A primary responsibility of the board is to ensure that policies are in place that support the beliefs and goals of the district. I will work to review, revise and develop effective policies that create a safe and supportive environment for all students, families, and staff.
Equally important is utilizing district resources in a responsible and effective manner so that all funds support our goals. I will listen to stakeholders and research data to learn how we can best use our financial resources while being fiscally responsible to our taxpayers. Tough decisions will have to be made and I will always put the needs of our students first when making decisions.
Important Issues:
Moving forward as a district, I believe that some of the important issues we will need to address include:
Recruiting and hiring great staff: The most important work happens in the classroom, so we need to continue to ensure that we have excellent staff working with our kids. We also need to ensure that once staff is hired, they have the support needed to transition into their new position. Mentoring and staff development activities can assist in this transition.
Developing a retention plan that demonstrates we value our experienced staff: Once we have hired excellent personnel then how do we keep them in our buildings? Along with financial compensation, we recognize effective teaching practices, continue to offer growth experiences and listen to their needs.
Utilizing financial resources: We often hear that taxes are too high. We also know that we need to continue to provide needed resources for our students including technology, curricular resources, and highly qualified staff. So how do we work to effectively utilize our resources to meet our district goals while also being aware of the financial burden of our taxpayers? We need to keep our focus on the needs of our students. Prioritizing the resources that best meet our district goals and ensure student learning needs to be our focus.
Communication with stakeholders: We can be most effective in educating our students when we collaborate with our staff, families and community members. Developing clear, timely, two-way communication with all stakeholders will help us to best meet the needs of all.
My Vision for Papillion La Vista Community Schools
Key Values for Community Schools’ Success
Our schools need to welcome, encourage, and challenge all students, their families and our staff. When we create a safe environment where everyone is able to think, question, explore and make mistakes, then learning can occur. Each student enters our schools with unique gifts, talents and needs. As we build relationships with our students and families, we can help students set and work toward their goals. We can provide highly qualified staff who is trained to deliver a solid curriculum. We can adjust our instruction to provide intervention and enrichment to ensure that students are supported and stretched. We can help students find the love of learning. These goals can be accomplished with the following values at the forefront.
Collaborate
Acknowledging the gifts and talents of all and developing a supportive environment results in success for all.
Communicate
Clear, consistent and timely two-way communication involving all shareholders leads to a shared vision.
Convey Hope
A message of hope gives the confidence needed to move through challenges and changes.
Do the Right Thing
This may not be the easy thing or the popular thing, but it is right. Trust and respect will be evident when actions of integrity are observed.
Celebrate Diversity
Create an environment of respect, acceptance and tolerance. Allow everyone to feel welcome and valued.
Develop and Nurture Relationships
Be fully present in each interaction acknowledging the ideas, dreams and thoughts of others.