Trego's Mountain Ear

Since we’re having an election, I’ve written some questions for the candidates, and I’ll be asking them to everyone running. Since I’m running, I thought I’d start.

About You: I have more higher education than is really reasonable (two masters, one in education and the other in business), and five-years teaching experience. My family lives near the school, and I expect our son (currently one year old) will attend when he’s old enough.

Why are you running for school board? I chose to run for the school board because I believe that our community deserves elections and our school is important. At the time I filed, there were two candidates for two vacancies. By running, I could ensure an election. I chose to run for the three year term because it’s more important that the community have a vote on a longer term. I’m certainly willing to serve if elected, but it won’t hurt my feelings if I’m not; my purpose in running was ensuring that an election happened.

What’s the accomplishment you’re most proud of, from your time on the school board? If you haven’t ever been on a school board, what do you hope to accomplish? I’ve never served on a school board before. My hope is to ensure that we have a good school for my son to attend in a few years.

What do you think the first priority of a school board should be? I believe that a school board has a duty to the public to ensure that the school provides the best education possible with an efficient use of funds.

What do you think Trego Elementary brings to our community? Among other things- a very good sledding hill. In all honesty, I’d like to see our elementary school provide more for our community. I’d like to see a school/community library, for example.

What would the “perfect” elementary school look like? (classes offered, technology available, etc.?) It’s hard to describe the perfect school.

In terms of technology, I’d like students to have lessons on how to use it before being given free reign with it. My experience as an educator suggests that typing lessons, early (probably as soon as reading is fluid) are important, and that teaching Boolean logic and safe practices is essential. While I’d like technology to be present, it cannot replace a teacher, and I believe it should be only a small portion of the school day.

For classes offered, I’d like to see more electives. Trego has had some really neat classes at times. I would love, especially for older students, if there was more exposure to music, languages, and vocational classes. We have a community full of talented, creative people, and it would be nice if the school could take advantage of that for our kids.

I think Trego, as a small, multi-grade school, has the potential to combine some of the best features of public education. Small class sizes are great. Multi-grade is good in that it allows students to do more advanced work when they’re able, and lets them see where they are going. Older students can reinforce concepts by helping younger students.