contact email
bengarbers@gmail.com
Education
Masters of Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business and the University of Manchester, Masters of Software Engineering from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse
Community Involvement
Coached Park and Rec Boys Baseball and Boys and Girls Basketball, and FIRST Middle School Robotics
Throughout my career at International Business Machines (IBM) and Trane Technologies, I have been in leadership positions where I successfully developed long-term strategic visions, managed short-term projects aligned with those strategic goals, implemented effective policies, and overseen large budgets.
Within the West Salem community, I have actively volunteered as a coach for Park and Rec Boys Baseball and Boys and Girls Basketball. I have also had the privilege to work with teachers and administrators to help increase Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) extra-curricular programs.
I am motivated to serve on the school board to further contribute my skills and experience. I am passionate about fostering a positive, collaborative environment that supports student success. Serving on the board would be an opportunity to help shape the future of West Salem schools and ensure continued excellence for students and educators alike.
The world is evolving rapidly. The West Salem School District must adapt to ensure students are prepared for the future. Expanding STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programs will provide students with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technological world. Additionally, strengthening partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and industry leaders will help align the curriculum with real-world job market needs. It’s also crucial that academic programs and extracurricular activities foster character development and life skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. The new Career and Technical Education Center offers an excellent opportunity to integrate both technical and character-building programs, helping students navigate the challenges ahead. These are exciting times and embracing these challenges by boldly leading will be key.
Effectively recruiting and retaining an outstanding and diverse workforce requires a comprehensive and strategic approach. Key steps include developing a clear vision and commitment to diversity, expanding recruitment channels, implementing bias-free hiring practices, and offering competitive compensation and benefits. To retain high performers, it is essential to foster an inclusive and supportive work environment, provide opportunities for professional development, and recognize and celebrate outstanding achievement. Setting agreed-upon recruitment and retention goals, creating transparent plans to achieve them, and providing ongoing feedback to refine these strategies are critical to success. I have had experience in the different management roles I have held where an environment of recruiting and retaining talent led to high performing teams and organizations. I would like to share these experiences and work to support and continuously improve the recruiting and retainment process.
A school board members role in advocacy with the community starts with transparent communication that is easily accessible and readable. This includes publicizing achievements that occur from students, extra-curricular teams and teachers, being transparent with funding needs at the federal, state and local levels and clearly informing the community how funding and current assets are being optimally utilized. Additionally, educational campaigns should be launched to help inform the community about policy changes and impacts from legislation. There should also be opportunity for school board members to listen to concerns from the community, helping potential action to occur.
Engaging with the community through partnerships with local businesses, non-profits, and organizations will help the school leverage the expertise of community members while providing them with opportunities to positively impact school programs.
One of the most important budget issues facing the West Salem School District is the continued investment in our teachers' skills and capabilities. This includes providing ongoing technical and soft skills training to adapt to the evolving world. The improved assets approved in the 2024 referendum will help modernize our facilities. It's crucial to maintain clear transparency about the construction progress and examples of how the new infrastructure benefits students. Additionally, we must ensure efficient utilization of assets and communicate the results effectively. To manage expenses, we should conduct regular audits to identify cost-saving opportunities, invest in energy-efficient technologies, and explore partnerships with local businesses to share resources. These strategies will help us address budget challenges while continuing to support our teachers and students.
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contact email
trish.harman@yahoo.com
Campaign Phone
6083329222
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571973950943
My professional and community experience make me well-suited for this role. I’ve been active in our schools for years—serving as PTO President for six years, acting as a key community liaison for two school referendums, and volunteering for everything from band concerts to sporting event concessions. Beyond the district, I’ve been involved with UW-L’s Alumni Association and continue to serve in church ministries.
Professionally, my background in corporate strategy and communications in the global software industry has equipped me with strong leadership, collaboration, and strategic thinking—skills I’d bring to the board to help our schools thrive.
My motivation is simple: I want to continue to give back to a community that has given much to my family. Education is the foundation of opportunity, and strong schools are the heart of a thriving community. I want to ensure our district remains a destination for families seeking excellence in education.
A school is only as strong as its staff. Retaining experienced staff is essential, as they provide history, context, and expertise—often at a lower cost than recruitment. To support retention, the district could implement mentoring/reverse mentoring programs, offer leadership development opportunities, and tailor professional development to individual needs. Transparent leadership, regular feedback, and staff recognition also foster engagement. Additionally, recruitment efforts should focus on attracting top talent while ensuring diversity in the hiring process to build an inclusive and dynamic workforce.
With 25+ years of experience in strategy and communication—essentially corporate advocacy—I understand the importance of clear, strategic messaging. As one of seven elected officials in West Salem, a board member’s role at its core is advocacy. Advocacy takes many forms, including ensuring a competitive curriculum, supporting marginalized populations, attracting top talent, and balancing educational excellence with fiscal responsibility all while remaining transparent with our stakeholders.
While I do not have full insight into the district’s budget challenges, I appreciate the community’s strong support for education, as shown by passing both 2024 referendums. To honor that trust, the board must be prepared to explore innovative solutions, make difficult decisions, and allocate resources strategically. Given the uncertainty that comes with each budget cycle, it is essential for the board to navigate funding changes with transparency and consistency, ensuring that budget decisions align with the district’s priorities and the needs of students, staff, and community.
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