1. What is the role of Vicksburg Community Schools in our community? What do you think are the strengths of VCS and what are some things that need to be improved about our school district?
Maximize the success and potential of each student.
Strengths - Educators/Coaches/Families
Improvements
Increased Curriculum Transparency
Dedicated to Parental Rights
Safe spaces for male and female students
Support of teachers / Students through connection to mental health resources, Family expectations and discipline policy
Star Reading, Star Math, College Readiness
Phone Free Classrooms, Vape free campus
2. If elected to the board, what are your top three objectives?
Parental Rights/Transparency
Safe spaces for Boys and Girls
Student Outcomes
3. In times of shrinking revenues and cutbacks, or in times of surplus, decisions must be made regarding budgetary priorities. Please outline your budgetary priorities as specifically as possible.
Operating Budgets must be prioritized for “front-line” employees (Teachers, Interventionalists, para-pro’s, etc).
Central Administration employee count and function must be evaluated.
Class size (Instructor/Pupil Ratio) must be looked at and evaluated.
Capital fund planning for maintenance and growth.
I don’t think we actually have shrinking revenues, I think we have a state and federal spending problem as well as a school performance problem.
Have public schools overextended themselves outside of the core mission (Education of students)?
4. What do you see as a school board member’s role and responsibility in the effective administration of schools?
Overall Governance, Hiring the superintendent, Budget/Investment allocation, being aware of the temperature of staff, students, parents, and helping develop/communicate vision around major decisions and growth/bond projects What do you think the relationship should be between the Board of Education and the superintendent and other VCS employees such as VCS staff evaluating their administrators? I believe in transparent and timely feedback. 360 reviews for all parties (including the Board) and Employee Net Promoter Score should be utilized to show where we are strong and where we can improve.
5. What do you envision as changes needed in the curriculum, if any, to better prepare students for the challenges they face when they graduate?
More focus and investment in reading, writing, and real world arithmetic (Budgeting, investing, taxes) STEM, Trades, and Arts. What impact will these potential changes have on the structure of BK-12 education in Vicksburg? I could see different middle and high school expressions/tracks based on passion and aptitude.
6. Do you support the constitutional provision for a separation between church and state as it applies to classroom curriculum?
The First amendment states :Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof … I'm a Christian. I don't believe in proselytizing in school but the foundation for western culture is Judeo Christian Values and Morals.
7. In a situation where you disagree with the VCS Board of Education on a controversial decision or topic, how do you envision handling it, especially if the final decision does not match your opinion?
I would voice/vote my dissent and depending on the “weight” of the decision it would govern my response. My response would be a spectrum of “be quiet and support like it was my idea” to Resign.
8. Based on your definition of academic freedom, how would you respond to a parent or guardian who wants the district to limit access to or remove books from the library?
If the book or parts of the book can’t be read at a board meeting publicly then it shouldn’t be in our libraries. If not already formed I would propose a librarian, teacher, and parent advisory committee to evaluate books that are brought forward with concerns.
9. What do you know about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in public schools? How do you foresee promoting DEI for our students?
I don’t. I believe it's a harmful ideology. I do believe in diversity of thought, equality of opportunity, and merit though. I also believe in targeted intervention.
10. What role does arts education play in your vision of Vicksburg Community Schools?
I love the Arts! Increase creativity, imagination, beauty, courage - all great attributes.
11. What is your position on privatization of school employees?
I am a product of my family, church, and public school. I am running because I still believe in public schools. While there may be areas where private services/roles could enhance efficiency/impact we must ensure that student outcomes are only affected positively.
12. What are your views on collective bargaining in the public school setting?
If it's helping us retain and compensate top teaching talent, I’m all for it.
13. What perspectives will you seek and which stakeholders will you speak to when determining the success and challenges of Vicksburg Community Schools? What would you recommend as the best avenue to ensure the involvement of all stakeholders in school decision making?
All perspectives - Creation of cross stakeholder advisory councils - I’m a big believer in Covey’s “seek first to understand then to be understood” Increase transparency to all in board/administration decisions.
14. The members of VEA are excited for a larger presence from the school board in our day-to-day activities. How often do you plan to visit the schools in person? Would you be open to having a seat at the School Board Meetings for a VEA representative?
I’m looking for guidance from you, the teachers. How much is too much, too little? Why would you like/need a seat? Your question leads me to believe that the current administration is not representing the VEA and teachers in decision making. Is it lack of communication, follow-thru, ignorance, ivory tower, other?
15. What is your position on using public tax funds that currently support public schools to pay tuition for private and parochial schools? What is your position on school vouchers and the issue of school choice?
I believe parents should have the right to choose what option(s) work best for their children. I also believe competition makes us all better.