“Four years ago, you trusted me to help guide Heartland Community School. We’ve made meaningful progress, strengthened our financial position, and invested in our students. I’m asking for another four years to build on that progress while protecting taxpayers and expanding opportunities for our children.”
My Why
I returned to Henderson in 2021 after living in McKinney, Texas, and soon became involved in school and community matters. I attended Board of Education meetings to discuss COVID-19 protocols and shared observations from my time in Texas. I later participated in the district’s five-year strategic planning process, drawing on similar experiences with my former employers, Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation and Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology.
I also served as a community participant in the superintendent selection process, working alongside educators, students, board members, and other residents. These experiences deepened my understanding of the district’s governance and priorities and led me to seek election to the Board of Education in 2022.
I understand our community values its school and appreciates the responsibility of spending taxpayer money. I am invested in the community. Two of my boys graduated from Heartland, and one is a sophomore.
Background & Experience
I graduated from Henderson Community School in 1996 and earned my bachelor’s degree in history and aviation from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. My early career in the airline industry progressed from pilot instruction and maintenance training at Air Wisconsin to leading aviation education and workforce development programs nationwide as VP Workforce Development for a global aerospace company. I am president of Choose Aerospace, a nonprofit focused on expanding aviation maintenance education in high schools and apprenticeship programs.
Accomplishments During My First Term
My first four years in public service as a Heartland School Board member have provided valuable experience working with our superintendent, fellow board members, teachers, students, staff, and community members. During that time, I have served on the Finance and Negotiating Committees.
The board has addressed several significant issues, including declining cash reserves, state-imposed budget constraints, a revised bond proposal, and the development of a cooperative agreement with Hampton Public School.
District improvements completed during this period include upgraded locker and weight-room facilities, air conditioning in the main gym, new elementary classrooms, improved school entrances, a new daycare facility, and a renovated playground. The district also entered its first full year of the H&H Bearcats cooperative program with Hampton.
Although the district still needs continued financial discipline, cash reserves have improved to a healthier level and provide greater flexibility for future challenges. The board has also worked with the teachers’ union on a compensation model that recognizes experience while encouraging relevant professional development aligned with educators’ assignments and subject areas.
My Priorities for the Next Four Years
My priorities for the next four years are informed by 25 years of work in education, training, and workforce development. I support expanding career and technical education (CTE), dual-credit opportunities, and other pathways that prepare students for successful careers while helping families consider the costs and benefits of different postsecondary options.
I also value four-year education; I earned both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and advanced education was important to my own professional development. At the same time, students should have access to multiple pathways, including industry credentials, apprenticeships, technical education, two-year programs, and four-year degrees.
Three Priorities
- Financial Responsibility
- Educational advancement and the development and implementation of Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.
- Protect the future of Heartland Community School by developing our next strategic plan.
I would be honored to serve for another term and would appreciate your vote! I welcome questions or concerns about my service so far to our great communities.
Please email me at rgoertzen@heartlandschools.net
