EXPERIENCE
In this time of transition, Brunswick needs experienced, informed, independent thinkers on the school board. Divergent views should be heard. "IF EVERYONE'S THINKING ALIKE, SOMEONE'S NOT THINKING." ---General George S. Patton I will continue to make decisions based on educational and financial impact, using research, data, staff recommendations, public input and common sense. "People don't resist change--they resist being changed. " - Peter M. Senge NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Brunswick should take advantage of state funding for our new elementary school, designed with flexibility to adjust to future shifts in the school age population. The new school should designed to be able to accommodate all grades, k-5, not just 3-5. No students should be in portable classrooms; this includes the junior high school. The job of the school board is to put forward a project that the people of Brunswick can fully support. "Public sentiment is everything. Without it, nothing can succeed; with it, nothing can fail." --Abraham Lincoln Brunswick schools belong to the people of Brunswick: students, parents, community members, taxpayers. |
NEW SUPERINTENDENT: The most important thing the school board will do in the next year is hire a new superintendent. We need a leader who will support our high standards and rigorous academic content for every student, using time-tested methods and adopting innovations that are proven to be effective. Brunswick has built a reputation for quality public education by doing what works, not what's trendy. We need a superintendent who will uphold our tradition of academic excellence combined with financial responsibility.
EQUITY:
I will address equity concerns by advocating for school size and grade configuration that best serve disadvantaged students.
Smaller schools and fewer transitions are proven to be better for all students, families and communities.
** Educational quality for every student must be as important as equity for every student. ** INNOVATION:
Public education is prone to fads, recommended by education “experts”. “Open classroom” style schools still stand as reminders that the role of the school board is to evaluate innovations based on proof of effectiveness, not fall prey to the allure of being “cutting edge” or to serve as a rubber stamp. LOCAL CONTROL:
I will advocate for local control of education. The goal of state control over curriculum and assessments is uniformity. Cookie cutter schools without local flexibility to meet local students’ needs will hurt our students.
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