On Tuesday, February 7, Justin Wecks will be seeking to win the District 4 Silver Consolidated School Board seat currently held by Board President Arnold Torres. Wecks is a former public educator with 11 years of classroom experience, 6 of those years spent teaching kindergarten at G.W. Stout Elementary. He was active in his local teachers' union each of those 11 years, serving as building representative in Denver and in Silver City. He went on to become Silver Consolidated Education Association president, and served on the contract bargaining team for two years. He has lobbied the New Mexico Legislature on behalf of educators for the last 4 years, and serves on the board of the Grant County Community Foundation. Wecks says he started regularly attending school board meetings over 5 years ago, while still a teacher. GǣThis is not a new interest for me. I have only missed a handful of board meetings in the last 5 years. A lot has taken place during that time, from the sound fiscal management of superintendent Dick Pool to the turmoil of the Lon Streib administration, which ended in his resignation and contract buyout.Gǥ Wecks was a member of the community committee that helped hire new superintendent Audie Brown. GǣWe are coming through a rough patch, but I know first-hand the potential of this district under quality leadership. After listening to Mr. Brown's answers during his interview, I have full confidence that he can provide the leadership we need to realize our potential as a district.Gǥ

Justin resigned from teaching in May of 2014. GǣLeaving the classroom was the hardest decision I've ever made, but I felt that national, state, and even local policy were increasingly anti-teacher, and not in the best interest of students. I didn't leave education, I just decided that my experience and understanding of kids and teachers was needed at a higher level, where I could affect positive change.Gǥ

Wecks says that he has a demonstrated record of standing up for educators and students. GǣIt is my experience that sets me apart in this race. I have advocated for students and teachers for my entire career. Any teacher will tell you that, in the classroom, no learning can take place without students feeling safe. My number one priority is for all students to feel safe in our district. But it doesn't end there. Every staff member in Silver Schools deserves the same guarantee of a safe, supportive environment in which to express their professional opinions, stand up for their rights, and be the best, most creative educators they can be. This is the kind of environment all students and staff deserve, the community should expect, and I will demand as a member of the Silver Consolidated School Board.Gǥ