Philosophy

1. I believe every student has the right to be educated where his or her parents think best, whether at home, in private schools or public schools. I believe public schools should provide options and choices to allow each student to achieve his or her maximum potential.

2. I believe in working with, not against, elected and appointed officials, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and students to reach goals. I believe in opening doors for students to advance as each is able, not in throwing unnecessary roadblocks in their way.

3. I believe in providing a safe and secure learning environment for our students. While not all threats and emergencies can be prevented, I know we have strategies and plans in place to deal with any emergency. On the other hand, not every event constitutes a threat or emergency, and life must not be lived in fear and trepidation of the unknown.

4. I believe in parents assuming responsibility for their student's behavior and actions at school and elsewhere. Do not blame teachers who are required to correct your student because your student is inconsiderate of others. Proper consideration and respect for others should be taught at home.

5. I believe in a parent's right to know what is happening in his or her child's school, to be informed and to participate in decision making about his or her child's education. Education is a team job, and every parent is on the team.

6. I believe a parent has a duty and responsibility to participate in his or her student's education through involvement in school activities, events, and organizations such as PTAs or other parent organizations, school advisory councils, open house, and parent-teacher conferences.

7. I believe in a teacher's right to be supported in his or her decisions by the school administration and school board, to have disruptive students removed from the teacher's classroom, to be provided the resources and supplies needed to teach, to have reasonable pay and working conditions, and to be supported in matters of discipline and classroom conduct.

8. I believe in a student's right to have a good teacher, to be in a good learning environment, and to be in classes with students who want to learn.

9. I believe the role and function of education is to teach students basic skills, prepare them for the workplace of the future, help them understand the fundamentals of our democracy, and provide an exposure to the arts.

10. I believe education provides the keys to a successful life whether that is in a vocational field or higher academic pursuits. Our students are as bright as any, and must have the opportunity to learn as much as any other students. We have many challenges that must be met as best they can with the available resources in our educational community.