Safety
The safety of our students and staff is of the utmost importance. Learning can only happen when our children and teachers feel that they are in a safe environment.
We are fortunate that our district has invested in the physical safety of our most vulnerable population. Over the past several years, Revere has implemented the best, most advanced safety measures in our schools. I am committed to continuing to improve safety measures for our buildings and grounds.
Safety does not stop at physical security, however. Comprehensive safety also addresses the mental, emotional and social well-being of our students and staff. I have spoken to too many parents whose children do not feel psychologically safe in our schools. Some of them have chosen alternative schooling. That breaks my heart.
We can also see this reflected in our ever-increasing special education spending. I am not saying Revere is the best fit for every student. But I don't believe we are doing enough to address the needs of our families. I am committed to closely examining our special education strategy, identifying safety and support systems the district can incorporate and creating a framework to help every student graduate with the durable skills needed to find success.
Fiscal Responsibility
My parents have lived in the district since 1978. They have now aged to a point where I am helping them manage their finances and live on a fixed income with increasing expenses. Every dollar they spend is precious, their tax dollars being no exception. They understand that their biggest, most valuable asset is their property, and that property's value is intertwined with the value of our school district.
Revere has been truly fortunate to benefit from Rick Berdine's fiscal oversight. The five-year forecast shows the district as financially healthy, with no need for an additional tax levy in the foreseeable future. That doesn't mean we can take our eyes off of spending, however. We need board members who are closely monitoring the state's changes to education spending and legislation concerning property taxes and millage. Now is the time when we need to be closely examining where the district's costs are increasing, anticipating potential revenue decreases and carefully guarding our hard-earned investment as taxpayers.
Role of a Board Member
School board members are the community's voice in the operation of the district. My responsibility as an elected official is to act as a bridge between the district and the community. I am committed to listening to all community members and district stakeholders in order to make informed decisions.
Board members are responsible for setting policy and hiring and evaluating the superintendent and treasurer. My three years on the board for Cuyahoga Valley Career Center have given me understanding of and experience in both of those areas. In addition, my career has prepared me to serve in this capacity. I have hired and evaluated people for a wide range of roles, from analyst positions to leadership roles. I have coached employees through performance improvement plans and had difficult but crucial conversations about separating from the company. I have done so with care and empathy but firmness. I am not afraid to do the right thing.
I am what some would call a policy nerd. As chair for CVCC’s Policy Committee, I have developed a critical eye for school board policy. I am skilled at digging into the details, crafting wording that is consistent, comprehensive and enforceable. I have extensive experience with contracts, articles of incorporation, and policies and procedures from 30 years of insurance product development.
In order to be effective in those roles, a board member must show up to meetings prepared, having read through the agenda, policies, curriculum and contracts that will be up for a vote. A board member is responsible for asking questions for clarity and ensuring that due diligence was done on all sides before casting a vote.
I believe a board member should be appropriately engaged in the community and the schools. I want to see first hand how amazing the choir is, how lush the sets are for the musical, and how hard our athletes work to compete. I will be a presence not only for students and teachers, but also for our community members and business owners.
Partisan Politics
Governor DeWine wisely vetoed a line item in the biennial budget bill requiring candidates for local school board elections to run in political party primary elections and display party affiliations on the general election ballot. This provision would have increased costs to schools for the added primary elections. Also, certain community members, such as state or federal employees and police and fire employees, would have been ineligible to run for a school board seat.
Partisan politics do not belong in our schools. They definitely do not belong on our school boards.
I do not align with either political party. To do so as a candidate and then as a board member would not position me to be open-minded to the needs of our students and community. I bring no political agenda to the table, and I will not accept financial or in-kind support from any party. When I am the one voting, I hope for no less from anyone running for the school board.