Over the last few years we have all read the headlines about conflicts among the adults running the school district. This has cost the public a small fortune, and cost the district its reputation. As the mother of a second grader and an invested member of the Truckee Meadows, I have grown concerned over the governance of the district.
It is time the school board had some new faces at the table and fresh perspectives when it comes to the decisions that impact our children, teachers and principals. I was born in Reno and my mother was a WCSD teacher. I am the oldest of four kids who were all taught the value of a public education from early on. I have followed the example set by my parents and am active in my daughter’s school, always ready to pitch in whenever parent volunteers are needed.
In my professional life, I have helped to guide successful organizations like the Nevada Museum of Art, Renown Health Foundation, Nevada Women’s Fund, and the Committee to Aid Abused Women. Working for these local organizations has given me valuable leadership experience. I have had to evaluate talent, hire and fire people, negotiate contracts and manage budgets. These are all experiences that I will bring to the board of trustees.
My daughter currently attends the same elementary school that I did as a child, so every day when I walk her to class I have a visual reminder of what our older schools require. District D is home to some of the oldest schools in Washoe County, and while addressing growth in our community by building new schools is essential, it is important to account for the needs of our aging schools as well. If I am elected, one of my first actions will be to visit each of the schools within my district so I can assess their needs first-hand. It’s one thing to read a report, but by visiting with the principals, teachers and parents at each school, I will be able to make sound decisions on what needs to be prioritized.
Renewing trust in our school board will require not only level-headed decision making, but also a commitment to integrity and openness as we focus on solutions that benefit our students. If elected, I will meet regularly with our community members so that I walk into every board meeting understanding first and foremost how our decisions impact students and teachers as well as citizens and businesses. People may not always agree with every one of my votes, but they can be sure I did my due diligence in coming to that decision.
There is a clear choice in this election between a fresh new voice and someone who has already been on the board. We all want to move on from the mistakes of the past and focus on solutions that serve our students. I see an incredibly bright future for our district, and I look forward to earning your trust and your vote.
