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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Huntsville School Board District 2

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  • Candidate picture

    Holly McCarty
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Matt Woolsey
    (NON)

Biographical Information

Why did you decide to run for this office? What experiences or skills have prepared you to serve on the School Board?

What, in your opinion, are the greatest needs for public education in the city? What changes would you make to meet those needs, and how would you fund them?

What programs, policies, or incentives would you strive to put in place to raise School Report Card indicators in the city?

What can we do to educate our students about their civic rights and responsibilities, as well as, how our system of government works? What can your school district do to better prepare students as citizens?

What is the most important thing for city residents to know about you?

My experience serving more than 15 years in various capacities in the PTA, including multiple terms as PTA President, prepared me to serve on the School Board. I believe my experience in PTA leadership roles as well as leadership roles in various other community organizations and as an attorney, have all provided valuable experience and background to serve on the School Board. I have been honored to serve on the School Board for the last four years. HCS has made great progress for our students, teachers, staff and families in the last four years. HCS has improved academically every year and is well positioned to be prepared to address the future with the enactment of the 10 year capital plan.
The greatest needs in public education are ensuring that every student has access to a great teacher. Recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers is a top priority in HCS. Continuing to increase pay as much as possible is important to attract and retain teachers. Providing opportunities for professional development and adequate classroom support for every teacher is also important to ensuring teachers want to come to HCS and stay in HCS. Every dollar from the state and local government funding must be wisely spent to meet goals. Partnering with community organizations has also been an important tool, including supporting professional development and training for Nationally Board Certified teaching programs.
HCS has done a good job raising its state report card, but there is more to do. Providing strong foundations for every student in elementary school is especially important. Intervening early and providing as much support as possible for struggling students to ensure that they make progress and stay engaged is critical. For our older students, providing multiple opportunities for students to find a pathway to success is essential. If students are engaged, they will stay in school. The Career Tech Center has provided amazing opportunities for students to learn skills that they can use immediately after graduation if they choose. Magnet programs, dual enrollment courses and AP classes have successfully engaged students also.
HCS partners with outside organizations specifically focused on teaching civics. Students should have multiple opportunities to see and understand all forms of government and have the opportunity to engage with government leaders. Of course, every student takes civics and government classes, but hands on engagement is also an effective tool. Students in HCS have the opportunity to identify a community problem or concern and then work to identify solutions. These students gain valuable insight into finding ways to improve funding, engage leaders and partner with community members to solve problems. This hands on engagement provides an engaging and interesting way for students to learn about their roles and responsibilities as citizens.
I want residents to know that I am committed to focusing on providing the best educational experience possible for all HCS students. I believe in the power of public education to provide opportunities for students to succeed in whatever pathways they choose. I want residents to know that I am always available to hear from and engage with constituents. I want the best for my community and that starts with a strong, public education system that serves our students and families. I am committed to making sure our students are prepared for the future and have the educational background to succeed in all their future endeavors.
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