VOTE411 Voter Guide

Honestly, the most important skills are the abilities to listen, collaborate, and build consensus. I have done this at many organizations. I also have several finance-related credentials, and understanding budgeting, financial statements, and financial decision-making. I know public meeting laws, and the proper role of school board members. I am a problem-solver who can bring people together, and focus everyone's efforts on the most important issues at hand.

The role of the board is to ensure the school district in being well-run, and not to run the district ourselves. The board provides direction through policy, and working with the Superintendent on the strategic direction of the district. Part of that includes ensuring compliance with federal and state law.

The school board has a lot of internal conflict, which is distracting it from student-centered issues. I have good relations with all the board members I've interacted with, and I'm confident I can bring them together, work through any differences, and refocus the district's priorities on student outcomes, and strengthening relationship with district partners.

As a mother of 5 children, with 4 currently enrolled in the district, my most important job is to make sure they are healthy, safe, and prepared for the future. Unfortunately, I think current administration has been failing our school staff in many ways, which in turn leaves our students with a struggling education system. I have been attending school board meetings regularly for over 3 years, which has made me well aware of the issues the schools, staff, and students are facing, and how they have been handled. I have also worked in the public, doing various jobs from waitressing to phlebotomy, which has developed communication skills and the ability to get along with others to achieve a common goal.

I understand that the District is obligated to comply with state and federal policies in order to receive the funding that goes along with said policies. I also understand that each district has the power to vote against state and federal policies if they so choose- albeit forfeiting the funds, which is why it often does not happen.

My main priority is to talk to school staff members, the ones in direct daily contact with students, and find out what their priorities are. I want to find out what is working and what is not, and gather ideas from those that are “on the ground” with these kids every day. Then my next priority would be to find ways to make those ideas a reality by looking at policy and seeing where it needs to be changed, making your voices heard by speaking up during meetings, asking pertinent questions, and following up until action is taken. I look forward to collaborating with staff, educators, fellow board directors, and administration to make Medford School District a place where staff and students are thriving.

I bring strong leadership skills, an understanding of School board governance, a long history of serving in the MSD, integrity, and relationship building skills. I also speak fluent Spanish.

Our federal and state funding is dependent on our compliance with their policies. There is also a little bit of flexibility in our interpretation of those policies, meaning we can be in compliance while meeting local needs.

Our most urgent need is to increase student outcomes and safety. One way we will so this year is to hire a new superintendent who will focus on these priorities with effective strategies.