Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
How long have you lived in the district?
I am a life-long resident of Washakie County School District #1 (WCSD#1). Aside from my six years at Montana and the University of Wyoming, I've lived in Worland with my husband Mark and raised our three children, Dustin, Brenna and Dane. I've recently retired from Range with close to 30 years service and most recently held the position of EVP/General Manager.
Do you have children in the district?
Yes, all three children graduated from District #1 and now we have three grandchildren in the school district.
How do you feel this will help you in serving on the school board if elected?
Having children and grandchildren in the district gives me an intimate perspective of how the district works. I have participated at school board meetings throughout the years on issues that have concerned my children as well as presenting opportunities to the board regarding the benefits of our telecommunications services - for example, streaming local high school sports.
Why are you running for the Worland School Board?
I have spent approximately 30 years working on telecommunication boards and associations focusing on my company's interest - keeping my participation in community interests for a period when I would have more time to dedicate to it. I have spent an enormous amount of energy into making Worland and our other 15 markets "future proof" with an extensive fiber optic network. Now it's time to devote my energy to my community by serving as a board member on WCSD#1. My work experience has given me a strong understanding of how to manage taxpayer dollars in a fiscally conservative way.
Do you feel you have the time it takes to serve?
Since retiring, I now have time to devote to community interests. I believe I have a skill set that would work well as a school board member. My knowledge of administrative and contractual obligations has given me great insight into the role and responsibilities of working on a board. More importantly, my years at Range taught me that team building, taking care of the people that work for you, is what a real leader must do to be successful.
What would you do to help the district bring back students who have dropped out? Do you feel it is important to try and bring back students who are attending online schooling or home schooling? Why or why not?
I believe the district is finally making its most aggressive effort to address our drop out rate by adding White Hawk Academy alternative school. Public schools need to offer opportunities that students can't get in an online or homeschool environment. By giving children an alternative path to education, in person or online, options are necessary for today's environment.
Do you feel enough is being done regarding the mental health of our students? Why or why not? Do you have ideas on how to address this?
I believe the district is actively working with Washakie Prevention Coalition regarding the mental health issues of our students along with providing training to teachers and staff on this important issue. Policies and procedures are currently in place for dealing with suicide, the most severe outcome to mental health issues. A progressive school board will ensure that policies and procedures are tweaked or changed when needed to provide a healthy learning environment for our students.
Do you feel enough is being done regarding bullying – (online and in person) – in the school system? Why or why not? Do you have ideas on how to address this?
Bullying has been around a long time. I'm sure we can all think of our own school bullies, nonetheless, in the world we live in today, we have a digital bully - the disadvantage of social media and the influence it has on our youth. In an ideal world parents and grandparents would offer the optimal solution to dealing with a bully. In addition, schools have a responsibility to address this behavior since they are often on the front line dealing with bullying behavior. As a long time employer, I've seen that kids today, aren't always equipped with the skill set to deal with the poor behavior of some of their peers - they are missing interpersonal communication skills. It might behoove the district to add in part, curriculum that provides these skills.
What is the most important issue the school district is facing and how would you help address it?
Technology – is it friend or foe? Whatever you think, it is here to stay. We need to embrace it, use it to our best advantage for students and teachers in today's ultra ever-changing environment. I wholeheartedly applaud the district for their effort to minimize cell phone use as a distraction to learning and I encourage a progressive approach to the use of technology in the classroom.
