Charles 'Chuck' Henson, Ferguson-Florissant Board of Education Candidate

Charles "Chuck" Henson

Age: 53
Residence: Ferguson
Occupation: Manager of Business Development for the Minority Business Agency (MBDA) in St Louis
Education: McCluer High School graduate; Washington University Graduate, BA in Architecture

Background

Charles (Chuck Henson) is a product of the Ferguson-Florissant District having graduated from McCluer High School and now a proud father of two children who also graduated from the same institution.  Chuck has served two terms for Ferg-Flor and now seeking a third.  He was appointed several times to serve on various committees for the District by former Superintendants prior to being on the Board.

Charles began his career in the Design & Construction Industry having graduated from Washington University with a degree in Architecture

He later founded a successful professional services company headquartered in Ferguson called Design Alternatives, Inc providing Human Resource consulting that included: Recruitment, Placement and customized Training solutions for nearly 20 years placing several thousand technical & professional individuals

As the Director of Community Relations for one of the nation’s largest construction conglomerates McCarthy Building Group.  He was entrusted in a new role for the company to implement cultural change, development of Mentor Protégé program for minority contractors and promoted community outreach endeavors

Explain why you are running. My reason for running is simple but quite important.  Our District is a prime living example that all Children despite the burdens of life or conditions thereof can learn and be successful when strong leadership and a sincere, caring environment is created.  I have devoted my adult life to the betterment of the Community I live in, the one I grew up in and, raised my Family in.  Education is by far the most important tool a child can be given to face the life and path they will choose.  It is the responsibility of the Board and all staffers to make sure that happens. 

Questions

1. What do you currently see as the biggest issue facing the Ferguson-Florissant School District? The biggest issue facing the District is financial.  The economy that we as well as others find ourselves in has put a very challenging situation before us.  The cuts funding and revenue is the “Elephant in the Room”.  But, just as before we will prevail I am certain.
2. How would you address the continuing uncertainty over state funding for schools? The most any of us can do with regard to the funding issues is to continue to educate at the highest level possible and communicate on a persistent and regular basis with our Legislators about the challenges and the outcomes
3. In what area does the Ferguson-Florissant School District need to improve? Are you satisfied with the way the district has been operating? The Ferg-Flor District is doing and has done some amazing things for some time for example: (see attached “What we have Gained” file). However, we do realize that everything is not perfect and more work is needed if we are to reach the recognition of Distinction we so humbly desire
4. Assume you win the election. What single thing do you want to accomplish during your three years on the board? If re-elected I plan to assure that the Leadership coming from the Board is firmly supportive of the mission of Student Achievement in every facet. We will set Goals that instruct and direct policy that brings literacy, safety, caring, career choice and acceptance to the table each and every day.  We will work to assure fiscal responsibility, transparency of operations and communicate with all stakeholders on a regular, consistent basis