how are you going to change things within the school department?

... My idea of changes are really focused on listening to all people that are willing to contribute and compiling the data to determine a balanced solution where needed. I will make sure to ask and get answers to the questions that citizens have. One of the biggest complaints that I hear from people is that the Board doesn't really listen. I think many citizens just don't trust this board. Whether their reasons are legit or not is not relevant. It is how they feel. I hope to restore some trust by making processes and decisions transparent.

In addition, through my experience I have a good grasp on group dynamics and facilitation. Hopefully I can use these skills to ask probing questions and cause the board to think of some things they may not have otherwise. Finally, I am good at helping groups to understand and get clarity on complex data to solve problems. This will be an asset to this board as many of the school board issues are complex and without an easy solution.

What would your position be on the board as far as what is important to you to address?

... The first issue that needs to be addressed is the problems with the High School facility. I am not suggesting that we have to do something. We just need to get a plan together that documents all the grounds and facility needs of the school district. These needs will be evaluated and a plan for addressing the needs must be discussed. Then, assuming the High School is priority #1, we need to determine what is really needed for responsible management. As we go through these processes, compiling data and making it available and accessible to all is important. I will push for a plan to make all information available in a timely fashion. I think you will find that this will be a great tool that will allow us to be assisted by the citizens. They will be better informed and will offer us ideas that the small group would not have come up with otherwise.


What is your position on how to address the high school, the middle school conditions? Are you for or against consolidating the middle schools?

... I would say that you can refer to the previous question for this answer. Without knowing the big picture, it would be irresponsible of me to land on a position for these issues.


What about spending for special education? What is your feeling about the amount of programs there and spending for them? How do you feel about the ELL programs?

... I feel that we need to do our best to help all kids with special needs. Years ago many kids with needs were ignored and considered to have little value. I think we have certainly had our eyes opened and can see much value in all kids. As far as programs and spending, I am in need of a little more education as to requirements and possibilities. We need to do well by all kids.

As for ELL programs, I am a little stretched here. I have heard the administration say that families want their kids at their neighborhood school and I have heard that my neighbors were very upset that their child was pulled away from the Brown school ELL program. The most important thing we need to do is work hard to get input from ELL families and we need to work hard to provide them with the same opportunities that my kids have. This may be an area that we could be creative and become innovators. Let's not think of a "program" we can offer, let's find a way to be an active part of each others lives. I am not sure what this might look like, but I am sure there are plenty of people with good ideas.


Do you feel the superintendent is doing a good job? Why or why not?

... I feel that the superintendent is honestly trying to do a good job. This question is a hard one to answer without seeing her job description. Let's be real, she is in her second year on the job and has not exactly been given an easy task with the issues that need addressing. From what I have experienced, I think she could use some assistance learning how to effectively deal with the public. She seems to do a good job working with her staff and the board. Most of them seem to like her. I feel like she could progress by finding a way to forge a relationship with the citizens. Ultimately she works for them and considering them as an asset may help her open her options in ways she can't right now. It just seems like she is always on the opposite side. It may be that is just the nature of her job. If I were her, I would try to get creative and embrace the challenge of breaking the mold.


Are you more of a no-nonsense kind of voter or are you a talk it out til you're blue type?

... This would depend on the magnitude and sensitivity of the vote. If it is a case that is fairly straight forward, I would defer to the experts. However, if it is a vital issue that is going to cause difficulties for any people or people groups, I would want the board to take the necessary time to get it right. And if it is a sensitive issue, there should be as much time built in as is possible to listen and respond to citizen concerns.


Are you for more fiscal restraint within the schools?

... I am not sure what you mean by "fiscal restraint". I believe that a responsible balance is necessary with all decisions. The first questions that need answers are; what is needed? why is it needed? what are the options? Decisions that effect people should not be made from a strict monetary position. What effect the issue will have on people is the most important consideration. Once that is determined, the most responsible action would balance the desired human impact and the cost. All issues with environmental impacts must be considered in terms of what are the benefits to people and what harm might be inflicted upon people (short and long term).

Were you for or against the extra ed techs who were funded for Skillin and Small? How would you have voted?

... I was not at the meeting and cannot find any minutes. However, if I understand the issue correctly, this is an issue that was in some ways related to redistricting. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I would vote for whatever was needed (within reason) so that we weren't discussing redistricting again. Keep in mind that I would like to see a plan developed or guidelines developed. It's not the first time this has been an issue and it probably won't be the last. Working from a position of "reaction" instead of "pro-action" can be painful. Fix with a short-term solution and get working on a long-term plan.


Based on your responses I assume that you would not have voted to redistrict along with the rest of the board. Since all of them voted for it, one can assume (****) that they had the children's best interests at heart. Do you not agree?

... I believe that they all thought they were doing the right thing. However, as I said earlier, their defining statement of "we have to do something" tells me they lack the experience and understanding to navigate the terrain and that they don't understand the value of real citizen involvement. I would have voted against it so at the very least there was more than 12 days of reaction time for citizens to react.

how are you going to change things within the school department? ... My idea of changes are really focused on listening to all people that are willing to contribute and compiling the data to determine a balanced solution where needed. I will make sure to ask and get answers to the questions that citizens have. One of the biggest complaints that I hear from people is that the Board doesn't really listen. I think many citizens just don't trust this board. Whether their reasons are legit or not is not relevant. It is how they feel. I hope to restore some trust by making processes and decisions transparent. In addition, through my experience I have a good grasp on group dynamics and facilitation. Hopefully I can use these skills to ask probing questions and cause the board to think of some things they may not have otherwise. Finally, I am good at helping groups to understand and get clarity on complex data to solve problems. This will be an asset to this board as many of the school board issues are complex and without an easy solution. What would your position be on the board as far as what is important to you to address? ... The first issue that needs to be addressed is the problems with the High School facility. I am not suggesting that we have to do something. We just need to get a plan together that documents all the grounds and facility needs of the school district. These needs will be evaluated and a plan for addressing the needs must be discussed. Then, assuming the High School is priority #1, we need to determine what is really needed for responsible management. As we go through these processes, compiling data and making it available and accessible to all is important. I will push for a plan to make all information available in a timely fashion. I think you will find that this will be a great tool that will allow us to be assisted by the citizens. They will be better informed and will offer us ideas that the small group would not have come up with otherwise. What is your position on how to address the high school, the middle school conditions? Are you for or against consolidating the middle schools? ... I would say that you can refer to the previous question for this answer. Without knowing the big picture, it would be irresponsible of me to land on a position for these issues. What about spending for special education? What is your feeling about the amount of programs there and spending for them? How do you feel about the ELL programs? ... I feel that we need to do our best to help all kids with special needs. Years ago many kids with needs were ignored and considered to have little value. I think we have certainly had our eyes opened and can see much value in all kids. As far as programs and spending, I am in need of a little more education as to requirements and possibilities. We need to do well by all kids. As for ELL programs, I am a little stretched here. I have heard the administration say that families want their kids at their neighborhood school and I have heard that my neighbors were very upset that their child was pulled away from the Brown school ELL program. The most important thing we need to do is work hard to get input from ELL families and we need to work hard to provide them with the same opportunities that my kids have. This may be an area that we could be creative and become innovators. Let's not think of a "program" we can offer, let's find a way to be an active part of each others lives. I am not sure what this might look like, but I am sure there are plenty of people with good ideas. Do you feel the superintendent is doing a good job? Why or why not? ... I feel that the superintendent is honestly trying to do a good job. This question is a hard one to answer without seeing her job description. Let's be real, she is in her second year on the job and has not exactly been given an easy task with the issues that need addressing. From what I have experienced, I think she could use some assistance learning how to effectively deal with the public. She seems to do a good job working with her staff and the board. Most of them seem to like her. I feel like she could progress by finding a way to forge a relationship with the citizens. Ultimately she works for them and considering them as an asset may help her open her options in ways she can't right now. It just seems like she is always on the opposite side. It may be that is just the nature of her job. If I were her, I would try to get creative and embrace the challenge of breaking the mold. Are you more of a no-nonsense kind of voter or are you a talk it out til you're blue type? ... This would depend on the magnitude and sensitivity of the vote. If it is a case that is fairly straight forward, I would defer to the experts. However, if it is a vital issue that is going to cause difficulties for any people or people groups, I would want the board to take the necessary time to get it right. And if it is a sensitive issue, there should be as much time built in as is possible to listen and respond to citizen concerns. Are you for more fiscal restraint within the schools? ... I am not sure what you mean by "fiscal restraint". I believe that a responsible balance is necessary with all decisions. The first questions that need answers are; what is needed? why is it needed? what are the options? Decisions that effect people should not be made from a strict monetary position. What effect the issue will have on people is the most important consideration. Once that is determined, the most responsible action would balance the desired human impact and the cost. All issues with environmental impacts must be considered in terms of what are the benefits to people and what harm might be inflicted upon people (short and long term). Were you for or against the extra ed techs who were funded for Skillin and Small? How would you have voted? ... I was not at the meeting and cannot find any minutes. However, if I understand the issue correctly, this is an issue that was in some ways related to redistricting. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I would vote for whatever was needed (within reason) so that we weren't discussing redistricting again. Keep in mind that I would like to see a plan developed or guidelines developed. It's not the first time this has been an issue and it probably won't be the last. Working from a position of "reaction" instead of "pro-action" can be painful. Fix with a short-term solution and get working on a long-term plan. Based on your responses I assume that you would not have voted to redistrict along with the rest of the board. Since all of them voted for it, one can assume (****) that they had the children's best interests at heart. Do you not agree? ... I believe that they all thought they were doing the right thing. However, as I said earlier, their defining statement of "we have to do something" tells me they lack the experience and understanding to navigate the terrain and that they don't understand the value of real citizen involvement. I would have voted against it so at the very least there was more than 12 days of reaction time for citizens to react.

FYI - The school district receives monies directly from the government for special education students and is supposed to be allocated for those purposes.

FYI - The school district receives monies directly from the government for special education students and is supposed to be allocated for those purposes.

That's good information to have. Does anyone know if that number is added to the annual budget or is it included in the budget.

If it is included, we could easily remove the number from each comparison school budget to move toward an "apples to apples" comparison.

That's good information to have. Does anyone know if that number is added to the annual budget or is it included in the budget. If it is included, we could easily remove the number from each comparison school budget to move toward an "apples to apples" comparison.