Why I am Running for School Committee

I believe that the Portland School system should be the best in the state and I want to be a part of that effort. Since some people have asked me to be specific about what my campaign for school committee stands for, I’m happy to provide the following.

School Committee Responsibilities - I believe the School Committee is responsible for proposing informed and responsible budgets, managing facilities and ensuring that the curriculum and overall atmosphere produces the best educated students possible. I believe my experience and skills will help the School Committee meet these goals.

Informed and Responsible Budgets – I believe informed and responsible budgets are developed through long range planning, looking for ways to consolidate services and programs, and challenging everyone in the system to find ways to control costs. My experience working with school districts across the country and helping them produce budget documents that provide accurate and targeted information will enable me to immediately contribute to budget discussions.

Safe and Well Utilized School Facilities – I believe Portland’s school facilities are important assets for the entire city. In all facilities we need to be sure we are maintaining them to avoid conditions that have a negative impact on learning, not to mention the costs incurred if we wait too long. We also need to take advantage of the community center space in our three Community Schools and promote their use by the constituencies in each neighborhood. Active partnerships between the city and school administration are critical to keeping these facilities safe and fully utilized.

As an example of how these partnerships can work, I point to the improvements made at Reiche Community School over the past four years. After Reiche failed to secure funding in the last round of the state’s school renovation program, I was among several parents on the Parent Advisory Committee that worked with city and school administrators to address issues that needed immediate attention. Through targeted expenditures and partnerships with local businesses we renovated classrooms, installed energy efficient windows, painted interior spaces, created an outdoor classroom, and improved locker room facilities for the pool. Today, teachers are more enthusiastic than ever to be a part of the school, fewer families are choosing to send their children out of district and more are requesting waivers to attend Reiche, and most importantly, test scores have improved. In addition, the experience of improving Reiche has resulted in stronger partnerships between the city and school administrations.

Broad And Enriching Curriculum – I believe the School Committee is responsible for ensuring that the curriculum taught in our schools does more than “teach to the tests.” New and innovative learning methods including expeditionary schools can be used to provide a variety of choices throughout the district. We need to produce students who not only test well, but are capable of critical and creative thinking. In order to do this, the School Committee needs to provide guidance on how to maintain learning programs and extracurricular activities. As one who benefited from an excellent education and participated in drama, chorus and athletics throughout my school career, I have a passion about developing well-rounded individuals.

21st Century Technology - Technology in the classroom will enable Portland students to participate in a world economy. We need to develop math, science and technology programs that produce students who are ready to help build a strong Maine economy that retains its best students. The School Committee should ensure that advanced technology based classes are available for all students.

Supported and Appreciated Teachers – Teachers are on the front line and need to know that they are respected, appreciated and valued. While this needs to primarily come from students and parents, the School Committee sets the tone by demonstrating their support for its teachers and listening to their ideas. At Reiche, the PTO puts on a Staff Appreciation Week that shows teachers, ed-techs, cafeteria workers, custodial staff, crossing guards, and even the principal how much we value their efforts.

Increased Family Involvement - Lastly, I believe the School Committee should promote efforts to increase family involvement in all schools. As parents of two children in the Portland School system, we have learned that the more we are engaged with our childrens' school, teachers and friends, the more rewarding the experience becomes. Whether enjoying the food at the annual multi-cultural potluck, going on field trips, reading in the classroom, serving on the PTO, or coaching basketball and lacrosse, we have gained so much more than we have given. Portland benefits from an extraordinarily diverse population, and the more families are involved, the more we all benefit.

I hope this has given you an idea of what I believe and why I want to bring this passion to the School Committee.