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I have been meaning to post something about my background, why I am running and my goals for school committee.  Of course, I just realized that I still haven't done that.  I am still writing the piece about parent involvement - but, for this moment, I take another break for some more campaign chat.
About me:
I am married (13 years ago, in Salem) and have three kids.  My oldest, Michael, is six and going into first grade.  My second child, Peter, is four and going into his second year of preschool.  Elizabeth is 2.5 and "hangs out" with me.  We have been living in Salem since 2006.  I was raised in Merrillville, Indiana (near Chicago).  I studied biology at Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame for two years before transferring to the University of Oklahoma to get my Bachelor's degree in Zoology.  Afterwards I went to the University of California at San Francisco to study dental hygiene.  My ultimate career goal was to become a dental hygiene educator.  As a clinical dental hygienist, I have worked in private practice and research.  I did reach my ultimate career goal and served as the first-year clinic coordinator at the Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists.  Since having my children, most of my dental-related work has been coordinating outreach and education for children in Salem, including the Halloween Candy Buy Back Program.  I am a board member of Parents United of Salem and an active classroom parent and PTO member.
Why I am running:
Although I am a new face on the political scene, I feel that the school committee can benefit from my fresh perspective.  This is a crucial time period for the future of our schools and I am sincerely concerned.  I am not running to begin a career in politics and I have no agenda, other than improving the education for all children at all levels.
I have been a parent within the Salem school system for three years and attended nearly all school committee meetings over the past 18 months.  Over this time I have been out talking to teachers and parents and have developed a good working relationship with the superintendent.  I have done research related to various topics and respectfully offered my thoughts and ideas.  I am prepared to serve our community as a member of the school committee and will look at all issues thoughtfully and objectively as they relate to specific concerns and the "big picture".
I feel that school committee members have a responsibility to the people of Salem, especially children.  They need to be able to explain why our schools are succeeding or failing.  I don't expect it to be an easy job - but it is one that I will take very seriously.
Goals:
- Promote an academic culture that provides high quality education for all students at all levels of learning throughout the district while preserving school choice.
- Maintain focus on district-wide goals and ensure each school knows its role in the success of all students.
- Foster strong leadership at all levels, improved collaboration and clear communication between administrators, teachers, parents and taxpayers.
- Make "smart investments" in our school system by assuring that program or initiative decisions meet our goals, have proven success in similar districts, are sustainable and can provide results that are measurable.