My Goals for School Board
Painting by Maggie Driggs, Cottonwood High
1. Encourage local control: Our district is so large that it's hard to meet everyone's needs. I'd like to help create a culture, a policy, and a vision that encourages more local control so in the midst of being large, we can also meet the needs of individual kids and communities.
2. Connect every dollar to the classroom. We should be able to see how every policy and every dollar we approve looks in a classroom. Our district is so large and it is hard to make sure we understand how every dollar affects our kids. The only way to make this connection is by listening to students, parents, and teachers. The best way I can do this is by attending PTA and Community Council Meetings, being involved in all kinds of Community events, and eating lunch in faculty rooms and cafeterias.
3. Attract and keep great teachers: To make our district great for students, we have to make it great for teachers! The most important way to do this is to listen to them. Listen when they are frustrated with a new District program. Listen when they tell us how frustrating it is that they can’t find a substitute when they are sick. Listen when they see solutions and have ideas. Listen when they share their struggles to balance school and family.
4. Encourage Innovation: COVID-19 has brought education a huge opportunity to reset, innovate, and re-evaluate our methods. As we move forward in a pandemic world, we have the opportunity to make adjustments which will help us reach more students and to truly get them ready for a healthy life and career. I have a million ideas on this subject and continually gather more from businesses and educators!
5. Spend meaningful time in schools: As a School Board member, my goal will be to spend meaningful time in a school at least once per week.