Bruce Hentges 
E-mail Bruce Hentges
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
I grew up in Clear Lake and attended District 742 schools K-12. My mother and my 9 brothers and sisters also graduated from District 742 schools - as have my two sons.
After receiving a BA from St. John's University, and teaching in Winona for one semester, I was employed by District 742 for 35 years.
What experience do you have that prepares you for public office?
I have served in a wide variety of leadership roles in District 742 and in the community, and will bring those leadership qualities to the School Board. I have experience in this District as a teacher for 17 years (at Tech, Apollo and South Junior High), head coach in football and baseball at Tech, Tech and district activities director, district transportation director, assistant principal at Tech and Apollo and I even spent several months as interim principal at Westwood elementary school in the fall of 2006. I have gone through the experience of being laid off due to budget reductions in 1983-1987. I believe that my years in the district and the variety of positions that I have held give me a knowledge of this District that few can match.
In addition, I have been on the Local Education Activities Foundation (LEAF) Board since we began LEAF in 1993 and currently serve as President. We have raised over $500,000 in support of district 742 student activities, while building an endowment of over $500,000. I have chaired the LEAF Night of the Stars event every year but one since it began in 2002, chaired the LEAF Appreciation and Awards Reception since it began in 2004 and chaired the LEAF committee that raised $140,000 to save the junior high activities program in 2002.
Why you decided to run for this office?
I am running for the District 742 School Board because I believe I have the skills to contribute to the mission of the school district as a Board member. I am organized, enjoy working with people and have good communication skills. More importantly, I have a strong and proven commitment to District 742 and its students.
Having grown up in Clear Lake, I think I understand the unique needs of the smaller communities that make up District 742.
Top three issues you would tackle, if elected.
Student achievement is the top priority of the School Board. My focus will be to represent the citizens and tax payers of district 742 to the best of my ability to ensure excellent organizational performance and accountability in all areas. I will listen to concerns of citizens as well as staff and students. I want to see district 742 continue a quality, comprehensive educational program that meets the needs, interests and abilities of ALL of our students. My goals if elected, would be to work to continue strong programs in the following areas:
1.) Advanced Placement and college prep courses for our academically gifted students;
2.) Quality remedial programs for at-risk and new-to-country students;
3.) A strong industrial technology program for students with vocational interests and aptitudes;
4.) And a quality student activities program to provide growth opportunities for all students.