Nate Weaton wants Fairfield schools to adopt growth mindset

Nate Weaton is one of seven candidates for the Fairfield Community School District Board of Directors who are seeking one of the four open seats up for election on Nov. 7 whose terms will last four years.

The Union sent a candidate questionnaire to Weaton, and here are his responses:

1. Why are you running for the Fairfield school board?

Because I want to be part of the team that facilitates positive change for all stakeholders, most importantly our kids. This will happen by providing transparency, financial responsibility and a growth mindset.

2. What qualifications do you have that would make you a good school board member?

Father of 5 kids who have attended or are attending school in the District – Member of the FHS Football Staff for 8 years, 5 years as Head Coach – Local Business Leader who cares deeply about this community and employs more than 50 people with family members working or learning in the District.

3. In 2021, Fairfield voters rejected a $34 million bond vote to build a new middle school and make other improvements to the district. Do you think the district should attempt another bond vote for a new middle school? If so, what should the district do differently this time around to ensure the ballot measure passes?

I do believe that investment in our schools is a necessity, however, we need to take the appropriate amount of time to make sure we run the right process to get to the proper end result. This all begins with leadership at the Board, Administration, and Building levels – proper leadership establishes the right vision and trust that our Community can support.

4. An online survey of 669 Fairfield residents conducted by FEH Design earlier this year indicated that 70 percent of respondents wanted the district to downsize from four school buildings as a way to save money. Do you think the district should reduce its number of buildings, and if so, what do you want to see as the new configuration?

I think it is important to listen to those in the District and Community, like the example above. At this time, however, I don’t believe it is prudent to make a pre-determined decision as to what I would suggest in terms of school infrastructure. While this is an important item that the new Board will face over the next four years, I don’t believe this to be the highest priority within the first 12 months.

5. Fairfield's enrollment has declined by about 200 students in the last 14 years. Last school year, 114 students open enrolled into the district, while 197 open enrolled out, for a net loss of 83 students. What, if anything, can the school board do to reverse the decline in enrollment, and encourage more families to enroll their children in the Fairfield school district?`

The School Board should provide strategic direction and support to District Leadership, Teachers, Associates and Support Staff with an emphasis on competing for growth. Focus on this will guide decision making based on what is best for kids and families, which should ultimately lead to attributes that are attractive to parents.

6. What can the school board do to attract and retain quality teachers? And do you believe the district is doing a good job at retaining teachers, or does it need to improve on this front?

Again, the School Board needs to provide strategic direction and support. Teacher attraction and retention is a priority when talking about competing for growth.

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