As a parent with two sons in the district, I have firsthand experience navigating our district's educational system. I’ve served on the PTO board at Gideon Pond Elementary for three years, working with parents and teachers to serve the school community. As a Minnesota Reading Corps volunteer, I work directly with students, gaining insights into their needs. My background in Pastoral Counseling has refined my ability to remain an objective listener and thoughtful discerner. I can listen to diverse perspectives, participate in constructive dialogue, and make informed decisions that prioritize the best interests of our community as a whole.
1. Transparency: I’ll advocate for clear communication on board decisions, budgets, and policies, ensuring regular updates and open forums for community input to build trust and engagement.
2. Equity: I will address disparities in funding and opportunities, particularly for MLL and SPED students, promoting inclusive curricula and support services.
3. Legislative Advocacy: I’ll work with lawmakers to secure funding, mental health support, and equitable policies for our schools.
In the face of budget cuts, I’d prioritize transparency and community input, ensuring clear communication and open discussions. My focus would be on protecting core services like classroom instruction and student support, especially for vulnerable students. I’d evaluate non-essential spending, reduce administrative costs, and seek creative solutions, such as partnerships and grants. Additionally, I’d advocate for long-term financial stability while minimizing the impact on students.
To address racial and economic disparities, I’d focus on equity-driven policies, data-driven decision-making, and equitable resource allocation. Regular analysis of performance data would guide targeted interventions, while culturally responsive education and teacher training would create inclusive environments. I’d advocate for equitable funding for high-need schools, support family engagement, and expand mentorship programs to close achievement gaps and ensure all students feel supported.
While I appreciate the board’s current use of listening sessions and surveys, as a parent, I’ve asked for more from the district. I believe board members should spend more time in school buildings, talking with teachers and families, and observing daily operations to better understand their needs. In addition to listening sessions and advisory committees, this firsthand engagement would help ensure that decisions are grounded in the real experiences of students, teachers, and families.
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Contact Phone
(507) 497-2973
Involvement, In 1972 My family moved to Burnsville, I entered 3rd grade. I then moved to Nicollet Jr. High School. Moving on up to Burnsville High School, After graduation I enrolled in at Mankato State University.
Qualifications, I have spent the last 30 years teaching in Asia, both Japan and China. I worked for a number of schools in a variety of positions including teaching Special Needs, Exam Preparation, Business English, and Kids, also I worked as an Assistant Trainer, Trainer, Recruiter, Director of Studies, Course Developer, Marketeer, Service Manager, and New School Designer.
Priorities
Special Needs Education
Graduation Rates
Student Guidance and Promotion to Pathways for Workforce Ready, Trade Ready, and College Ready
Special Needs Education
Special Needs Students success is very rewarding. Special Needs People make up such a large pool of untapped talent, It would be in a communities best interest to invest resources in them.
Graduation Rate
Expectations. Most students should graduate from high school. The rate of 75% graduation rate is too low. The rate should be very near 100%, if not, there are failures somewhere in the process. The School district has the willingness, expertise and mandate to not leave
Increase class sizes for non-humanitiy type classes. Increasing class size is never a popular solution but if we could use our resources more cleverly we could save on the financial constraints. Hard/conrete type topics such as math could possibly accomodate lager classroom sizes with out a reductioon on effectiviness.
Petition state legislature for increased funding. I have a good rapport with state and local representatives. My feeling is they are very sympathetic and supportive to funding pu
Perhaps students are not aware of defense or appeal procedures, Maybe there could be a advocate policy/program for students and parents in all cases of suspension or expulsion. (similar to the Miranda notification)
Exposure, promotion, and guidance to Pathways program to become workforce ready, trade ready, and college ready. Interest and engagement are powerful tools to keep students engaged and thus bring their efforts to completion.
Through discussion. 1st avenue would be the bi monthly School Board meetings either in person or online. 2nd avenue would be through small group, informal discussions. I am typically generous with my time. I feel I communicate most effectively in this setting. I am slow to respond in writing and don't use Social Media very much. I feel very attentive during telephone calls or in person appointments.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
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