By SALINA POST
During the month of Oct. the Salina Post will be publishing a series of profiles introducing the community to the six Salina City Commission candidates and school board member candidates for USD 306, USD 305, and USD 307.
The Salina Post sent questionnaires to the candidates asking for biographical information, initiatives they hope to champion as a board member, and why they chose to run for school board.
If you live outside of Saline County check with your local elections officer for election deadlines.
What is your Age?
51
What is your profession?
Youth Minister/Office Administrator
Are you an incumbent?
No
Give a brief bio on yourself in 100 words or less:
Born and raised in Indiana. BA in History and Theology from Valparaiso University (IN) and MA in Youth & Family Ministry from Luther Seminary (MN). I have worked with youth and families at the same Salina church for 27 years. My husband and I have 2 sons who attend Ell-Saline Middle/High School. In our spare time, we work on the family farm west of Salina.
As a school board member what specific initiatives or policies would you prioritize or improve educational outcomes and support the overall well-being of students in our community?
- Promote a culture of collaboration and respect between the school board, administration, teachers, and support staff.
- Ensure a welcoming, safe, and supportive school environment
- Emphasize the importance of a balanced education & extracurricular activities
- Continue conversations to build upon our college and career readiness program for high school students.
In recent years many books have been removed from the shelves of public libraries due to their alleged inappropriate content. As a school board member where do you stand on this issue?
Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children's reading choices. School libraries should maintain diverse and age-appropriate books so that children have access to materials that align with their families’ values and beliefs.
Parental engagement and community involvement are crucial for the success of any school district. What strategies would you implement to increase collaboration between parents and educators?
Effective collaboration is essential when it comes to implementing strategies within any organization. I would work together with my fellow board members to develop a comprehensive communication plan that includes both internal and external stakeholders, including parents, students, teachers, and the broader community.
Please explain why you are running for city commission school board.
I have a passion for public education and am an advocate for all students. I believe it is important to provide accessible, quality education and ensure that young people have the resources and support they need to succeed. Empowering our students with education not only benefits them as individuals but also has a ripple effect, positively impacting families, communities, and societies as a whole. I believe my experience and knowledge would be a valuable asset for the Ell-Saline school district.