PLATFORM
"I come from a proud family that has been involved with the community for a long time, and plan to be involved for many years to come. Pictured above from left to right is my husband of 35 years Paul, my son and his wife, Matt and Molly, who were married this June, and then myself. We have been residents of Richmond for 18 years. I was an administrator at Richmond for 17 years, and currently still am involved with the district in numerous ways "
ITEMS OF INTEREST
Why am I running?
I have been asked by several people – why are you running for the school board. I would like to share my thoughts with you.
First and foremost, I am passionate about education. Ask anyone who has worked with me and they will agree with this statement. I believe education is important for all individuals for the growth in our community and society.
Second, I believe that I have a lot to offer Richmond Community Schools. I would bring to the board my experience in education both as an administrator and parent, mentor, and skills such as communication, organization, and leadership.
Third, I would like to give back to this community that is given me so much. I can do this by sharing my time and talents with the Richmond Board of Education.
Finally, it is about the students in this community. I want to ensure that the students are not only prepared but are excited about the future ahead of them after they leave Richmond Community Schools.
Teacher Retention
One issue I would like to address is teacher retention. I would seek out and support opportunities for our staff to collaborate and develop an environment that encourages creativity within the staff. Richmond is not only a community, but a family.
Whether it be the fire truck and police escort in town when an athletic team wins a state championship or recognizing the achievements of our academic scholars at awards ceremonies, we are a family. It is important that when teachers come to Richmond, they are included in this, and want to stay for years to come.
A common misconception among the community is the data of teacher retention provided by mischooldata.org. Although this data is reported by the district, it is two-full school years behind. With the recent departure of approximately 20 staff members in the past two years, they would not be reported under this data. Furthermore, in the past five years we have lost over 100 staff members in this district, and yet to be addressed by the current Board of Education.
Student Choices at the Forefront
I would advocate and support programs that will provide all students opportunities for their future. My accomplishments in this area speaks for itself.
While high school principal, I was instrumental in starting and receiving state certification for the following career technical education programs—AIS Heavy Equipment and Maintenance, Broadcasting, Culinary Arts, and EMT. It was my priority to make sure that students with special needs were a part of these programs.
Prior to my becoming principal, the high school had no advanced placement programs. During my time there, seven advanced placement courses were added and continue to be offered. I have supported the high school robotics program and continue to be a mentor for this program today post-retirement. I would continue to support programs such as Early College Macomb, Dual Enrollment, and International Academy of Macomb. As stated previously, students are my passion and I will strive to continue to support programs that will provide them a future.
Bringing "Family Feel" Back to Richmond
While I was working at Richmond, one of my main focuses was ensuring that the students were provided with a quality level of education. Every time a decision was made while I was an administrator at Richmond, it was done with the students in mind. I believe education is important for all individuals to continue to enhance our community and society as a whole.
Teachers wanted to stay in Richmond. Teachers wanted to move into Richmond, and bring their families here, and raise their children. Recently, I personally believe that we have lost that sense of family in Richmond. It is time to bring it back, stay true, and be the respected, and professional Blue Devil district that I know we can be.