Position/philosophy statement
I believe that not all students need to or want to go to college. Therefore, we need to provide quality Vocational/Technical programs for these students i.e. HVAC, electrical, plumbing, hospitality management.
Current Occupation
Retired
Campaign Phone
2522076024
I'm the former Superintendent of Schools in Currituck County and know what it takes to provide for all the needs of students. We were one of the top 2 districts in the State in student achievement when I retired.
To provide for the educational needs of all students, listen to parental concerns and act on them, come up with creative solutions to difficult problems, and be good stewards of the tax dollars that we are provided.
One is affordable housing for new teachers. This could be lessened by having our construction class at the high school build a small duplex each year (they used to build a house), and then move it to different school properties. After 5 years, there would be 10 affordable living areas. Next, is the bus driver shortage. Offer any school employee a bonus for getting their bus license and pay them overtime when they use it.
Along with my previous response, the BOE needs to work with the State Legislators and County Commissioners to provide salary increases for teachers,
Research has proven that the earlier you can start the educational process with a student the more likely it is they will suceed in school. So I'm very supportive of Pre-K programs.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Position/philosophy statement
Strong public schools are essential for safe, thriving communities. All citizens benefit from successful schools.
Current Occupation
Teacher
Age (optional)
52
Campaign Phone
757-513-4198
I am a lifelong public educator. I have served in roles from pre-k intervention to work at the collegiate level. I am currently a middle school teacher. My experience in both Title 1 schools as well as affluent areas, gives me a wide reaching perspective of the challenges faced in public education. I understand policy and school law. I hold a Masters in Educational Leadership and am a former Teacher of the Year. My life’s work is public education. I am a first generation college graduate and am dedicated to paying it forward through public service.
The number one responsibility of a school board member is POLICY. Ensuring that policy is being followed and that effective policies are in place. Within the policy discussion is the safety and security of our students and staff. Board members must ensure that procedures are in place to make our schools as safe and secure as possible. The state also leaves local school boards with the responsibility of ensuring that curriculum is in place for our students and teachers. The state sets the learning standards and the local board must approve an appropriate curriculum that teachers can use to ensure that students master those standards.
Currently the most critical need within our system is student transportation. We need students in school for them to be able to learn. Every minute that a bus is late is a minute of lost instruction. We are currently looking at the financial feasibility of a pay increase for our drivers. We have very few bus driver applicants and we need a way to attract more drivers. We have to be able to see if increased pay would help fill our vacancies. We are also addressing our concerns to the state about the archaic bus licensing system that is currently in place.
During my tenure as board chair we have increased the local supplement. We have to do more. In Currituck we have the unique problem of bordering with Virginia where the pay is upwards of $30,000 more for veteran teachers. Locally we can’t fill that gap. If re-elected I want our push to be to recruit retiring educators from Virginia. Veteran teachers who still want to teach but in a smaller, more relaxed atmosphere. With their retirement from Virginia, they can actually make more by drawing that retirement and teaching with us in North Carolina. The past few years we have hired a few Virginia retirees. It has been a WIN-WIN. Teachers get a small school system and we get a well trained professional educator with a renewed love for education.
Strong pre-kindergarten programs level the playing field. Every year we have a waiting list for our Pre-K programs in Currituck County. Pre-K helps children learn the structure and routine necessary to succeed in school. Children also learn basic socialization skills. It also helps parents by providing families with quality child care. Working parents need child care choices for their young children and quality Pre-K is an important option.
I am proud of the work I have done while serving on the Currituck Board of Education. There is certainly more work to be done. However, it is important to acknowledge our growth and improvement. I hope that the voters of Currituck County will allow me another 4 years to serve our community.
