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Name: Michael P. ("Mike") Kruchoski
Political Party: An independent voter, registered Democrat
Residence: Since 1988
Born: 1950, Auburn, Alabama
Education:
- Graduate studies (Applied Statistics), Utah State Univ., 1981-88
- BSEE (Electrical Engineering), Univ. Of Utah, 1984
- BA (Math & Philosophy), Univ. Of Wis. – Whitewater, 1975
Occupation: Engineer / Scientific Analyst, Mission Research Corp.; retired Air Force officer; private technology consultant.
Experience:
- School volunteer, Hayes M.S. Computer Club (1999-2000)
- Judge, NW New Mexico Regional Science & Engineering Fair (1999)
- School volunteer, Mark Twain E.S. Homework Club (1998-99)
- Membership Chair, NM Internet Professionals Association (member 3 years)
- Board member, NM Mediation Association (1 year)
- Mediator, Metropolitan Court & City of Albuquerque programs (3 years)
- Air Force instructor (1992-93)
- Judge, American Mensa Scholarship program (3 years)
- Training Director, HELP-Line, Univ. of Utah (1985-87)
- Adjunct Professor of mathematics, Univ. of Nevada – Las Vegas (1979)
1. What are your suggestions for reducing the APS dropout rate? Tax incentives for businesses supporting innovative programs. Classroom-in-a-business — integrated project for sponsoring
business. Flexible half-day, night / weekend schedule for working teens.
2. What percent teacher pay raise do you support? Should teachers be required to work more hours for more pay? Equity at 60th percentile of regional average for comparable hours; commensurate increase for eight-hour day. Overtime for evening, weekend parent-teacher conferences, if required.
3. The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce proposes abolishing the school board and district in favor of schools run by local councils. Do you agree with that proposal? Why or why not? Qualified
"no". Proposal is a "silver bullet" focused on fixing the system without addressing underlying social causes. Instead, expand charter and magnet schools, cluster initiatives.
4. Should the School Board extend the contract of Superintendent Allison? Yes. There are no magical, overnight solutions for long-standing problems; stable leadership is essential.
Innovation requires tolerance of potential fumbles. Give Allison leeway for risk-taking.
5. Should the Board be involved in personnel decisions other than those involving the Superintendent? No. Board must focus on defining vision and mission for APS, clarifying community values,
goals, and expectations. Instead, mediation / arbitration with broad guidance from Board.
6. Does APS test its students too often or not enough? About right, but teachers need additional tools to assess students' progress regularly for mid-course corrections. Extend school year to
accommodate additional workload, assist teachers.
7. Test scores and dropout rates vary widely among district schools. What should the School Board do to improve results at low-performing schools? Foster greater parental involvement by working
with City, State social service agencies to establish satellite offices at schools. Enlist business support for parents' active participation.
8. Have you ever been charged with or convicted of drunk driving or any felony? No
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