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I have thoughtfully considered running for reelection to the District #181 School Board because I want to use my professional experience as a School Social Worker of 32 years to ensure all students have access to evidenced based education that is compassionate and inclusive. I bring a unique perspective to the board table having worked closely with school administrators and district leadership, side by side with educational staff while helping families navigate the educational journey for their children. When issues arise, I am thoughtful and do my homework. I have experience in district governance and am committed to continue to provide opportunities that prepare all students for life-long success. I am a champion for District #181.
1. Support initiatives and programs that ensure a safe, positive school climate and promote students’ social, emotional, behavioral and academic successes.
2. Explore ways to address the current fiscal challenges facing our district so that we can continue to provide our excellent academic programs and services for students.
3. Recruit a superintendent who is an educational leader and is prepared to support our district’s mission, vision, core values and strategic priorities.
We must first educate the community on the current fiscal challenges facing our district. More than 90% of Minnesota school districts rely on voter-approved funds to support student learning. Currently, #181 is not one of those districts. Without additional financial resources, our district will be forced to reduce funding for programs and services that support student achievement. Enlisting community support to increase district funding through an operating levy referendum may be necessary.
I support training and educational opportunities that prepare staff to nurture a culture of inclusion and respect that is welcoming to all students. I believe in initiatives and programs that support a positive school climate and teach/reinforce positive behavioral expectations. Educators must be allowed to teach about multiculturalism which fosters understanding, empathy, and acceptance. Understanding varied life experiences prepares students to live and work with others in our diverse world.
We must value and honor teacher input in decision making at the school and district level. It is also important to continue to build trust and strong relationships between the schools and families by strengthening the parent/caregiver, teacher partnerships. I am thoughtful in my governance as issues arise. I want to foster a collaborative environment where all stakeholders work together to support our learners to become good citizens, achieve academic success and thrive in our global world.
I believe that one of the best ways to make a difference is to get involved. Throughout my time in the Brainerd Lakes Area, I have been on the Board of Directors of two non-profit gymnastics boards, spent time volunteering for a variety of organizations, taught Sunday School, instructed fitness classes at a variety of different locations, all while being a full-time Mom.
My community involvement and passion are what motivate me to take on a new role. I have three daughters who have graduated from Brainerd High School and I really value the education that my daughters received. I desire to ensure that future students receive that same opportunity.
1. Teaching our kids how to think, not what to think. The minds of our youth deserve to be nurtured and broadened because they are the leaders of tomorrow.
2. Putting students and teachers first. Parents have the fundamental right to direct the upbringing of their children, including their education. The focus of our schools should be allowing teachers to teach their curriculum and students the opportunity to learn.
3. Protecting girls sports. I want to ensure the playing field is always fair.
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Every child, no matter their geographical location, race, or economic standing has a right to receive a great education. This is the responsibility of the public school system.
I am an advocate for teachers and parents. I desire to be a listening ear that can enact the change required to help our students succeed. I am always open to conversations, feedback, and productive communication.
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I am the best candidate because I've experienced the classroom environment in the age of smartphones and modern technology. My degree in statistics, with a focus on applying data to public policy, public health, and curriculum development, uniquely equips me to address the evolving needs of students. I possess advanced skills in evaluation methods and cutting-edge analytic tools, enabling me to craft evidence-based solutions. I bring a deep understanding of the realities students face today and the expertise to implement effective policies and programs that directly address the crises in our district.
My top three priorities are improving student mental health, resolving the budget crisis, and selecting a superintendent. Mental health currently endangers more than a thousand of our students' lives and must be addressed. Solving the budget crisis will prevent our district from stretching teachers too thin and damaging student success. Picking a superintendent with a background in social work will ensure they can solve the mental health and behavioral issues we are seeing.
If forced, I would cut extracurriculars and coordinate with another district to allow students to participate under their district. This ensures we protect student educational outcomes. I don't believe we will be forced though as I have an innovative idea to work with the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation to have sports boosters open up to all extracurriculars so donors can fund our extracurriculars instead of the district.
Racial and economic disparities affect both academic achievement and mental health. To tackle these issues, I propose creating an extracurricular busing system to ensure equitable access to activities. Additionally, I would implement an after-school therapy program to support mental health and an after-school tutoring program to address academic gaps. These initiatives provide vital support for disadvantaged students, promoting both their well-being and educational success.
I will actively engage teachers and families by creating open communication channels, such as regular surveys and town hall meetings, to gather their input on key decisions. I will also establish a committee of teachers and parents to advise on important matters. This ensures transparency and collaboration in decision-making. By incorporating their voices, we can create solutions that reflect the needs of the entire school community.
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Contact Phone
218-838-7335
EXPERIENCE MATTERS! My 50 plus years of public school experience as an educator/coach, serving in the MN House of Representatives on many education committees and my current service on the school board, separates me from the other candidates. My life long passion and advocating for our children’s public school experiences, has given me the knowledge and experience to always put our students and their priorities first. My talents and educational skill sets are critical for this position. My leadership, mentoring and communication skills separate me from others. My federal/state legislative connections have proved to be very important. My team building, problem solving, listening, work ethic and thoughtful decison making are critical.
Finding a new permanent Superintendent is of utmost importance. Addressing our funding shortfall in order to fulfill current and future funding for our children’s educational journey needs to be done. Funding for our staff’s needs and our building maintenance is critical. Dealing with; electronic device usage, mental health needs, world class/futuristic/comprehensive curriculum, recruiting and retaining high quality licensed staff, extra/ co-curricula are areas also needing consideration.
Our district needs to seriously look at passing an operating levy in order to continue to offer our children a quality, world call educational public educational journey. I would first try to get this passed in order to bring financial stability to our district. If we have to make cuts, I would first look to our fund balance and use what we could fiscally responsibly use. I would the seek input/help/information from our staff as to their suggestions. I would also ask to do a community survey.
I have worked to get a bill introduced at our state legislature that would help districts like ours that have trouble passing an operating levy for a number of reason. This piece of legislation has the capability to provide state aid back to our citizens if we pass a levy. Being disabled myself, I have worked had to fight discrimination, bullying, non-inclusion and or non-acceptance in our schools. I also sit on our equity task force which is working to educate and promote cultural education.
I do my homework and research. This includes truly LISTENING to all folks I talk to and visit with. I listen and review all sides. I keep an open mind. I respect differences of opinions. I gather this information my visiting schools and classrooms. You can find me at EVERY community event I can possibly attend listening to others. I make sure my contact information is accessible to everyone. If my constituents contact me or ask me to get back to them, I make that a priority. It takes a village.
