Questions and Answers

As you know the main responsibilities of a BOE is to hire/evaluate/ and when necessary dismiss a superintendent, establish and amending a budget.  The board is also responsible for developing/ revising and assisting to implement policy.  The board serves as a representative of the community perspective.  The board of education is responsible for providing governance so that schools can function.  The board of education does not run the school system.  Superintendents run school districts – principals run schools, teachers run classrooms and parents run their households.  A good board member keeps this perspective.

I would hope we all want Dr. Bracey to be successful, because when he is successful, our district will be successful. The board needs to support his initiatives.  He desires to return us to one of the best districts in the state in all areas.  He is committed to academic achievement. He is also committed to transparency within the expenditures of the budget. Make sure all of this happens within board policy. 

I feel certain that my experience and my knowledge will be helpful in assisting our school system on the Board of Education.  I understand a school budget, transportation, child nutrition, and curriculum.  I understand the challenges of young teachers and veteran teachers alike. I understand many of the legal issues involved in public education.  I understand Federal, State and Local funding for a school district. I can see the “big” picture.  In recent years our district lost its vision and its purpose of academic achievement and accountability. We must return to this focus even in the midst of a pandemic.  I love to communicate with people, and I love to listen to people and their concerns.  I don’t mind a challenge. I feel certain that I can provide a healthy avenue of communication for our citizens.  I am a team player and I can be a voice of reason for the board.  I know how to ask the right questions and make informed decisions.

Who would have ever thought that less than two weeks after the March 3rd Primary, our school system, our state and our nation would be in the situation we are in right now.  But in the midst of all of this --

I believe the future is very bright for our school district.  I have confidence in our school system.  At the present time, we are in the midst of unchartered waters. Our school system is attempting to provide student learning opportunities in a way that is different from ever before. Although, online learning has taken place in the past, it has been a choice for families and students. At the current time, it is the only option for our families and students.  We will move forward from this current time. We will be better on the other side of this. 

Our demographics have changed in recent years.  One area - Currently we have 68 different languages spoken by families in our schools.  Addressing this is a tremendous challenge, but we will meet this challenge.  Our county continues to grow.  We must work with the county commissioners to ensure that adequate facilities and resources are available for growing numbers.  Where will all the school be to address the new subdivisions that are approved?