wave a magic wand and ….
wave a magic wand and solve all the problems, you generally cannot. Reviewing the existing communication and feedback/review processes is something I’d also like to look into. Making sure it’s not just the loudest voices, but all voices are heard. That we are not only doing our best to arrive at the most equitable solutions, but showing how we came to that decision.”
What is your view of the purpose of public education?
I think I’ve said something similar before and even in this questionnaire. At this level of education, its main function is to learn how to learn. We have but a short 13 years to do so. Outside of ensuring the mandated curriculum is met, public education is also a place to reinforce the values of the community. To mold productive citizens and helpful hands. Our programs help the educators inspire the children and align to the values. Whether that’s in band and providing our children the realization that they can just do things they may have thought they couldn’t or as part of a sports program where they learn to rely on each other in the face of fear and adversity, real camaraderie.
How will you build your relationship with school staff?
“Being genuinely present and receptive. There isn’t really much else to do. Trust is earned through action. I’ve been upfront with the teachers and staff that I have had conversations with that the actions may not always 100 percent align with the goals of a particular group. Best outcome for all is the goal, but may not be the reality. I guess that’s more an answer to question one, as the role of the board is to make those hard decisions in the interest of the community.”
What do you see as your role in the district?
“My role would be to keep the district solvent, efficient, and moving forward to provide the tools that the educators, staff, and children need to graduate and begin the next phase of their journey. To take the many points of view, circumstances, possibilities and willingness for change, and help turn those difficult decisions into real plans of meaningful, progressive action.”
