By JULIE WANGLERLos Alamos
I am supporting Morris (Morrie) Pongratz for school board from District 3, the Aspen School District.
Morrie has consistently throughout his many years of living in Los Alamos supported our public schools.
Morrie previously served on the school board (2003-2007). When he was on the board, he started the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, which helps all students feel included and valued.
When on the school board, he never failed to support the staff of the public schools. When the school board debated about letting staff add untraditional family members to their health insurance, Morrie voted for the measure stating that he understood that despite some misgivings that this measure would support the staff.
He never backs down from the difficult decisions and weighs all the factors carefully. To quote Barbara Lange, a former Aspen School Principal: “He has always supported what was best for students and teachers.”
He and his wife, Cheryl, started the Los Alamos Public School Foundation. He has served as its president. The Foundation has redone outdated science classrooms, given teachers money to attend workshops and conferences. It supports teacher grants.
He has been a “Voice of the Toppers” for all kinds of sports. When he announces for the games, he compliments any outstanding play for the Toppers or for the opposing team. He also announces the player’s name from either team when they deserve praise. He is a wonderful model for the players of what good sportsmanship looks like.
Morrie has been a sponsor of the Key Club, a community service organization at the high school, for longer than any of the local sponsors. He attends all the meetings, and he encourages students to be involved in the different activities as well as taking them to state wide activities. He serves as the club’s liaison to the parent Kiwanis Club.
Morrie has the character, personality, time, and energy to make an outstanding contribution to Los Alamos Public Schools in this role.