VOTE411 Voter Guide

Primarily, I use my 20+ years of experience in manufacturing operations to look at the district as a business and look at the data to provide an unbiased approach in decision making. I have already proven I can make tough unpopular decisions as I was a sitting board member during the dissolution process.

It is important to have a great working culture within the district. This starts with forward thinking administration that is dedicated to a continuous improvement culture and is dedicated to being the best in the state. The right culture will attract the right staff. In addition, Palmyra-Eagle can utilize the Wisconsin Improvement Program (WIP) – Teaching Internship through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). We have an opportunity to hire Teaching Interns. Interns are allowed to teach alone VS student teachers that cannot be left alone in the classroom. This provides the students with younger people and provides the interns with the opportunity to teach. To me this is a win-win.

My role as a school board member is to make unbiased fact-based decisions that benefit the students, school, and community. The Board provides vision and focus for the District to follow and helps guide and enable them to implement it; basically to remove roadblocks for the Administrative team. The Administration team manages the day-to-day operations and provides recommendations on improvements.

What sets me apart is my unique blend of fresh perspective and a deep familiarity with our district. While I'm new as a candidate, I'm not new to the issues. For the past three years, I've been actively engaged, attending almost every board and committee meeting, absorbing the intricacies of our operations. Now, I'm ready to contribute my fresh ideas and insights as a board member.

I do not believe that recruiting new teachers is a role of a school board, but I do believe that an innovative, efficient, and transparent board will welcome new employees into the district and help retain current staff.

A school board's main role is to establish policies that govern the operations of the school district, and to develop and approve the district's budget. The board also needs to have oversight on the district resources ensuring that the facilities, equipment, and materials are being used effectively and efficiently. The responsibilities of the school board is to serve as a bridge between the community and the school district, representing the interests of the parents, taxpayers, and other stakeholders.

I believe my 30 plus years as a special education teacher in 3 different districts, and my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership differentiate me from other candidates and current board members. My educational background and experience allow me to bring a very unique perspective to the board. I also have previous school board experience as a member of the Palmyra-Eagle Area School District School Board.

Palmyra-Eagle Area School District does not have a diverse student body or community. The majority of the staff members come from the same backgrounds as their students. I believe to increase staff diversity we could utilize more partnerships with UW Whitewater for interns and student teachers to recruit potential teachers.

Board members are elected to represent the interests of students, families, and taxpayers, making decisions that shape the district's long-term direction. I believe the strongest school districts have boards and administration that work together effectively and hold each other accountable. The school board is responsible for working with administration to set policies, establish and support the district's vision and goals, approve budgets, and ensure accountability to the community.