Washington Times Herald
WASHINGTON —
Randy Bouchie has announced his candidacy for Washington school board at-large. Bouchie is a lifelong resident of Daviess County and a former school board member from 2000-2008.
One of the big items on the agenda for the next school board is the Department of Education’s teacher evaluation model, called RISE.
“While I see the need to evaluate teachers, I’m not sure this is the best way to go. Some teachers will have 35 percent of their evaluation based on improvement in their students’ scores on standardized tests and as few as two 40-minute and three 10-minute in class evaluations per year. I’m not sure scores on standardized tests are a reliable way to make high-stake decisions about teachers’ jobs. It seems to me that even our best and most experienced teachers would be two sub-par classes away from possible dismissal. And that’s just wrong.
“I also feel that the hiring of new employees is a critical job for the school board. I have always believed that if a job in the corporation opens, the board should look to fill that job internally first with the people who have paid their dues and dedicated their lives to Washington Community Schools. If the board feels there are no qualified applicants, then open the job to the outside.
“I also feel that the board has to hire new teachers based on their teaching ability, not based on what they can coach. If the school corporation has a hard time filling ECA openings, then they should look to the public for help. There are many talented people in this community who would be willing to help,” he added.
Bouchie said: “I feel the people of Washington know me and what I stand for. I want what is best for all of the students, faculty, staff and citizens of our community. Sometimes that means voting no at a school board meeting, even if everyone else is voting yes.
“You have to stand on your principles, that is why people elect you. If there is one thing I’m not it’s a ‘yes’ man.”
He and and his wife Connie have been married for 32 years and have two children, Jordan and Ashley.
Jordan is a 2003 graduate of Washington High School and is co-owner of GE tree service in Petersburg. He resides in Washington with his family Shaleigh and Kaden.
Ashley is a 2006 graduate of Washington High School and a 2010 graduate of University of Southern Indiana, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene. She is currently employed at Wagner Family Dental in Jasper and resides in Washington with her family, Craig, Ayden, and their new arrival due in April.
