Position sought: Monroe School Board
Age: 52
City/town of residence: Monroe
Family: Husband, James Lees, two sons and a daughter
Education: High school graduate, four year degree in nursing obtained from London Hospital
Occupation: Homemaker
What are the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve it?
In my opinion, the most important responsibility of any school district is to ensure that their students, our children, are as prepared as possible to face the real world. This may mean that they are ready to study for a two- or four-year college degree or, in some cases it may be that are ready to join the work force or a family business. The United Sates is competing economically in an increasingly global market. In order for our students to be prepared to be competitive and find good paying jobs and careers in this market, we need to ensure our educational standards are also globally competitive. We have to adapt and evolve the way we teach our students and manage the school district, ensuring that the students and staff have the tools they need to prosper. I bring a wealth and diversity of experience to the program. I have raised my family in the UK, the Netherlands and for the last 12 years in both the Illinois and Wisconsin education systems. I can contribute the positive attributes I have learned to help modernize our local program. In my opinion, outstanding education is the key not only to individual success, but also contributes to our community health, prosperity and happiness. The diversity I would bring to the board will be a valuable tool; the different systems I have been involved in will mean I bring some new ideas of not only what has worked but was has not worked for other educators.
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
Monroe is already viewed as one of the most progressive districts in the area. I believe we need to be aware that we still have room to grow if we are to meet the goal of having each child career or college ready. We also have to recognize that, with each new change, we have to be absolutely certain we are giving the staff the skill set and the support they need to be successful. The new "Line by Design" teaching is enabling us to target education at the right level for each child. A newly-introduced "weighted grades" program means that we are encouraging our children to take more academically challenging courses. Both of these changes have had and will have a huge impact on the staff. The board needs to ensure that they have the tools to measure the success of these new methods and adapt them if they need it. My other interest is to continue to work towards a seamless school system were each level, elementary, middle and high schools, work as a team. Each child has strengths and challenges. The earlier these are identified the better able the staff are to maximize the child's success. In the time I have been in Monroe, I have seen real progress in this area but believe we can still improve. Using test data to its maximum to identify issues as well as personal input from staff, and then respond not only at a building level but at a district level, I would like to see clear and transparent guidelines set so that teachers, administrators and parents can proactively plan what educational path is needed to maximize the child's achievements.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I do not think I am better than any of the other candidate running for the board of education. I just know that I bring different experiences and skill sets that I believe will benefit the education of our children. I am a new and proud American. This country and this community have been very good to me and my family. I believe serving on the board of education is a way I can give something back to this community that has treated us so well. I truly believe that each child had a talent. It may be artistic, academic, athletic, or vocational but by encouraging these gifts not only the child but the whole community benefit. Any one that knows me knows that education is my passion and I would like the chance to use my experience and passion to work on the board of education.
Age: 52
City/town of residence: Monroe
Family: Husband, James Lees, two sons and a daughter
Education: High school graduate, four year degree in nursing obtained from London Hospital
Occupation: Homemaker
What are the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve it?
In my opinion, the most important responsibility of any school district is to ensure that their students, our children, are as prepared as possible to face the real world. This may mean that they are ready to study for a two- or four-year college degree or, in some cases it may be that are ready to join the work force or a family business. The United Sates is competing economically in an increasingly global market. In order for our students to be prepared to be competitive and find good paying jobs and careers in this market, we need to ensure our educational standards are also globally competitive. We have to adapt and evolve the way we teach our students and manage the school district, ensuring that the students and staff have the tools they need to prosper. I bring a wealth and diversity of experience to the program. I have raised my family in the UK, the Netherlands and for the last 12 years in both the Illinois and Wisconsin education systems. I can contribute the positive attributes I have learned to help modernize our local program. In my opinion, outstanding education is the key not only to individual success, but also contributes to our community health, prosperity and happiness. The diversity I would bring to the board will be a valuable tool; the different systems I have been involved in will mean I bring some new ideas of not only what has worked but was has not worked for other educators.
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
Monroe is already viewed as one of the most progressive districts in the area. I believe we need to be aware that we still have room to grow if we are to meet the goal of having each child career or college ready. We also have to recognize that, with each new change, we have to be absolutely certain we are giving the staff the skill set and the support they need to be successful. The new "Line by Design" teaching is enabling us to target education at the right level for each child. A newly-introduced "weighted grades" program means that we are encouraging our children to take more academically challenging courses. Both of these changes have had and will have a huge impact on the staff. The board needs to ensure that they have the tools to measure the success of these new methods and adapt them if they need it. My other interest is to continue to work towards a seamless school system were each level, elementary, middle and high schools, work as a team. Each child has strengths and challenges. The earlier these are identified the better able the staff are to maximize the child's success. In the time I have been in Monroe, I have seen real progress in this area but believe we can still improve. Using test data to its maximum to identify issues as well as personal input from staff, and then respond not only at a building level but at a district level, I would like to see clear and transparent guidelines set so that teachers, administrators and parents can proactively plan what educational path is needed to maximize the child's achievements.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I do not think I am better than any of the other candidate running for the board of education. I just know that I bring different experiences and skill sets that I believe will benefit the education of our children. I am a new and proud American. This country and this community have been very good to me and my family. I believe serving on the board of education is a way I can give something back to this community that has treated us so well. I truly believe that each child had a talent. It may be artistic, academic, athletic, or vocational but by encouraging these gifts not only the child but the whole community benefit. Any one that knows me knows that education is my passion and I would like the chance to use my experience and passion to work on the board of education.