Drake Tilman wishes Humboldt High School had offered Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs when he was a student.
The lifelong Humboldt resident now works as a police officer for the city, a position he’s held since 2016. He also serves on the USD 258 school board and is running for re-election.
“Not every student will go on to college,” Tilman said. “Our CTE programs help them get certificates they can use immediately after graduation, and I think that’s very important.”
As a school board member, he’s been impressed with the district’s CTE offerings. Kim Isbell, who took over this year as program director, works hard to find programs that match each student’s interest.
“We’re always striving to make the curriculum fit our kids, not just to help them pass their classes but to be successful even beyond their time at Humboldt High School.”
That’s one of the reasons Tilman is running to keep his seat on the school board. He wants to continue to see his community and his alma mater help area children, generation after generation.
After all, his mother worked as a secretary for the school district for many years before she retired. His sister is a kindergarten teacher, and Tilman has nieces and nephews in the school system.
“I wanted to be involved in the community, not just with my own family but all the kids in Humboldt. I want them to have a great experience going to school,” he said. “I feel like I can help shape the future of the school and the district’s overall vision.”
TILMAN’S first term was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We learned a lot of lessons from COVID and how to prepare for something on that scale,” Tilman said. “We had to learn to adapt rapidly. I think we’ve come out stronger than before.”
The pandemic brought additional funding to the district, which allowed the board to hire, and retain, a second nurse. Tilman said that’s been a boon to the district, along with additional mental health services. A school counselor is now available at each school.
“Our mission is to make sure students are prepared in all ways — even socially and emotionally — to go out into the world,” he said.
HUMBOLDT schools have outstanding teachers, Tilman believes. He also thinks the board has a good relationship with them.
“We look for teachers who are a good fit for our district,” he said. “I believe we have a stable workforce right now. Some of the same teachers I had in high school are still there, and I’ve heard people compliment our teachers ever since I was in school. In the next few years as some of them retire, we’ll need to find teachers who meet that same standard.”
In addition to pay, Tilman said it’s important to show appreciation to teachers.
