Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
As an incumbent, I have School Board experience, including Chair and Vice Chair positions and participation in a variety of District committees. I also have a Master of Arts degree in Education and spent 12+ years teaching and holding leadership roles. I am a resident parent of two students, and have a vested interest in the long-term success of the District and in being a faithful steward of resources. I maintain focus on student and staff success and am an engaged Board member. I am prepared for meetings and actively participate by asking questions and offering ideas that are driven by data, community input, and my background as an Educator. I am objective, responsive, an effective communicator, and regularly model civil discourse.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
1. Maintain an excellent education for all students while facing budget challenges through various programming options, including support, enrichment, and experiential learning opportunities.
2. Foster student well-being via policy, joint work with mental health organizations, and a comprehensive social emotional learning plan for students.
3. Continue to be transparent, communicative, and open-minded while interacting with constituents through both traditional and innovative means.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
Non-classroom cuts should occur first, followed by creative reductions like restructuring positions for efficiency. Given 88% of our budget pays for employee salaries and benefits, we cannot totally insulate classrooms. If we are forced to reduce staff, it has to be done in an intentional manner: examine ramifications such as how many students are impacted, and aim to minimize them. For example, offering a larger class biannually would be preferable to discontinuing a course.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
The best way to address disparities is to offer strong foundational academic programming with well-trained teachers who have the capacity and resources to meet students’ needs. It is also necessary to have supports in place to individualize learning and address any barriers to learning. All students need to feel connected and valued at school and be encouraged to challenge themselves. The school system should also facilitate families finding community supports to foster student success.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
I engage with constituents in both formal and informal ways. I analyze all District survey results, including reading comments submitted. I participate in structured engagement opportunities, such as listening sessions, and advocate to make Board events more accessible, such as live-streamed Study Sessions. I also regularly engage with community members informally via conversations. I relay feedback to District Administration and the Board as appropriate and use it to inform Board discussions.