James J. Tracey

Age: 43

Address: 130 Lake St.

Occupation: Landlord, student, community activist, former U.S. Army Dessert Storm soldier

Education: Bachelor of business administration from Husson University, Master of business administration from Bentley College

Political experience: Involved in several statewide petition initiatives, volunteer in several statewide candidate campaigns

Community organizations: Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans

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

Parents not feeling they are included in their child’s education process. As an active parent of a daughter in kindergarten, I want to be a conduit for all parents in Auburn to advocate for them to be more involved in their child’s education. Studies show the more active the parent, the more successful the students will be. I want to be that voice.

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

Auburn has the finest teachers and staff in the state. We need to promote more involvement with teachers and parents so our students can excel.

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

My daughter is in kindergarten and she has not received her iPad yet. We need to verify the results to the promises and see if they achieve as promised. I will at that point assess if the program warrants more taxpayer money.

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

If we wait to make the state funding list to build a new high school they will pay for 90 percent of the cost. That being said, EL is in such bad shape it may not be able to wait. We need to work with our legislative delegation to get us moved up the list, like Lewiston has done three times in the past decade.

What’s your position on the next Auburn school budget and property taxes. Should the school budget’s impact on property taxes be flat, the same as this year, decreased, or increased?

Flat. With an MBA from Bentley College, I will bring the unique ability to critically analyze every line item in the budget. Obviously, I want the best possible education for my daughter, but I understand other people are paying for it. That is why I will use my specialized skills to ensure that we get the maximum value for every dollar spent.