ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION Choose 1
The seven (7) member Orange County Board of Education is the governing body of the Orange County Schools. Members are elected in nonpartisan elections for a 4-year term. The terms are staggered such that about half of the members are up for election every 2 years. The Board of Education has general control and supervision of all matters pertaining to the public schools. The Board considers some of its most significant duties to be the following:Employ the superintendent.Set academic standards.Determine annual operating and capital budgets and present them to the County Commissioners.Oversee the management of the school district’s major systems, including budget and finance, curriculum and instruction, personnel and auxiliary services.Ensure legal compliance of Board and school system functions.Advocate for the school system, for employees, and especially for students in all interactions with other governmental entities and the public.
Biographical Information
Position/philosophy statement
OCS success relies on assuring that every student, staff member, and visitor to Orange County Schools has the resources they need, while feeling safe, valued, and supported.
Current Occupation
Management Consultant (Retired Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers)
Age (optional)
70
Campaign Mailing Address
4301 SUGAR RIDGE RD
HILLSBOROUGH, NC 27278
HILLSBOROUGH, NC 27278
Campaign Phone
919-619-4354
Campaign Email
www.bonnie4OCS@gmail.com
Campaign Website
http://BonnieHauser.com
Campaign Twitter Handle
@bonniehauser1
Campaign Facebook URL
http://www.facebook.com/bonniehauser4OCS
What experience and skills make you the best candidate for this office? (Max. 750 characters)
In my first term, I earned the reputation as a leader who chooses students and teachers over politics and personal agendas. I am trusted by students, teachers and families to ask the questions that are important to them. I'm already working to improve student outcomes, teacher recruitment and retention, and equity, transparency and accountability.
I serve on every board committee, and chair the finance committee, and vice-chair the joint facilities task force with Orange County and CHCCS focused on modernizing school campuses.
My board work builds on my financial management credentials combined with years of experience in community service and as a school volunteer
More at https://www.bonniehauser.com/about
What are the most important responsibilities of a school board member? (Max. 750 characters)
Work with board and superintendent to: (1) Set policy and direction (priority, budgetary, etc); (2) Approve budgets and assure that resources are allotted adequately, equitably and effectively; (3) Monitor key outcomes and opportunities for improvement including student achievement, teacher recruitment and retention, and more by school and for key demographic groups - with an eye to equity and adequacy of resources.
Personally I regularly engage with school, family and community stakeholders to see how things are going and to help parents and teachers navigate challenges at school or with the district.
What is the role of the Board in ensuring all students have access to quality instruction? (Max. 750 characters)
Board works with the superintendent and leadership team to assure that schools have access to adequate programming, teachers and staff to serve their unique student populations.
OCS’ new leadership promises better and more timely data and information about resources that impact instruction quality. That includes staff shortages, mentoring needs, absenteeism (student and teacher).
Our board is also hearing more from principals about critical resource shortages for interventions, ESL support, STEM and more. When we are aware of problems, our board can act more quickly.
Conversations with teachers help too. That’s how I learned about critical needs for MLLs .
Given that serving a diverse community can be challenging, how do you deal with differing opinions as part of your decision making? Please provide an example. (Max. 750 characters)
I start by listening, I believe that everyone has a right to be heard.
I avoid divisive or ambiguous rhetoric which can be triggering or misinterpreted.
I rely on data - qualitative and quantitative - to inform decisions. That includes discerning if/where concerns are actually occurring in our schools.
Eg., when our board was asked to ban certain books, I read the books but formed my decision from the facts on how the books were used/accessed in our schools. I verified that they were age appropriate, not used for instruction, and our media centers could limit access if a parent wishes. Teachers assured me that parents know what their kids are reading and, can request alternative books at any time.
What are the critical state funding needs for this county’s schools and how would you address those needs? (Max. 750 characters)
(1) Increase in FUNDED allotments of teachers, TAs, instructional coaches and other state funded positions to reduce class sizes and address the growing number of economically disadvantaged, english language learners, and EC students. (2) Higher salaries for teachers, including experienced teachers who have been shortchanged for years, and masters pay for teachers and school social workers. I'd also like to see longer contracts to pay teachers for professional development and planning time. (3) Higher salaries and increases for classified staff. and (4) Lift state (and federal) funding caps for our growing exceptional children and English Language Learner populations.
How would you assess teacher satisfaction in your district, and how would you promote professional development? (Max. 750 characters)
You can learn a lot anecdotally from teachers and parents, and from the state’s Teacher Working Conditions Survey. Trust, culture, climate and behavior are raised often. So is "too many initiatives from the district".
By the numbers, teacher retention, absenteeism, referrals and transfers are key indicators to watch. It will be interesting to see how these indicators improve as the district builds school leadership, along with school climate and culture.
For professional development, I'd prefer less top down district direction. Teachers want to learn from each other across campuses, teams, disciplines/subject (eg., core teachers working EC, ESL and AIG teachers to make lesson materials more accessible).
Describe your philosophy on recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. (Max. 750 characters)
Money helps but the data suggests that culture and climate is critical. Teachers will work for OCS when they feel that they are respected and rewarded and OCS is a a great place to work. That means schools are adequately staffed, expectations are realistic, and everyone feels safe and included,
Teachers have strong networks. When OCS has the reputation of being a great place to work, teachers will recruit their friends and colleagues. Referral bonuses help.
I'd also like to do more to recognize, retain and reward experienced teachers. We fixed supplements a few years ago - but state raises have been pitiful for experienced teachers. Im interested in exploring Advanced Teaching Roles.
Additional Comments (Max. 1000 characters)
It is my honor to serve on the OCS Board, and I'm proud of the work I have done over the last four years. I’m already working with the board and superintendent to improve student outcomes, rebuild school cultures, and improve equitable access to resources. I am making progress in helping connect academics and equity to budgets and accountability.
I have demonstrated that I will: (1) Listen to every stakeholder with curiosity and respect; (2) ask the hard questions - especially questions from teachers, students and families; (3) choose data over politics; and (4) insist on equity, transparency and accountability for myself and others.
I am excited about the future for OCS and look forward to working with the Board, Dr Jones and every stakeholder to create schools that our students and teachers deserve.
That's why I'm running!
That's why I'm asking for your vote!
For more about me, please visit BonnieHauser.com
Thank you for reading till the end!
Biographical Information
Position/philosophy statement
Education is the cornerstone of a thriving community, and as a candidate for the school board, I am driven by a profound commitment to fostering excellence, equity, and inclusivity within our schools.
Current Occupation
Academic Assistant
Campaign Mailing Address
636 William Hooper Circle
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Campaign Phone
9842373756
Campaign Email
moore4ocsb@yahoo.com
Campaign Website
http://www.moore4ocboe.com
Campaign Facebook URL
http://facebook.com/moore4ocsb
What experience and skills make you the best candidate for this office? (Max. 750 characters)
I have 12 years of experience in the education field, I have served as an exceptional children's instructional assistant in multiple public schools across Wayne, Durham, and Orange Counties. Alongside my classroom responsibilities, I had the honor of being the Vice President of the Orange County Association of Educators from 2017 to 2018. Since 2020, I have actively participated in the OCS school board, attending conferences and workshops to enhance my knowledge and skills. Currently, I work as an academic assistant for graduate and Ph.D. faculty and students, leveraging my professional background in education.
What are the most important responsibilities of a school board member? (Max. 750 characters)
In my role I have a significant impact on the development of educational policies, the management of district operations, and the representation of the welfare of students, parents, and the community. My key responsibilities of a school board member include policy formulation, financial supervision, the selection and evaluation of the Superintendent, fostering community involvement, advocating for the interests of all stakeholders, ensuring legal compliance, safeguarding student well-being, overseeing facilities, promoting accountability, establishing personnel policies, approving curriculum, and resolving conflicts.
What is the role of the Board in ensuring all students have access to quality instruction? (Max. 750 characters)
My role on the Orange County School Board is vital in guaranteeing that every student has the opportunity to receive high-quality education. My duties encompass establishing policies, supervising district operations, and promoting educational excellence through policy formulation, fair distribution of resources, approval of curriculum, enhancement of professional development, integration of technology, support for quality instruction, monitoring of academic progress, engagement with the community, addressing disparities in achievement, evaluation of educational programs, and fostering parent and community participation.
Given that serving a diverse community can be challenging, how do you deal with differing opinions as part of your decision making? Please provide an example. (Max. 750 characters)
I prioritize ensuring an inclusive environment that embraces diversity, recognizing the difference of opinions without our community. In my service on the board, I have been faced with community viewpoints that required me to actively engage in open dialogue, respectfully considering community member feedback and concerns. Through collaborative discussion and empathetic listening, I have strived to reach decisions that reflect our community’s diverse needs while encouraging community and understanding.
What are the critical state funding needs for this county’s schools and how would you address those needs? (Max. 750 characters)
Pressing funding requirements of the state for OCS, include teacher salaries, facility improvements, and the hiring of nurses, social workers, and counselors. Additionally, it is crucial to advocate for the expansion of nursing, social worker, and counselor staff to meet the growing demands of our communities. I have supported or advocated for salary studies, took initiative in writing the support letter for Master's Pay to the General Assembly, continuously advocated for equitable certified and classified salaries. I strive to work hard to address OCS financial needs and uphold my commitment to providing ALL OCS students with the best possible educational programming.
How would you assess teacher satisfaction in your district, and how would you promote professional development? (Max. 750 characters)
Evaluating teacher contentment and fostering growth in their professional journey are crucial components for OCS. I supported various means such as conducting surveys and feedback sessions, organizing focus groups, conducting exit interviews, establishing teacher advisory committees, maintaining regular communication, conducting climate surveys, reviewing staff turnover, and collaborating with the Orange Co Association of Educators. I think it's critical to involve teacher input for professional development. I have supported pairing veteran educators with newer teachers to help shape mentorship and continuous learning.
Describe your philosophy on recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. (Max. 750 characters)
My philosophy is to ensure salary structures are competitive with neighboring districts and industries by conducting regular reviews and making necessary adjustments. I have supported offering attractive signing bonuses or other financial incentives to attract new hires. I have supported investing in continuous professional development programs to empower employees to enhance their skills and stay up-to-date with industry best practices. I look forward to serving with OCS Human Capital Department at the OCS job fair April 13, 2024
Additional Comments (Max. 1000 characters)
I have attained an Associate in General Education, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Performance Improvement, and Doctorate of Business Administration.