At-large candidate Francois Bussiere

Age: 71

Address: 9 Winter St.

Occupation: Retired

Education: High school, cosmetology and cosmetology instructor

Political experience: Auburn School Committee, three years

Community organizations: None.

What’s the biggest problem you perceive in the Auburn School Department, and how will you work to correct it?

The high school, it being on probation due to its physical condition, creates this situation. We must try to address this issue with what funds we have with no help from the state whatsoever. We are now in committee to figure out how we are to address this, thinking out of the box is a must. We will present scenarios in the near future to address this.

What’s working well in Auburn schools, something you want to continue or support?

We are very fortunate to have such dedicated teachers who are completely dedicated to the students and to get them educated and prepared for life after the schooling is completed. I am so excited with all the different programs that are in the works at the middle school which are going in a different way of learning. The Advantage 2014 program (iPads), the new initiative just beginning to evolve called “Standards Based Systems,” which will change the whole process of learning.

Do you support the iPads for kindergartners program? Why or why not? What will you do if Auburn does not get grants to pay for the program next fall and in future years?

I am a strong supporter of the iPads initiative. I have attended one of their first classes and was very impressed with the teacher and children who were absolutely excited and had already adapted to them. Their progress already was starting to show, which impressed me. If Auburn is unable to get grants to pay for these in the future, we will need to show the results to the taxpayers, and then fund them ourselves through the budget process. Remember our children will be the future and therefore they must get the best technical training to stay in front of the pack.

Edward Little is in need of repairs, but it is unlikely state money for a new high school is coming soon. Should the city pay for a new or improved high school on its own? Would you rebuild, renovate or leave the building as is?

We have come from being 44th on the (state school construction funding) list to the 16th per the State Department of Education process, which is an accomplishment. We know that the state does not have any money to help us so we may have to do it another way. We are working on some alternative ways to get this going and I want to be part of the process.  … I am very conservative and do not believe in putting too much money into old, antiquated buildings; it will never be energy efficient. Therefore I want a brand new school on a new site.

What’s your position on the next Auburn school budget. Should the school budget be flat-funded, decreased or increased, and why?

This is the big problem which we all must face. The City Council controls the purse strings. Hopefully the new council will be more friendly in this process. They must not forget the importance of education. Our children are the future leaders of this community, and we must educate them so they will want to return to Auburn once they have their own children, as we need to be known to have the best education and the best schools in this state. This will require a big increase if we are to get there.