Tekonsha Community Schools - 6 yr term Choose 3
The job of the school board is to make policies; the superintendent is charged with administering the policies. The school board’s areas of responsibility include:Goal Setting: The district vision is translated into long- and short-term goals. The board establishes the structure to accomplish the vision, and periodically evaluates the results.Policy: Establishes policy for the district and shares in policy development.Designating and Evaluating the Superintendent:Recruits, hires and evaluates the performance of the superintendent.Budget: Reviews the budget submitted by the superintendent and aligns the funding priorities with the district goals.Curriculum: Approves recommended curriculum and textbooks based on standards, goals and policies established by the board. Review and evaluate curriculum as it relates to student assessment results.Staffing and Appraisal: Adopts policies governing salaries and salary schedules, terms and conditions of employment, fringe benefits, leave and professional development, and employee evaluations.Facilities: Determines school facility needs and communicates proposed construction plans to the community.Source: Michigan Assocication of School Boards (https://masb.org/school-boards.aspx)
Biographical Information
Why do you want to serve as a school board member and what are your qualifications for this position?
I am passionate about ensuring our local students receive a solid and well-rounded education so that they have the tools necessary to live productive, involved, and successful lives as members of their local communities. Such an education includes both curricular excellence and a variety of extracurricular opportunities.
My background in teaching public policy (with an emphasis on education policy) at Western Michigan University and Alma College, as well as my volunteer work at Tekonsha Schools in a variety of capacities, has prepared me to serve our community in the role of Trustee.
What do you think are the top three issues in the district and how will you address them?
Finances: Like many districts, we face increasing costs and limited fiscal resources. I will exercise careful oversight of district funds, while encouraging creative ways of finding additional funds that benefit our students.
Enrollment: Shifting demographics in our local area (as well as the state as a whole) coupled with school of choice means that in order to maintain sustainable enrollment, Tekonsha Schools needs to provide both an excellent education as well as individual attention - things I believe our school already does well. I will strive to ensure that we do not settle for lower standards while living up to our village's motto of being the little town with a big heart.
Facilities: Having older facilities means there can be challenges. I will work with our administration and maintenance crews to ensure safe, usable facilities.