CANDIDATES’ QUESTIONNAIRE

For CCS Board of Education in 5/16/17 election

Bruce Markusen

COMMUNITY OF RESIDENCE: Cooperstown/Hartwick

EDUCATION:

B.A. Hamilton College 1987

Degree Fordham Preparatory School 1983

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

I have worked primarily as a radio broadcaster (1987 to 1995) and as a museum professional (1995 to the current day). Beginning in 2008, I have direct experience working in education, as a museum teacher at The Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum; and, beginning in 2009, as a teacher at the National Baseball Hall of Fame &  Museum. Since 2013, I have served as the Hall of Fame’s manager of digital & outreach learning, specializing in videoconferencing.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

Announcer for Cooperstown Girls Basketball since 2001

Volunteer emcee for numerous community events

FAMILY: Wife Sue and daughter Madeline

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION:

I believe that the kids come first. A commonsense approach is needed to solve problems within the school district. It’s also important to avoid complacency. We must always be looking to improve the school environment, with regard to every important issue, including bullying and the dress code.

MAJOR ISSUES FACING CCS:

Security of the students and staff, dress code clarification, bullying (both in person and through social media), declining school enrollment

RELEVANT PERSONAL QUALITIES:

Hard-working; detail-oriented; strong communication skills; commonsense approach

STATEMENT/SYNOPSIS:

As a long-term resident of the area, I am committed to the idea of making Cooperstown Central School as vital and dynamic as it can be, in terms of academics and the proper social environment for the students. It is imperative that we communicate well with the members of our school district, tackle problems head-on and with sensibility, and strive to provide students with the proper tools and atmosphere in order to increase the quality of their experiences at CCS.