TIM MALAM• challenger
Biography: I am Tim Malam and was born and raised in the Houston area. I attended Houston Schools from kindergarten through senior year. Following high school, I then attended Linn State Technical College in Linn, Mo. I obtained my certification in heavy equipment operations. I am married to Darci Malam, and we have three children: Brennan, Braxton, and Tinli. I am employed by MFA in Houston. In addition, my wife and I operate a small beef farm in the Bucyrus area.
Why are you running for the Houston School board?
I am running for Houston School board because I feel I could help make a difference in the school system. As a father of Houston Schools students, I want to do what I can to help ensure my children, and all of the students, receive the best possible education in a safe environment.
What do you consider to be the current strengths of the district?
The strength of Houston Schools is our teachers –– many work way more hours than required and truly take their career to heart.
What are the areas in most need of improvement? How do you suggest those improvements?
I feel a major area that needs improvement is the administration. I have personally talked with some teachers that feel they do not have the support needed and are pushed into doing or not doing certain things they feel are in the best interest of the students. I believe the correction to this problem would be:
• leadership training focusing on staff support and retention
• staff/administration replacement.
Houston’s test scores have been at the bottom of the conference for the past couple years. How can they be improved and what is the school board’s role in doing so?
As far as test scores, there needs to be accountability from students and staff. I believe some lies with the students in that students don’t feel they have to put a lot of effort into the test. Another key to improving test scores is to reevaluate the curriculum to help align teaching to the testing. In addition, there needs to be a greater focus on the students that are falling behind early on in elementary. My suggestion would be to implement added time each day for that student to focus on the specific subject in which they are struggling.
The district is building its bonding capacity. Would you support another bond issue and if so, for what specific needs?
Yes, I would support another bond issue for two main areas: the middle school building and the track. I truly feel that the middle school building is ready to be replaced. The building was in poor condition when I was in school in the 90s and has deteriorated since. The track is in serious need of repair. Have you been able to visit the track lately? It has many holes and cracks and, frankly, is a safety hazard. I understand that is a major undertaking however I am sure that many people would agree something needs to be done to both.
Do you support the addition of a school resource officer on campus? What other safety needs do you believe the district should implement?
As far as a resource officer on campus, I completely agree that we need them. As a parent, my children’s safety is number one. Parents, teachers and administrators agree if we can take any steps to help to encourage a safe condition, we should. Communication is another safety concern. Parents need to be made aware of a safety concern as soon as possible.
What do you believe is the purpose of a school board member?
The purpose of a school board member is to be a voice of the community by making decisions that reflect the best interest for the school.