Paul on the Issues
My primary areas of interest and expertise that I hope to offer in service to our Board are Fiscal Responsibility, Empowerment of Stakeholders, and Instructional Excellence. Here is how I plan to address each of these crucial areas:
Passionate focus on one objective: Serve Laramie County Schools
Dr. Paul Bankes is a long-time educator with a proud Wyoming background. He graduated from Sheridan High School and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wyoming. He received both a master’s degree and a doctorate degree in education from Texas Tech University.
- 30+ years championing public education
- Successfully turned around three academically challenged schools
- Former teacher, principal, district-level administrator and board trustee
- Married 27 years with two daughters
Committed to Public Education for over 30 years
My primary areas of interest and expertise that I hope to offer in service to our Board are Fiscal Responsibility, Empowerment of Stakeholders, and Instructional Excellence. Here is how I plan to address each of these crucial areas:
Fiscal Responsibility
I will strive to promote a forward-thinking, fiscally responsible philosophy that ensures our District manages its resources wisely while continuing our commitment to educational excellence.
This can be achieved by:
- Efficient Resource Allocation: Prioritizing funding for essential academic programs, student services, and staff development while minimizing overhead and administrative costs to maximize positive educational outcomes.
- Cost-Effective Operations: Implementing cost-saving measures without compromising quality education, such as energy-efficient buildings, bulk purchasing of supplies, and leveraging technology to reduce operational costs.
- Investment in Quality Education: Investing in high-quality educational programs, modern facilities, and professional development for teachers to ensure financial responsibility does not come at the expense of educational quality.
- Adaptability and Innovation: Demonstrating adaptability and innovation in managing finances by seeking alternative funding sources such as grants and partnerships and considering new ideas to improve efficiency.
Empowerment of Stakeholders
Our District’s Board of Trustees serves a broad constituency with overlapping and differing priorities and perspectives. I aim to empower all stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that promotes the success and well-being of every student in our District.
- Advocacy for All Students: Championing the needs of all students, ensuring that policies and programs support their success and well-being, and advocating for resources and support systems that address the needs of diverse student populations.
- Transparent Decision Making: Ensuring transparency and open communication with stakeholders about the rationale behind Board decisions in order to build trust and keep stakeholders informed and involved.
- Community Engagement: Fostering a collaborative environment where all stakeholders are treated with respect, working closely with school administrators, teachers, parents, and community organizations to develop and implement beneficial policies and initiatives.
- Professional Development: Supporting and advocating for ongoing high-quality professional development for teachers and staff, empowering them with training and resources crucial for the overall success of our District.
- Accountability and Evaluation: Holding myself and our District accountable for meeting educational goals through performance evaluation and using data and feedback from stakeholders to make informed decisions and improvements.
- Vision and Strategic Planning: Collaborating with stakeholders to develop a clear vision and strategic plan for our District, setting long-term goals that benefit all students and our community as a whole.
Instructional Excellence
Through a strategic and collaborative approach, I will strive to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education.
- Setting High Academic Standards: Working with educational leaders to establish rigorous academic standards that challenge students and promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, aligning with State standards while being adaptable to our local needs.
- Hiring and Retaining Quality Educators: Supporting competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a positive working environment that provides adequate support for and appreciation of our teachers.
- Curriculum Development and Review: Leveraging my extensive educational experience with curriculum development to ensure our curriculum is comprehensive and regularly updated to meet the evolving needs of students, and involving teachers, administrators, subject matter experts, and parents in the review process.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data to inform decisions about instructional practices, analyzing student performance metrics, attendance records, and other relevant data to identify areas for improvement, celebration, and effective resource allocation.
- Creating a Positive School Culture: Supporting a positive District and school culture that values academic achievement, fosters respect, and encourages lifelong learning, promoting initiatives and practices that ensure student well-being and a safe learning environment.
- Vision and Strategic Planning: Collaborating with stakeholders to develop a clear vision and strategic plan for our District, setting long-term goals that benefit all students and our community as a whole.
Join me in making a difference for our District by focusing on fiscal responsibility, empowering our stakeholders, and striving for instructional excellence. Together, we can create a brighter future for our students and our community.