Kevin Schwenk, former Director of Bands, Theatre and Choral Activities for Northampton High and Middle School has announced his entry as a write-in candidate for the At-Large Representative for Northampton County School Board in the November 7 election.
Schwenk obtained his undergraduate degree and a Master of Arts degree in music from Radford University in Radford, Virginia where the majority of his family still resides. This will be his fifth year living on the Eastern Shore. He says he is proud to call it home, and though he may be a “come here,” he feels he is a “belong here.”
While completing his Bachelor’s Degree, Schwenk taught, counseled and mentored gifted students at the Virginia Governor’s School for the Performing Arts. Throughout his graduate studies, he served as an Assistant Director of Bands & Choral Clinician at Radford High/Dalton Intermediate School in Radford, Virginia. After completing his Master’s Degree, he was offered a position as Music Educator at Kiptopeke Elementary. One year later he was granted his transfer request to Northampton High/Middle School to revitalize a diminishing music program. Schwenk says that by building strong relationships with students, families, staff, and the community, he was able to recruit more than 30 new band members and created two new choral groups. He also began rebuilding the theatre arts program, producing and directing two successful public performances. Under his guidance, the band and chorus participated in the Fiesta-Val Competition in Williamsburg, Virginia in 2016 where both groups placed first in their respective divisions. Most recently, Schwenk spearheaded a massive fundraising effort to support the band and choral group’s participation in the World Strides Heritage Music Festival Competition in New York City where the choir placed second and the band placed third in their respective divisions. He says that participating in this festival allowed the students an opportunity to see that there is a world out there much bigger than the Eastern Shore, inspiring them to further excel in their other studies.
Northampton Public School Parent Meghan Neville says, “Kevin is hardworking, dedicated, and meticulously organized. His attention to detail and ability to follow-through on difficult projects is truly amazing. His commitment to the students, parents, guardians, faculty, and staff of Northampton County Public Schools is fueled by his enthusiasm for education, passion for the arts, and empathy for students and parents. He sees himself as a part of every student and parent’s village. He is here to help each of us become our best self.”
During his time with the Northampton County Public Schools, Schwenk served as Building Representative for the Northampton County Education Association (NCEA), advocating for our teachers and staff. He was also a member of the Northampton High School Building Leadership Team, and held the title of Performing Arts Department Chair for Northampton High School (2016-17).
Through these leadership roles, coupled with his experience as an educator in Northampton County Public Schools, Schwenk says he knows he can make a difference. He understands that supporting students, families, teachers and staff is vital to the success of our school division. “I believe that retaining quality educators, focusing on the needs of the students, increasing parent and community engagement, and exercising fiscal responsibility are the best ways to bring about positive change.”
About the Author
Kevin is a good fit for the School Board. He cares about his students as well as his co-workers. With his creative abilities, he thinks “outside the box” and follow his projects to fruition.
My vote is for Kevin.
Thank you so much Joy! I appreciate the support. It’s all about the kids!
No it is not.
People naturally assume that the public school system is trying to do what’s best of the children. The fact of the matter is that these institutions have nothing to do with education. They are set up by people who, like all other people, have their own personal agendas. The public school’s true purpose is to put certain messages into the children’s heads so they’ll be more obedient of the government when they get older.
Consider the ‘grade’ system. You start off in first grade, where you’re placed not by academic ability, nor by willingness to learn, but by age. The reason for this is very simple. Most children already think of adults as if they’re their superiors, and now they’ll associate their position in the grade system with superiority. Obviously, that’s nonsense. A kid in the 5th grade may very well have less overall academic ability then a kid in the 2nd grade. Moreover, education isn’t something that can be ranked. The kind of education that tends to be more valuable later on in life is your specialization, not the sheer quantity of raw general knowledge.
Next, consider the way a classroom is structured. The teacher is in charge. The students are to listen to the teacher. This is most peculiar as well. After all, the teacher is a hired employee, who is in fact working for the students. If anything, the teacher should be listening to the concerns of the students, not the other way around. The reason the classroom setting is set up in this way is clear. The students learn at an early age to respect authority figures, so later on, they obey the government.
To raise respectable children who understand the value of hard work is important. We obey the government because it is the right thing to do. As an adult if I disagree with those in power I simply get involved for change. I would not be this way without having been raised in an organized educational system where my level of intelligence earned me a Masters. I suspect others who were given the same opportunity but did not go as far had a different level of drive or motivation. So half of your response doesn’t make sense. If you want your child to have a different experience then go to an institution that is different than public education. Kevin will help instill that drive and determination amongst the community to improve the systems in place and help kids reach their potential. As a parent you must want more for your kids. Hard work, respect, and integrity is what made me a leader in most things I’ve done and I learned that through my education
You lost me with ‘obey the government’…….Obey? Really? You really think you it is right to Obey ? You have been thoroughly indoctrinated, and your mind is closed.
‘Hard work, respect, and integrity is what made me a leader in most things I’ve done and I learned that through my education’….no credit to God?
Each and every one of you that has mentioned what it takes to raise a child have neglected the most important part….God. Without him, there is nothing.
I have always tried to ignite that fire of determination in all of my students so they could reach their full potential. Thank you Alice for your support!
I believe new blood is needed on the school board, and Kevin, given his background, knowledge of the school system and rapport with teachers and families, can provide this. I wish him well in this endevour.
Thank you Paul for the kind words. I appreciate your support!
Congratulations, Kevin. Good luck on your campaign. It is always good to have an insider and a person of dedication working for the schools and the kids. And yes, Kevin; you are correct, it IS all about the kids. No matter with the Tin Hats say. Go get em!
I am definitely dedicated to our kids, families, teachers, and community here in Northampton County, that is for sure. Thanks for the support Chas!
Mr. Schwenk should explain why, after successfully motivating students at NHS, he elected to leave the position, and discontinue the programs which he resurrected. This appears to be a disconnect with his campaign positions.
Typical Politics…..he will do as he is told.