1. What do you believe the role of a school board member is? Why are you interested in serving?
A school board member is essential in shaping a district’s educational vision and policies. They help set standards for education, manage budgets, and advocate for students, parents, and staff. Working closely with teachers and the community is crucial to making sure every student has the opportunity for a quality education. I’m eager to serve because I truly care about education and believe that every student deserves the resources and support, they need to succeed. My background and dedication to community service motivate me to make a positive impact in our district’s educational environment.
2. What are your thoughts and ideas to address bullying in schools? And what are your thoughts regarding policies when it comes to students using self-defense?
Addressing bullying requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, awareness, and robust support systems. Schools should implement anti-bullying programs that educate students about empathy, respect, and conflict resolution. Additionally, establishing clear reporting mechanisms and support for victims, as well as training staff to recognize and intervene in bullying situations, is essential.
Regarding self-defense policies, it’s crucial that students understand the difference between appropriate self-defense and retaliatory violence. I believe policies should clearly define self-defense scenarios and prioritize conflict de-escalation measures. Schools should work with law enforcement and community organizations to provide resources and training for students on how to safely navigate conflict situations.
3. Are you in favor of or opposed to 4-day school weeks and why?
The current board approved a hybrid schedule, which I think could potentially bring a number of advantages, like better attendance, increased teacher retention, and more focused students since they may feel less fatigued. However, we need to take into account the needs of families and students when making this kind of decision. It’s important to evaluate how this schedule affects student learning, extracurricular activities, and access to essential services. If it turns out that this approach genuinely improves learning outcomes and overall well-being for both students and staff, then I would be in favor of continuing to research a 4-day work calendar. Though, I think it is important to note that moving further towards a 4-day work week would lead to a longer school year, a longer school day, or a combination of both. There are a lot of variables involved in making this decision, if elected my board vote would reflect that of the constituents I represent.
4. Please share a little about your previous civic/political/career experience.
Throughout my career, I have actively engaged with my community through various roles. I have served as a volunteer for local educational initiatives, participated within the Devine Chamber of Commerce, and have been involved in advocacy for numerous local events. Professionally, I have a background managing the relationship between USAA and 3rd Party customer centers, I managed the relationship with 12 centers in 4 states with over 5000 employees. This included making sure they were sticking to their agreed contract, deciding if we should terminate contracts due to grievances and managing budgets. I also am a local business owner of a childcare center, where I have 100 plus students, and 28 staff members. Running this business has taught me the importance of making sure my staff, parents and students are taken care of. We also strive to provide them with a strong education and care by setting the bar high for my staff, while providing them with the resources they need. Through this experience and my degrees, I have developed skills in strategic planning, collaboration, and communication. This experience has equipped me to understand the complexities of creating and managing policies and the importance of pursuing focused solutions.
5. What do you believe are some of the biggest issues facing school districts today?
Some of the most pressing issues facing school districts today include funding deficiencies, mental health support, teacher retention and recruitment, and the integration of technology in the classroom. Additionally, ensuring equity in education and addressing the needs of underserved populations are crucial. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted gaps in resources and access to quality education, making it imperative that we prioritize these challenges.
6. The school voucher program expected to be signed into law by the governor could have a significant impact on school budgets. What is your experience with budgeting?
I have experience managing budgets in my previous roles, where I learned to allocate resources effectively while prioritizing the needs of students and educational programs and my staff. Not only by running a business but by my 10 plus years that I works at USAA managing 3rd party call centered. I understand the intricacies of budgeting within an educational context, particularly in balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for quality educational resources. If the school voucher program is implemented, I believe it will require careful monitoring and adjustment of our district’s budget to ensure all students continue to receive the support they need, regardless of funding shifts.
8. What ideas do you have for enhancing communication and understanding between teachers, administrators, and district policymakers?
Enhancing communication starts with fostering a culture of openness and collaboration among all stakeholders. Regular forums or roundtable discussions can be established to allow teachers and administrators to voice their concerns and share ideas directly with policymakers. Surveys and feedback mechanisms could encourage ongoing dialogue and transparency. Additionally, implementing joint professional development opportunities can build relationships and align goals among teachers, administrators, and district leaders, ensuring everyone is working together towards the common goal of student success.
Note: Candidate Questionnaires will be added as they are turned in. Please see article under Top News for a list of all candidates and voting times.