I love Public Education! It is where our children grow essential knowledge, learn critical civil engagement, and are guided by experienced professionals to navigate social community life skills. I am both a parent and invested community professional who believes our communities are stronger when we invest and support our school systems!
Bemidji Business & Community Partnership Experience for 30+ years
Board and Committee Experience has included: Bemidji Downtown Alliance Board, Watermark Art Center Building Committee, serving the Harmony Food Co-op board 30+ years.
Commitment & Passion for Education & Teaching: BS in English Teaching, BSU, 1986; 6 years alternative education. MS in English, BSU, 2011; 8 years adjunct teaching, BSU.
First, a fiscal stabilization budget/plan that will allow the District to follow a responsible fiscal path – while strengthening the budget areas that have become razor thin and are not sustainable.
Second, learning and assessing potential revenue that may be available within an ever-changing funding landscape.
Thirdly, as we work to engage our community resources cooperatively - opportunity expands beyond the traditional adding of resources; it actually functions in a multiplying capacity.
Typical steps: identify expense control – what are the lowest impact reduction areas to the largest expense areas that can be adjusted to help curb the impact of declining revenues. Additionally identify new or adaptable revenue streams that may not have been previously available or utilized. New opportunities require us stepping out of current operational revenue reduction responses and seeking new methods of increasing revenue and expense containment? Everyone on the team creates results!
We are fortunate to have District statements that reflect valuing all families and students we serve. Certainly, a review and assessment of specific disparities must be honestly ascertained. A discussion of how this occurred would help to inform forthgoing policy and program changes that would correct the imbalance in a system that seeks to empower all students to achieve their full potential. Connection, conversation, and honest respectful equitable outcomes serve all people in the room.
In addition to Board listening sessions, I will make myself available via email, Facebook, as well as available in the general community and as I attend school events and activities. There is naturally time before or after a Board Meeting that individuals may want to engage and provide input. Depending upon the content and decision-making process, different venues or streams of communication meet different individuals needs. Each holds critical understanding of the topic; my job is to listen.
I bring experience, dedication, and a genuine passion for public education to the school board. As a current board member and someone with a background in education, I understand the challenges facing our district and the importance of making thoughtful, responsible decisions.
During my first term, I have worked alongside the board to address our financial challenges, move toward a balanced budget, strengthen our policies and procedures, and focus on maintaining strong academics and enrollment.
I'm committed to building on the progress we've made, following through on the work still ahead, and keeping our district moving in a positive direction.
1. Continue moving toward a balanced and fiscally healthy district. Responsible financial management is essential to protecting the future of our schools and ensuring we are using taxpayer dollars wisely.
2. Put our updated policies and procedures into action. After the significant work of reviewing and updating our policies, I want to ensure they are consistently implemented and followed throughout the district.
3. Continuing working toward our vision for the future of ISD31.
My strategy would be to carefully evaluate every area of the budget and prioritize spending based on what has the greatest impact on the student learning and the long-term health of the district. I would look for efficiencies, eliminate unnecessary or duplicative expenses, and carefully evaluate programs and services before making reductions. Difficult decisions should be made using clear financial data, with input from staff and our community when appropriate.
I believe EVERY student deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their race or economic circumstances. I would support identifying disparities through data, ensuring resources and support reach students who need them, and strengthening family and community partnerships. In ISD 31, it is especially important that we listen to and respect the experiences, cultures, and need of our American Indian students and families while providing strong academic opportunities for all.
I believe good decisions are made by listening to the people they impact most. I will continue to seek input from teachers, staff, families, students, and community members through open communication, conversations, meetings, and opportunities for feedback. I will listen respectfully to differing perspectives, consider that input alongside the facts and needs of the district, and work to ensure our decisions reflect the best interest of our students and the community.
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