As a candidate for the school board, I believe the biggest challenge in public education today is ensuring equitable access to resources and support for all students, regardless of their background or needs. This includes addressing funding gaps, improving mental health services, and providing meaningful support to teachers and staff. Schools are facing increased pressures while dealing with limited budgets, which makes it difficult to deliver the quality education every student deserves. We need to focus on solutions that prioritize student well-being and teacher empowerment.

To improve safety for students and teachers, I believe the district should take a multi-faceted approach. This includes increasing mental health resources, enhancing security measures like controlled access to buildings, and ensuring regular training for staff and students on emergency procedures. Additionally, fostering strong relationships between schools and local law enforcement is key to creating a supportive and responsive environment. By prioritizing both physical safety and mental health, we can create schools that feel secure and welcoming for everyone.

In a well-performing district, the State Department of Education should maintain oversight to ensure compliance with state standards but limit direct control. Local districts often have a better understanding of their unique needs and should have the flexibility to make decisions that reflect their community. The state's role should focus on providing guidance, support, and resources while allowing successful districts the autonomy to innovate and continue their progress without unnecessary interference. Balancing oversight with local control fosters both accountability and growth.

I feel the largest issue facing the public school system is reaching all children with an effective teaching plan. With such diversity, a “one-size fits all” approach is not effective. I will go as far as to say a “one-size fits all” approach might not satisfy the needs of the majority of students in a classroom. All students deserve a teaching style that would optimize their ability to learn. Identifying what style of teaching works and how to apply it in the most effective way would accomplish this. There is not a simple solution but working toward a solution is necessary. No student should be left out.

I believe the district needs to continue to invest in good people and technology. With each drill, seminar, or discussion we continue to learn how to prevent safety incidents better. Applying what we learn in a timely manner will make our schools safer and will prevent complacency. Offering a budget that allows for increased safety measures is one way the school board can help. Working closely with local police is another way to increase security. Inviting the police into our schools regularly, so they can be familiar with the layout and the protocols in place will make us better. Let’s continue to strengthen the relationship between the police and the school district by working together, to accomplish the common goal, safety.

I believe there is a place for state department in our district. The state department has a larger view of education and teaching. They can always offer something that will help a district preform better regardless of how they are already preforming. Accept their help and use all the resources available. Now with that being said, I believe the district has a better understanding and a more detailed picture of their students, teachers, and facilities. The district should be able to make their own decisions, especially when it is well-preforming. We should use the team approach and apply each other’s strengths.

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Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.