
The election is almost here. I do not think there is a person living in the United States who is not ready for Wednesday to be here. Getting through campaign season is slightly brutal for everyone, but after campaigning for the last couple months, I see campaign season from a different (though still brutal) perspective. Many say the position of school board member is thankless and hard. So why exactly am I running? And what tangible things do I hope to accomplish? These are the last words I want my supporters and potential supporters, to hear from me before the election.
Why am I running?
First and foremost, I am running for these four kids and the other 8,400 students that attend school in the Stillwater Area School District. As I observe these students both succeed and struggle, I have a deep-seated desire to help them become the best they can be. Second, I desire to see greater connection within each school, the district as a whole, and between the district and community.
What tangible things do I hope to accomplish?
A successful board will work well together to bring about excellent results. I will ask the board to consider implementing the following:
Board School Visits – All school board members will annually visit all schools. These visits will take place during the school day.
Board Liaison assignments – Two school board members will be assigned to each school instead of one. This will provide the opportunity for deeper conversation about the unique needs of each school.
Accountability Plans – Every board/administration action will be accompanied by a plan to ensure that what we say we will do is carried out in the classroom.
Annual Survey – The board/administration will develop an annual survey that will go out to students, families, staff members, taxpayers, and community members to assess our greatest successes and challenges. Survey results will be considered and acted upon where appropriate.
Difficult questions – The board will face difficult questions head on and openly explore issues like Common Core, World’s Best Workforce, and Teacher Evaluation. The board will include the community in these conversations so that all parties have a better understanding of how education is delivered in our district.
By implementing the above, I believe the budget, classroom size, and other issues will be resolved as well. It is my desire to serve these kids and the community in a way that will bring this district to greater excellence.
I ask for your vote on Tuesday. And I thank you.
Why am I running?
First and foremost, I am running for these four kids and the other 8,400 students that attend school in the Stillwater Area School District. As I observe these students both succeed and struggle, I have a deep-seated desire to help them become the best they can be. Second, I desire to see greater connection within each school, the district as a whole, and between the district and community.
What tangible things do I hope to accomplish?
A successful board will work well together to bring about excellent results. I will ask the board to consider implementing the following:
Board School Visits – All school board members will annually visit all schools. These visits will take place during the school day.
Board Liaison assignments – Two school board members will be assigned to each school instead of one. This will provide the opportunity for deeper conversation about the unique needs of each school.
Accountability Plans – Every board/administration action will be accompanied by a plan to ensure that what we say we will do is carried out in the classroom.
Annual Survey – The board/administration will develop an annual survey that will go out to students, families, staff members, taxpayers, and community members to assess our greatest successes and challenges. Survey results will be considered and acted upon where appropriate.
Difficult questions – The board will face difficult questions head on and openly explore issues like Common Core, World’s Best Workforce, and Teacher Evaluation. The board will include the community in these conversations so that all parties have a better understanding of how education is delivered in our district.
By implementing the above, I believe the budget, classroom size, and other issues will be resolved as well. It is my desire to serve these kids and the community in a way that will bring this district to greater excellence.
I ask for your vote on Tuesday. And I thank you.