Post Messenger Recorder -

Age: 49

Occupation: Stay at Home Mom/Accountant

Do you have children in New Glarus School? Yes, I have three children currently in New Glarus School: Tessa (15), William (11) and Patrick (7). I also have a son who graduated from NGHS in 2013.

Have you been on the school board or held any other public office before? If so please describe: No.

Why are you running for School Board? I am running for the School Board because I feel that there is a need for effective and open communication with the community, especially the parents. I believe that community and parent views and concerns are currently not being heard/respected.

If elected, do you have any specific goals for your term in office? My overall goal throughout my term would be to improve the communication with the community and the parents. As is stated in New Glarus School Board Policy #121, "The public schools belong to the people." The School Board members are there to represent the people. As a member of the board, I would ensure that the parents and the community are heard and that their rights with regard to voicing their opinions or concerns are understood by them, as well as the School Board. I would encourage all board members and community members to read School Board Policy #187.3. I have read, I understand, and I respect the rights of the community and parents, as well as the duties of the board.

What precisely do you believe is the biggest challenge for the School Board? I believe that the biggest challenge facing our School Board is the retention of our outstanding teachers. We seem to have lost some very good teachers in the past few years, especially in the high school. As a member of the board, I would take action to find out if and why our current teachers are discontented; and then I would work to remedy any problem. Our district needs to be proactive in order to prevent further loss.

What other issues would you like to see addressed by the School Board? If elected, how would you handle these issues? Other issues I would like to see addressed by the School Board include choices of and changes to curriculum. It is imperative that we provide our students with a proven, effective curriculum that works well for OUR students. Significant curriculum decisions have been discussed, recommended and made during curriculum committee meetings and School Board meetings. It is extremely important for parents to be on board with major curriculum decisions. Sufficient objective data must be obtained and presented. As a board member, I would require proper research be done, and objective data be gathered and presented, prior to major curriculum changes. Parents have a right and an obligation to voice concerns if they do not feel that their child is receiving adequate services from the school. The board must be held accountable to the parents and the community. And in turn, the superintendent must be held accountable to the board. Accountability within our school district is vital in all areas, but especially with regard to curriculum choices.

Do you have any additional comments? I feel that I am the best candidate for the office because I have a vested interest in the New Glarus School District. I have a son who graduated from New Glarus High School in 2013, I have a daughter currently in the high school, I have a son in the middle school, and I have a son in the elementary school. Decisions made by the School Board directly affect my children and my family. The success of our schools is crucial to the future of my children, and that is what drives me in this race. I seek no endorsements other than those of the individual voters and parents. The only special interest I care about is the education of our children. I am proud to be a member of the New Glarus School District, and I would love to represent and serve our community as a member of the School Board.