Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

In 1991, I moved to Chapel Hill to complete my medical training as a general surgeon with the University of North Carolina Department of Surgery.  I subsequently married my husband Bob and we had our four children, Nick, Beth, Kate and Alex, all students in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS).

In 2000, I retired from private practice to become a full-time mother.  That decision led me into serving the community as a volunteer, an advocate and a leader while developing a growing relationship with this school district.  To broaden my understanding of education and gain advocacy training, I have attended continuing education conferences locally and regionally.  For the past three years, as a health columnist for Chapel Hill Magazine, I have been able to combine my interests and experience while using my medical training to write about a variety of topics related to parenting, education and general healthcare.  Whenever relevant, I explore and share the impact those subjects have on our schools.

Some of my volunteer work with individual schools includes Room Parent, Odyssey of the Mind, Coach Write, Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and serving as chairman on a School Governance Committee.  I was a co-founder of the Scroggs playground expansion project and founder of the Rashkis Birthday Book Club.  I have served on numerous committees, most recently with Orange County's non-profit Family Advocacy Network (FAN) and as a working group leader on the CHCCS Special Needs Advisory Council (SNAC).  I also have assumed responsibilities as a liaison by special appointment to various school district committees.  On the state level, I work as a parent advocate and a member of the NC-PTA State Board's Exceptional Children Commission.  Additionally, I have been invited to speak on twice-exceptional (gifted and disabled) students by NC Department of Public Instruction and several organizations.

I believe that all children can achieve their potential.  To make those words a reality, every student needs a strong foundation created by a high quality education that meets each individual's needs.  Even with its many resources and strengths, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School District has not reached this goal for all students.  Today, our schools face the additional challenge of trying to do more with less as the impact of budget cuts is felt in the face of continued growth in our district's student population.

Now more than ever, accountability is critical to insure our priorities are carried out.  We must resist sacrificing high standards and best instructional practice. Required is frank discussion of what is working and what is not, communicated plainly.  Any plans implemented for improvement must be measured for effectiveness considering input from principals, teachers and parents.  Additionally, I encourage efforts of collaboration on every level so our schools are as efficient and effective as possible.  Collaboration within individual schools and across the district should make full use of existing community resources and expertise.

I believe that the success of each student in high school and beyond begins with early success at the elementary school level.  I am committed to working for the best interests of all students in the district and to listening to the concerns of students, parents, teachers, administrators and private citizens. Through all of my volunteer work and leadership, I am most proud of my track record as a strong advocate for children and my ability to bring people together to work for solutions to tough problems.  I want to apply these skills serving as a member of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Board.