Argus- Appointee excited by school post - 1/29/2006
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Appointee excited by school post
Oakland Tribune, Jan 29, 2006 by Grace Rauh, STAFF WRITER
FREMONT -- The newest member of the Fremont school board does not have a laundry list of issues he'd like to bring forward during his brief term on the governing body, he said.
Instead, Bryan Gebhardt, a 31-year-old software engineer who graduated from Washington High School and was appointed to the school board on Wednesday, said he hopes to address long-term planning and fiscal management during his 10-month term.
"Whether we like it or not, there have been a number of issues that have taken up a lot of board time," he said, noting budget cuts and the recent firing of Superintendent John Rieckewald. "I'm hoping that we can get back to the strategic business of the district."
Gebhardt was appointed to the board by a 3-1 vote on Wednesday and will replace retiring board member Guy Emanuele. Emanuele, considered an elder statesman in local education circles, announced last fall that he planned to retire early out of concern for his health and to spend more time with his grandchildren.
His seat is up for grabs in November. Gebhardt said he does not plan to run for the board this year, but is considering running for the post later. Emanuele interviewed Gebhardt and nine other candidates for his seat but could not vote for his replacement. Board members Ivy Wu, Peggy Herndon and Larry Sweeney voted in favor of Gebhardt. Board member Nina Moore cast her final vote for former Fremont Education Foundation President Lara York.
"To some degree, (I'm) still trying to take it all in," the new school trustee said Thursday. "I'm excited to get started."
During his interview before board members, Gebhardt wore a dark suit, striped shirt and bright yellow tie. His experience as former chair of the school district's Financial Advisory Committee and his ability to conduct meetings and reach conclusions efficiently would be an asset on the board, he said. He also would bring a positive attitude and an appetite to learn, he added.
Although Gebhardt is passionate about technology, he said Thursday that improving technology in the district is only one of many priorities. The others include eliminating deficit spending, finding adequate classroom space for students, and addressing testing and diversity.
"They're all long-term things," he said.
He plans to meet with school district Superintendent Doug Gephart this week and added that his new colleagues already have informed him about various community events he ought to attend.
Gebhardt grew up in Fremont and works at FunMail Inc., a Livermore-based company that develops mobile phone applications and sells wallpaper and ring tones to consumers. He has a 16-month-old daughter, whom he calls a future Fremont school student.
After the vote Wednesday, Emanuele told The Argus that he would be willing to help Gebhardt, if he wants his advice.
The new board member said he just may take him up on it.
"His offer is well-received, and I do hope to talk to him a bit in the future," Gebhardt said. "That's just how I work. I think the best decisions come from collaboration and from communicating with everyone."
Staff writer Grace Rauh covers education for The Argus. She can be reached at (510) 353-7010 or [email protected].
c2006 ANG Newspapers. Cannot be used or repurposed without prior written permission. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.
Appointee excited by school post
Oakland Tribune, Jan 29, 2006 by Grace Rauh, STAFF WRITER
FREMONT -- The newest member of the Fremont school board does not have a laundry list of issues he'd like to bring forward during his brief term on the governing body, he said.
Instead, Bryan Gebhardt, a 31-year-old software engineer who graduated from Washington High School and was appointed to the school board on Wednesday, said he hopes to address long-term planning and fiscal management during his 10-month term.
"Whether we like it or not, there have been a number of issues that have taken up a lot of board time," he said, noting budget cuts and the recent firing of Superintendent John Rieckewald. "I'm hoping that we can get back to the strategic business of the district."
Gebhardt was appointed to the board by a 3-1 vote on Wednesday and will replace retiring board member Guy Emanuele. Emanuele, considered an elder statesman in local education circles, announced last fall that he planned to retire early out of concern for his health and to spend more time with his grandchildren.
His seat is up for grabs in November. Gebhardt said he does not plan to run for the board this year, but is considering running for the post later. Emanuele interviewed Gebhardt and nine other candidates for his seat but could not vote for his replacement. Board members Ivy Wu, Peggy Herndon and Larry Sweeney voted in favor of Gebhardt. Board member Nina Moore cast her final vote for former Fremont Education Foundation President Lara York.
"To some degree, (I'm) still trying to take it all in," the new school trustee said Thursday. "I'm excited to get started."
During his interview before board members, Gebhardt wore a dark suit, striped shirt and bright yellow tie. His experience as former chair of the school district's Financial Advisory Committee and his ability to conduct meetings and reach conclusions efficiently would be an asset on the board, he said. He also would bring a positive attitude and an appetite to learn, he added.
Although Gebhardt is passionate about technology, he said Thursday that improving technology in the district is only one of many priorities. The others include eliminating deficit spending, finding adequate classroom space for students, and addressing testing and diversity.
"They're all long-term things," he said.
He plans to meet with school district Superintendent Doug Gephart this week and added that his new colleagues already have informed him about various community events he ought to attend.
Gebhardt grew up in Fremont and works at FunMail Inc., a Livermore-based company that develops mobile phone applications and sells wallpaper and ring tones to consumers. He has a 16-month-old daughter, whom he calls a future Fremont school student.
After the vote Wednesday, Emanuele told The Argus that he would be willing to help Gebhardt, if he wants his advice.
The new board member said he just may take him up on it.
"His offer is well-received, and I do hope to talk to him a bit in the future," Gebhardt said. "That's just how I work. I think the best decisions come from collaboration and from communicating with everyone."
Staff writer Grace Rauh covers education for The Argus. She can be reached at (510) 353-7010 or [email protected].
c2006 ANG Newspapers. Cannot be used or repurposed without prior written permission. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.