Post Messenger Recorder -

Barb Peterson

Age: 53

Occupation: Self-employed editor and writer; Purely Written.

Years lived in district: 6

Incumbent? Yes.

Have you been on the school board or held any other public office before? If so please describe: I am currently on the school board, voted in by the board in October after the resignation of a board member who moved out of the district. This is my first public office position.

Why are you running for school board? I want to contribute to the community I live in, and I feel this is a worthy way to do so. I have always been passionate about quality education, growing up as a teacher's kid, becoming a teacher and counselor myself, guiding my four children in achieving their dreams, and pushing them to give their best effort in school. I love seeing kids realize they can do even more than they thought and encouraging them to see new opportunities set before them.

My professional background and personal interest towards education helps in making me a positive and devoted member of the board, and I am delighted to be part of this group representing the community of Belleville. My desire is to positively impact our school district in this role.

What issues do you find most important to the school board? How would you handle these issues? Student achievement, student safety, excellent teaching, and fiscal responsibility are at the top of my list. The answer to addressing all successfully lies in great administration, teachers and staff. High expectations for all, which folds in students, families and community members working together to do our absolute best, makes a great school that encourages and equips our students to reach out for their dreams and goals.

Our school district has seen many changes over the past few years and I believe these issues are being positively pursued. I was to be a part of the team that helps to push forward and become even more successful in meeting the needs of our students for academic excellence.

Any additional comments? A little about me...and why I'd like your vote.

My husband and I, along with our two youngest children, moved here six years ago, seeking a smaller school community than the Madison area. My background includes being a teacher, school counselor, editor, grant writer, substitute teacher and tutor. My education experience has been in the public, private and home-school sectors, so I have first-hand and hands-on knowledge of schooling at a variety of levels. I have been a neighborhood association member, and president, and continue to volunteer at church, schools and non-profit organizations.

I enjoy my current involvement with the board and I am learning the ins and outs of the Belleville School District. I take great interest in pursuing the goal of providing an excellent education for our students, while being conscious and deliberate about the proper use of our taxpayers' funding. I'm excited to be of help in that process.