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Hernando Today

Neuhausen: Communication Key To Success

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By LINNEA BROWN

Published: August 14, 2008

Robert Neuhausen wants to give a voice to the people.

The 40-year-old Spring Hill resident is a firm believer in the strength of communication, and wants to encourage all teachers, parents and students in the Hernando County School District to have a voice in all decisions the school board makes.

That's why in his race for the District 4 school board seat currently held by longtime board member Jim Malcolm, Neuhausen has spent countless hours attending school board workshops and talking with local teachers in an effort to fully understand the issues facing local schools.

"I would love to take board meetings to schools," he said. "They're intimidating. It would bring a sense of community."

An engineer with Sparton Electronics, Neuhausen is a native Floridian who grew up in area schools and attended the University of South Florida in Tampa.

He is married with three children, two of whom attend Chocachatti Elementary in Brooksville and one who attends Challenger K-8 School of Science and Mathematics in Spring Hill.

While Neuhausen has never entered a race for public office, he said he is running for school board because he believes it's time for a change.

A firm believer in magnet schools, he said he would like to explore the idea of adding more magnet classes for students at all local schools.

"It gives students the opportunity to excel," he said. "If we could have those opportunities at every school, it would be a great thing."

He also said he would also likely support a unified dress code, but is concerned parents were not given enough input in the board's recent discussions.

Neuhausen said he wants to see the board think things through a bit more — particularly as it relates to spending and fiscal responsibility — and questioned the board's quick approval of expensive projects last year.

In the wake of looming budget cuts, he would look to cut spending in areas such as after-hours electricity, but would not cut anything that affects learning, such as library books.

He also said many teachers have told him they are put off by what they perceive to be a lack of consideration by Superintendent Wayne Alexander, particularly as it relates to his request for a raise, an expensive computer leasing program and staffing changes at schools.

"I think he's failed," Neuhausen said. "He's damaged morale. When I get on the school board, I want to sit down with him and talk about these things."

A longtime coach at Hernando County's branch of the YMCA, other important issues to Neuhausen include afterschool programs, particularly adding diversity to sports in middle schools.

Neuhausen is also a member of the YMCA's advisory board, and is a registered troop leader for the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts of America.

Robert Neuhausen

Age: 40.

Married, three children.

Education: Bachelor' degree in electrical engineering, University of South Florida.

Religion: Lutheran (member of St. Francis Cabrini).

Hobbies: hiking, camping, reading, video games, model building, fishing, canoeing, tai chi, attending baseball games, board and card games.

Last book read: "Harry Potter: The Deathly Hallows," by J.K. Rowling.

Most Admired: His wife.

Reporter Linnea Brown can be reached at 352-544-5289 or lbrown@hernandotoday.com.

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