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Secondary Phone
3174354826
Campaign Phone
3174354826
ZIP Code
46219
I am running for school board because I have a passion for protecting public education. I am an active community volunteer, a past-president of Indiana PTA (as well as the longtime state legislative chair), the Vice President of Advocacy for National PTA, the board chair for the Jane Pauley Community Health Center, and am a founding member of Our Public Schools Work and the Indiana Educational Equity Coalition. I am an incumbent, having served 3 terms on the school board.
The only way to recruit and retain quality teachers is to first accept that we have a teacher shortage in Indiana and second to understand that decade of attacks again teachers by the General Assembly has lead to this shortage. The removal from statute the requirement for discussion for many, many facets of a teacher's job (including things as basic as hours in the day and classroom hours) is an example. Lines of communication must be kept open and concerns must be sincerely listened to.
The board has taken many actions to ensure student safety including metal detectors, forming their own police force, and an investment in high tech camera systems. However, student well-being is something that can never have enough investment. Having mental health services on site is a key component, as well as teaching students of all ages about mental heath and emotional well-being while giving them to tools to recognize when they have a problem and what steps they can take when they do.
In Indiana schools can not run at a deficit (although they can spend saved "rainy day" funds), therefore balanced budgeting is not a concern. Many, if not most expenses incurred by the district occur within siloed funding structures. Meaning, money saved on school safety can not be moved over to pay teacher salaries. The best thing any district can do is have a seasoned and reliable CFO who is well-versed in the many laws and regulations surrounding school funding in Indiana.
I believe that the only charted schools that should be allowed are those charted directly by school boards, Boards that form relationships with so-called innovative school networks (which are often for profit) are in essence abrogating their legal responsibility to oversee the public education of those students within their boundary. I take this responsibility very seriously and would never hand it over to a for-profit corporation who may or may not act in the best interest of all students.
No
I am motivated to seek a position on the Warren Township School Board because I understand the ins and outs of this township. Having served as the Warren Township Director of Facilities for over 20 years, I saw the dedication our staff puts into maintaining safe, functional learning environments for our students. I understand the responsibility and the dedication it takes to keep buildings and students safe, budget responsibly, and make decisions grounded in what happens inside our schools.
Having first hand knowledge of seeing our staff’s above and beyond dedication each day, and having four daughters all attend and graduate through Warren Township School, I understand the value of our educators. Our students and families deserve the best talent that can be found, and that’s a discussion the is desperately needed. I want to learn from our educators what they need, how to improve their classrooms, and their thoughts on how to create the best place to work.
Safety and Security is paramount. As the retired Director of Facilities, I have firsthand experience with where we are strong and where we are weak. I plan to take the experience and knowledge, work with our Township Police, and find effective ways to improve the overall safety of all with our communities help, support, and input.
Having knowledge our Township School Budgets, I know this is a difficult task. I feel transparency and openness is the correct answer. The education of our students is paramount, and that should be our focus.
I have always been an advocate for funding our traditional public schools and making that the first choice for our families through meaningful impacts, such as great and engaged staff, safe and secure facilities, and find new and innovative projects. I do, however, understand that alternative education options are important for some of our families and I support doing what parents believe is best for their child’s education experience. It’s important to understand and work together for the all.
No
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Secondary Phone
3174416463
Campaign Phone
3174416463
ZIP Code
46229
Being a former successful teacher and coach in Warren Township, the biggest drive for me is responding to community outreach urging me to take my talents and run for school board. I was a 13 year teacher and coach in Warren Township including 31 years as a public school educator. That experience saw me teach in elementary, middle school, and high school levels; providing an unique lens vital for this position. I also created programs like our Literacy Through Leadership which was very impactful.
First start with identifying future educators in the high schools. Being a recruiter for Marian University allows for me to be in many high schools throughout the year. Next you must get involved with the development of future teachers in the local universities. Something I have done for Marian University & IU Indianapolis. Moreover, you must look for people retiring from their first careers and ignite them to look at becoming teachers as well as innovators in the our children's future.
Safety and security of the institution and the people in it is the most important role for any school district. This starts with elite technology and police officers and constant upgrades in development and training. It has to be a budget focal point. You must also have a school board that is laser focused on anticipating and avoiding possible problem areas as opposed to a catch and correct mentality.
First and foremost we must be responsible stewards of taxpayers dollars. With that being said we must also invest in our students so that we can insure a well rounded, safe, and valued education experience. Next we must contact our local representatives to vote for much needed financial support that is gradually decreasing for public education. Student safety, competitive teacher salaries and functional operating facilities must be prioritized due to arms war wagging in public education.
None and none.
No
