Previous Offices Held
First time running for office
Top Three Priorities
1. There seems to be an overuse and reliance on technology (laptops, phones, smart boards). I think we need to find a better balance in their use.
2. I think children are too sedentary and need more physical activity. I’d explore the use of outdoor classrooms and a longer recess for elementary students.
3. To ensure that Sanford teachers have the supplies and materials they need and aren’t always having to spend out of pocket for them.
Why are you running?
In the past few years of my work in schools, I’ve seen the impact that the COVID pandemic and school closures have had on our children. They have more difficulty socializing or making eye contact, have less confidence, and seem more unsure of themselves. Many are exhibiting behavior issues that are proving more challenging to our teachers. I feel a need to help, and as I have recently retired, I now have time to give back to our community.
What is the biggest challenge facing your area’s schools? The biggest opportunity?
How can the schools work with increasing numbers of students with challenging behaviors and support students with increasingly complex needs? How to find and keep quality staff. Staff burnout and turnover are a concern (for example: 18 new staff started at one elementary school this fall). How to maintain services for students while coping with increasing costs for health insurance, food expenses, diesel fuel for buses, etc. Finding a balance in the use of technology.
A top issue for many parents is the age of Maine’s school infrastructure. How would you address this issue locally from your position on the school board?
Sanford is blessed with a new high school, and other schools in the district have had fairly recent renovations. Our priority should be to see that they are well-maintained and kept in good repair.
Do you think the state government is too involved in local schooling? Not involved enough? The right amount of involved? Explain your answer.
State education aid is an important part of Sanford’s budget (75%), as was its support for our new high school. It could be more responsive to changes in local needs such as in special education.