Howard J. Brewer, four-year term candidate
Brainerd School Board election
Age: 65.
Address: Northeast Brainerd.
Occupation: Semi-retired.
Howard Brewer
Education: Two-year associate degree in criminal justice and certified instructor and NCO leadership courses, United States Marine Corps.
Family: Single.
What specific qualities or experiences will make you a good choice for school board? "I possess unique qualities. My background/experience includes extensive training, leadership and management experience. Teamwork is drilled into me. Teamwork is a must for a board member. That would include working with the administration, the unions and the public to come up with solutions for the mess this district is in. My management experience entails 45-plus years as a staff NCO, instructor and owning/operating a small business. I reside in northeast Brainerd, not one present board member resides in Brainerd. I also have the time to devote to the job without family interference or distraction."
The school district is considering options to address possible growth in the elementary school population. What options do you support? Should increasing class size be on the table? "Growth projections are in the future. We have problems today that need fixing first. I don't know where the magic number 25 to a classroom comes from. In today's economic times it is simply not feasible. The budget needs a complete overhaul without borrowing money and laying off teachers. Portable classrooms are not an option either. Whittier is sitting there and has maintenance costs regardless. Why incur the cost of buying portable classrooms and increase overall maintenance fees? I envision the need for one more elementary school in a few years. Operate smartly today and save for it."