Jami Romney FitzGerald
(NON)
Why are you running for school board and what are your experiences and qualifications?
I am running for school board again because Frenchtown has a great school and community - evidenced by our high graduation rate, test scores, Niche ratings, variety of programs offered, and Bronc pride! I have worked for OPI and UM, training and educating students with DeafBlindness, their families, and educators in schools across Montana. I currently work as a SLP-A. My two boys attended FTSD, and this was intentional. I am the guardian of a man with disabilities, a former FTSD student. The Board is legally and financially responsible, and we only supervise one employee, the Superintendent. Last year, the Board jeopardized our reputation, our standards, and the safety of ALL staff and students. This is not Frenchtown.
What are the most important issues facing your district?
Funding is a significant issue. Aging facilities, property and liability insurance, repairs, and maintenance have exploded while stuck at a general fund budget from 2006. The Legislature passed several new bills that need to be implemented, and OPI is lacking in clarity. One example, with implementing the Early Literacy program, they actually defunded our rural district's early intervention programs - Transitional Kindergarten and Early Kindergarten. I believe a Board should advocate for students and staff, support progress, creativity, and the district's business, not impede it. Our role is governance, not management, and engaging the community with respectful and open dialogue. Listening to all sides only makes for sound decisions.
What changes should be made in the district's budget?
FTSD has always had a lean budget and has been financially sound even after Smurfit-Stone's bankruptcy. We employ the fewest administrators. We have not faced the financial "cliff" many other districts are facing because ESSER dollars have been spent and not renewed. We have decreased (decreased!) the number of mills assessed to our taxpayers in the last five years. We must fix leaking roofs, repair HVAC systems, and pay the property and liability insurance bill. It will come at the expense of student learning - non-essentials such as programs, activities, and sports. We only ask for help when we need it and that time is now. A community is only as strong as its school. Please vote! We are Frenchtown!