. S. in Education-Special Education/Masters in Sport Science Sports Management
Family: Married, two married children, five grandchildren 
Years in St. Charles: 60 years
First Elected to office: Elected to two, three year terms, 2007 to present

Background: 

I have served as a certified Board member and Board Treasurer during the last six years.  I have 28 years teaching experience in the City of St. Charles School District and retired from the district in 2006.  

Why are you running for election?

Few civic issues are more important than providing top quality education for the students that attend our public school system.  I believe in recognizing traditions as well as envisioning the future and the potential our district will provide for its patrons.  

What is the biggest issue facing St. Charles?

Financial security and continued maximizing resources like limiting class sizes and living within our means are 2 very important issues.  Our district has been in existence for a long time and I realize the impact today's decisions may have not only for the present but also the future.  We have to safeguard the strength and quality of education in our district.

In what areas does St. Charles School District need to improve?

Communication with parents and a positive working relationship between the district and its patrons needs to be a priority.  

What areas would you prioritize as the district downsizes its budget
due to less revenue from the state?

Compared to surrounding districts and the way funding is distributed,  St. Charles has worked diligently to manage finances each year in an effort to minimize the inevitable cuts that we have seen and are sure to see in the future if the financial climate does not change. As a board member, managing taxpayers' funding should include an ongoing assessment of how and why money is being spent regardless of the financial climate.   

How should the school district evaluate and measure teacher quality?

Our administration has been working constantly to access how we evaluate teachers and are knowledgeable about the methods and recommendations that are given by the State of Missouri.  We as a district recognize that high quality teachers in the classroom give our children the greatest opportunity for success.  

What's one thing you'd like to accomplish this year?

Accomplishments for the district become a reality when board members work together in decision making that considers what is best for the entire district.  Having a district that is financially strong and one that provides the highest academic experience for all children are the greatest accomplishments that we should achieve.