State BOE hopeful pays visit to Iola

By

News

July 31, 2014 - 12:00 AM

Local school boards and teachers should be best equipped to determine ways to teach children today, Martin Burke said Wednesday.
Burke, a Galena High School science teacher, stopped by Iola during a campaign swing through the area. He is seeking a seat on the Kansas State Board of Education to replace the retiring Jana Shaver.
Republican voters will choose between Burke and Jim Porter, superintendent of schools at Fredonia USD 484.
“The board’s done a pretty good job,” said Burke, despite dealing constantly with what he described as bureaucratic red tape heaped on the state by the federal government.
Such concepts as Common Core — a set of standards in basic educational disciplines, such as English and math, a child should master at the end of each grade level — are a perfect example, Burke said.
“It’s micromanagement by the feds,” Burke opined.
“The more these standards can be controlled locally, the better the standards can be implemented,” Burke said.
“I imagine education will be a part of my family for future generations,” he said.
Education has been a staple in Burke’s family for decades. His father and grandfather were both school administrators.
“I’ve always followed the state board since I was in college,” he said.
Burke, 27, is a 2005 Baxter Springs High School graduate. He is working on his master’s degree in educational leadership at Pittsburg State University.
He sees his youth as a positive because he brings a fresh perspective to the mix.
Burke also sees recent controversies surrounding the board — namely, an ultimately unsuccessful effort to rewrite science standards to de-emphasize the theory of evolution — as finished business.
Rather, Burke would serve as an advocate for expanded vocational educational programs at the high school level.
“One of the good things Gov. Brownback has done is recognize the importance of preparing students for jobs,” Burke said. “We need schools to teach things like welding and carpentry, not as a second choice, but as an expanded choice.”
Burke teaches biology, chemistry and physics classes at Galena. He also works with the district’s after-school program and coaches football and softball.

Related
June 17, 2015
June 20, 2013
August 13, 2011
January 20, 2010