Steve Dean of Troutville has announced that he is running as a write-in candidate for the Amsterdam District seat on the Botetourt County School Board.
His news release outlining his platform reads:
“My Name is Steve Dean and I am running as a write-in candidate for School Board in the Amsterdam District of Botetourt County. I am a father of three, grandfather of 10 and great-grandfather of three and I am an unapologetic Christian who believes in the absolute truth that God has given us through His Holy Word– the Bible. I am running because I have a passion for our education system in Botetourt County and returning it to the basics of teaching your children reading, writing, math, civics, economics, science and health.
“If I am elected, this is my promise to the constituents of Botetourt County:
“I will review the curriculum of every class for grades 1-12 and will vote to eliminate any teaching materials that do not enhance the learning experience and preparation for mobility to higher education and functioning in adult life. I will vote to prevent ALL ‘woke’ social learning or indoctrination such as Critical Race Theory, etc.
“I will review every dollar spent on the school system and will vote to cut unnecessary expenditures. We will spend your tax dollars for the things which improve the learning environment and safety in facilities and in transporting our children.
“I will vote against covert committees that usurp the rights of the parents and hide what is being planned and taught to our children.
“I will vote against mask and vaccine mandates.
“I will vote to eliminate practices where students will be set apart for verbal abuse and humiliation (othered) for not being vaccinated.
“I will be fully open to the parents’ communications and will hold regular events for parents and taxpayers to express their opinions and/or ideas so we can work collectively to make things better for students, parents, teachers and administrators.
“Since the School Board’s budget is approximately 55 percent ($62 million) of the county’s total budget, I will work diligently to provide complete transparency to the parents and other taxpayers of Botetourt County. I will provide open an honest examination of the entire school system.
“In streamlining the budget expenditures and cutting wasteful programs, I will work to make our school system more attractive to ‘qualified’ teachers, front line workers, such as bus drivers, mechanics, office and janitorial workers establishing better working conditions and enhanced pay and benefits. I will also work to bring our administrator’s pay and benefits in line with other counties our size and all increases and/or bonuses will be merit based.
“I will never allow the board superintendent to speak for me.
“Together, we can make these necessary changes, and I appreciate your support in helping me to ‘Save Our Botetourt Schools!’”
“I will welcome anyone who would like to assist with the campaign or donate. For more information on my candidacy, my platform and how you may assist me, please contact me at dean4edu@gmail.com.
