Hello, my name is Craig Beytien.  I am 48 years old and my wife, Alyson and I are parents of three sons (ages 17, 16, and 14).  I am beginning a process to become a candidate for one of two contested positions on the Dubuque School Board for 2008. 

We have lived in Dubuque for nearly 5 years, having moved from Naperville, Illinois, where we were residents for nearly 15 years. I have been in education publishing for over 26 years.  I worked for McGraw-Hill for over 16-years and left my position as Vice-President of Media Development (higher ed/K-12) to join a colleague in an entrepreneurial venture called Content Connections in 2004.  I am currently an executive VP/Partner with Content Connections, a publishing services consulting company, based in Mesa Arizona.  In my work, I have managed large teams, numerous projects, collaborative and cross functional teams, and have had fiduciary responsibility for a $50 million dollar business. I believe this business experience is an important attribute in working with a team, like the School Board.

In my profession, I have worked with many different stakeholders across the education spectrum.  I have worked closely with educators, administrators, parents, and students in the process of creating products that facilitate learning.  I am very aware of the changing environment in schools and the increased pressures to demonstrate competency and outcomes in teaching and learning.

As a parent of three children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I believe I have a useful perspective on special needs education and a sensitivity to that population of students and the parents, teachers and administrators who support them.

I welcome an opportunity to serve the Dubuque Community, in support of teachers, students, and their parents. I invite your support for my candidacy.