Why are you running for school board?
I am running for the school board to support teachers and improve our schools. Prior to retiring two years ago I was principal at Springer Middle School. There is no more pressing issue that supporting our teachers and improving the lives of students in our school. District test scores need to be improved and the only way to go about it is supporting teachers efforts to increase them.
How will you use your experience and background to approach your role as a member of the school board?
I have twenty-seven years building level experience in public school education. I began as an Interventionist at Hanby Middle School and earned my teaching certification. The following year I began teaching Business Education at Alexis I DuPont High School. After teaching five years I moved onto being an Assistant Principal at Mount Pleasant High School. I then moved onto Springer Middle School and becoming both an Assistant Principal and then Principal. I have earned my Bachelors, Masters in Educational Leadership as well awarded my Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
If you had to pick one, which do you believe is more important for achieving higher academic achievement: greater fnding or better reforms?
Better reforms will lead to greater funding and other needed resources. I truly believe if you can effectively spell out your reforms and policies it will make it easier for others to understand your position.
Name 1 or 2 changes or policies you will support that will raise the academic achievement of all students in your district?
One policy is for the state of Delaware to adequately fund school districts within the state and ensure the states budget is fully funded. The other is to ensure that students with special needs and students with ELL are equitably funded.
What changes should be made at schools to make the classroom a more effective environment for maximizing learning and instruction (teaching)?
One change is for the state to create a law, similar to other states, that restricts the use of cellphones during the student day. The other would be to fully fund SRO’s in school buildings.
Many educators say that not all parents are engaged enough with their children's education. How can the school board create policies that help forge a closer relationship and involvement among parents, their children and educators?
It is true that not all parents are engaged enough and there is no policy or law that will speak to what is the proper amount. Like each student, each parent is engaged with their child at the numbers of hours they can afford to spend. Some parents work two or three jobs to keep food on the table and roof over their heads. Dictating to parents what they must do is a non-starter. Developing a policy as to what teachers would like to have them do is appropriate.