Hauser concerned about enrollment drop, tax increases

Editor's note: This story in another article in a series of interviews with candidates for the District 88 School Board.

By GUY PRIEL

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Eleven candidates are seeking four seats on the District 88 School Board. The election is Tuesday, Nov. 7.

The seats are currently held by Don Potter, Gene Forstner, Brian Wieland and David Leuthe. Of the four, only Leuthe is not seeking re-election.

Candidate Duane Hauser hopes to become more involved in the community and to learn more about the district before his children start school.

Hauser, 37, is a native of California. His father grew up in New Ulm, moved to California and then returned to town. Hauser spent four years in the Navy. He moved to New Ulm 13 years ago to help his father.

He works as a production cutter at Advertising Unlimited, Inc. of Sleepy Eye. This is his first attempt at public office.

He and his wife Sandy, a native of New Ulm, have children, ages 3 years, 2 years, and 10 months.

"I feel it is important to be involved in the community," Hauser said. "This is a way I can be involved and can see where the school is going before my own children get there."

After announcing his candidacy, he felt a little overwhelmed with all the requirements and responsibilities. However, he feels prepared for the job if elected.

"I am really concerned with the enrollment decline and the increasing taxes," he said. "They say we are losing population, yet our taxes keep going up. That is a tremendous concern for me."

During an orientation session, candidates were given figures and information on the budget process. Hauser would have liked more information on the overall budget.

"One thing that really surprised me after the orientation was the levels and amount of state aid that comes to the district," Hauser said.

In Hauser's opinion, America, as a whole, is being attacked by other countries because of the weakness of the public school system, and there seems to be a lot of money wasted in the education process.

"When budget cuts become necessary, I will do what I can to target more emphasis on maintaining academic programs," he said. "As a board we need to look at the broad picture and consider everything."

He considers himself a fast learner and thinks he has some good ideas to present to the school board.

"I am against government intervention in the schools," Hauser said. "I think education is something that can be handled better at the state and local level. The federal government should stay out of the equation."

The implementation of the Profile of Learning by District 88 surprised Hauser because similar requirements have been in place for years in California. He is pleased with how the district has handled implementation.

"School board members should be dedicated to the children, but they also have an obligation to the parents," Hauser said. "School board members should listen to everyone in the community and bring all those ideas to the table without forming their own opinions in advance."

School board members should also stay knowledgeable about the future, and they should present the same opportunity to students because there is always room for improvement, Hauser said.

"I think (the governor's proposal) for 100 percent funding (from the state) for schools is a good idea ," he said. "Local control is the key to the success of a school district."

Because he realizes the broad impact of board decisions and the potential effect on his children's education, he will strive to make the right decision on the board, Hauser said.

"I consider myself a down to earth, common sense type of person," Hauser said. "I don't follow the political arena in decision making. I am very open-minded and believe I have new ideas to bring to the board. I will always look at all sides of every issue."