LETTER: Re-elect Putnam, Kriese

Talk about it

To the Editor:

On Tuesday, voters in the Mitchell School District will have an opportunity to re-elect two tried-and-true members to the Mitchell Board of Education: Neil Putnam and Theresa Kriese. I had the opportunity to work with both of these individuals during my time as president of Mitchell Technical Institute.

I first met Neil when he served on MTI’s Strategic Planning Committee in the late 1990s. The result is the unified campus that will become a reality in 2013. From our first meeting, it was evident he was willing and ready to engage in public service on a much larger scale. He continues to be an advocate for MTI and for post-secondary technical education in South Dakota. Recognizing his leadership, his peers elected him to serve as president of the Associated School Boards of South Dakota. Mitchell is fortunate to have an individual with his dedication and expertise who serves locally and yet has a global view of education.

During the 10 years Theresa Kriese served as MTI’s chief financial officer, she doggedly, yet patiently, brought that office into the 21st century. She made that office into what it is today: accountable, interconnected and responsive to student’s needs. She is one of the most even-keeled and patient individuals I have ever worked with. Whether working with colleagues, students, parents or policy makers, these character traits serve her well. And it is never more apparent than when she is in situations where problem solving in a group setting is needed.

Above all, the bottom line for both of these individuals is the student. Whether it is the K-12 or post-secondary level, you can count on Neil Putnam and Theresa Kriese to always make a decision that will be in the best interests of students. Please join Sandi and me in re-electing them to the Mitchell Board of Education on Tuesday.

Tags: election 2012, school board, opinion, updates, letters, mitchell, local