I am passionate about learning, education, and making sure all kids in our community have access to a high-quality public education. To achieve this goal, I would bring my educational background and 15 years of experience as a scientist to the school board. I will help guide decisions by looking at the existing evidence base, listening to teachers, evaluating student performance and well-being measures, and listening to administrators. I have years of experience gathering and synthesizing information to inform challenging decisions. I am personally invested in the district with two students in the schools, and I will be dedicated to furthering the district’s investment in diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of school operations.
I will listen to teachers and staff about how to improve reading, math and science proficiencies and deal with difficult student behaviors. I will support better resourcing the district’s diversity, equity and inclusion staff for training. We need a culture where diverse staff and students feel they belong. I will work to make Moorhead schools a supportive workplace for teachers. Attracting and retaining good teachers is vital to student success, community success, and teacher well-being.
Budget cuts are always hard. I would look for ways to reduce spending in categories like supplies and facilities use or to delay infrastructure costs, and I would make staffing cuts the very, very last option. If elected, I would encourage the administration to be as proactive as possible in communicating with local legislators on funding situations and needs to hopefully find solutions to funding challenges before they arrive.
I would work to ensure that schools with greater economic disparities have the level of teacher and support staff they need for all their students to succeed. I would support training for all staff to increase cultural awareness and acceptance. I would also support evaluating school policies or practices that may be perpetuating racial inequities among students in, for example, academic performance or disciplinary actions.
My approach to decision making will start with listening and improving communication between teachers, the community and the school board. I support making space to hear from community members at school board meetings. Decisions should be made with a diversity of perspectives considered. I think it will be important to be engaged with the schools to hear what is going well and what needs to be improved and to encourage parents to reach out to board members when issues arise.
Contact Phone
(218) 422 6468
I am running for the Moorhead School Board because of my deep passion for education and my unwavering belief in its ability to transform lives and uplift communities. Education is the foundation upon which we build a more equitable and prosperous future, and I am committed to ensuring that every student in our district has access to the resources, opportunities, and support necessary for success. It is my goal to create an environment where all students, regardless of their background, can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
As a multilingual and multicultural individual with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Sociology and a doctoral degree in Emergency Management, I bring a unique and valuable perspective to the challenges ou
• Enhance Educational Opportunities: Ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality education and resources that prepare them for college, vocational training, or careers in growing industries.
• Support for Teachers and Staff: Advocate for competitive salaries, professional development, and mental health resources for educators to retain and attract top talent in our schools.
• Student Safety and Well-being: Prioritize the safety of students by promoting secure
In the event of declining resources and the need to make budget cuts, my approach would be rooted in careful evaluation and thoughtful prioritization. Recognizing the immense impact that financial decisions have on the educational system, it is vital to study all aspects of the budget thoroughly. This means going beyond a surface-level review and taking the time to understand where resources are being allocated, what their outcomes are, and how they align with the district's overarching goals fo
Addressing racial and economic disparities in our education system requires a multi-faceted approach, focused on equity, inclusion, and resource allocation. First, I would advocate for equitable funding across all schools, ensuring that all schools in have access to the same resources based on their needs. This includes up-to-date learning materials, technology, extracurricular programs, and support services like tutoring and mentoring.
In addition to equitable funding, I would prioritize cultur
Engaging teachers and families in the decision-making process is vital to creating a school environment that reflects the needs and values of the entire community. I believe that decisions are most effective when they are informed by those who are directly impacted, which includes educators, parents, and community members. To ensure that all voices are heard, I would adopt a strategy that prioritizes inclusivity, transparency, and cultural sensitivity.
First, I would establish open lines of comm
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My education and in social work, as well as over twenty-five years in a research-related administrative career have trained me to listen carefully and analyze information and data to make objective decisions. I am also very familiar with Moorhead and the school system. I grew up in Moorhead, attended school in Moorhead- graduating from Moorhead High School, and my husband and I are long-term residents of Moorhead and are committed to our community.
One priority is to continue to represent our community, including students, families and teachers and assist in making decisions that impact positively on learning and the educational environment.
A second priority is to be present, active, and a supportive as the new Moorhead High School construction project is completed. I have been a part of the process from the onset, and I want to see it through.
A third priority is to ensure that students are given the opportunity to thrive and learn.
I would first support other revenue producing mechanisms - such as referendums, sharing resources, or seeking legislative assistance in supporting beneficial programming. If that did not work then I, as part of the board, would seek the suggestions from the district administration on the areas that may least impact our students and review and make decisions from these recommendations. It would be important to see the whole picture prior to stating in what areas reductions would be made.
The first step is to identify the highest areas of need. Once the inequalities are identified and determined, then the next step would be to work with key stakeholders and obtaining community and student input on the planning and solutions to ensure the needs will be met.
I will engage teachers and families in the decision-making process by being an active listener and brining their ideas or concerns to the discussions by being an advocate for them.
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This is my 12th year on the Moorhead School Board. I have the experience as the Treasurer, Chair and Vice Chair. I pride myself in listening to all sides of an issue to make an informed decision.
Teacher and Staff recruiting and retention.
Safety and security in our schools
School budgets
I would look at not replacing some positions from retirement or people leaving the school for another career. 70-80% of a school budget is wages and benefits. We can also look at our transportation routes. I would also meet with our area’s legislators to look for new revenue opportunities.
We need to continue to collaborate with our families and community. Have healthy, safe learning environments for our students. Hire a more diverse workforce, which is difficult in this teacher shortage we have. Make sure we get our students into our schools and provide them support for them.
Moorhead Schools has always used the community, teachers and staff to make strategic planning. We also use surveys to find out what teachers and the community are thinking. I like to meet with teachers and community at PTAC meeting to hear issues they are having.
I bring 12 years of board experience to the position. I have worked with youth and families in the Moorhead area for 40 years serving on multiple committee's and task forces. I have a record of advocating for those who lack voice and representation. I believe I am approachable and trusted by staff, students and parents. I also have the the reputation of understanding and listening the retired community as well has farmers and business owners.
Safety for students, staff and guests.
Support for our 1700 plus staff members.
A listening ear and advocate for any who feel they have no voice.
Careful budget management and allocation of precious resources.
My first actions would involve intense lobbying in St. Paul for fairer allocation of our tax dollars. Most of our income comes back from the state and those dollars have been woefully misspent and not allocated in ways which help on the local level.
Careful studying of the budget to try and find ways to cut that do not affect safety, teaching and special services.
At last resort we will need to go back to the taxpayers for more support.
Continue our efforts to hire teachers and administrators who reflect the diversity of our student population. Reach out to area organizations and individuals to provide resources for students of all backgrounds to participate in non classroom activities. Actively encourage, support and cheer on students of all backgrounds. I have a strong record of advocacy in this area.
I believe we have structures available for people to have the opportunity to make their opinions know. We need to continue to get the word out and encourage those who would not normally engage to become part of the process. Committees, task forces and listening posts are open to all.
