My Responses to League of Women Voters of MN Nonpartisan Voters Guide Questions

 Why are you the best candidate for this position?

 If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why?

 How will you work with staff and teachers to promote safety in our schools?

I will collaborate with Board and administration, always putting students first. In District 112, I have been a board member and substitute teacher. I supported students in 112 as a foster parent, parent and now as grandparent. As a district resident for 35+ years, I will bring a calm and knowledgeable voice to the Board. 

For 30+ years I worked for non-profits serving youth and families in roles ranging from direct care to CEO. Most recently, I spent ten years in a behavioral health system leading learning and development, strategic planning and continuous improvement. My life-long learning included a BS and MBA. Other credentials included an LSW (social work), SPHR (human resources) and LSS Master Black Belt (continuous improvement).

  1. Improve learning results by enhancing the learning environment and educational approaches for students in all district schools.

2. Enhance physical and emotional safety for all by engaging students, school personnel, families and the community to create effective safety management at all schools and during school related activities. 

3. Improve Board governance by providing clear direction, fostering leader accountability and championing community values to help assure student success.

My focus will be to promote Board action to support staff and teachers with resources to more effectively engage students, parents, colleagues, school and district leaders and community members (including safety professionals) to create a physically and emotionally safe place for all students to learn and prosper. During these challenging times, the Board must be proactive in supporting the school community to enhance safety, All students deserve to be physically and emotionally safe.