Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

I have lived in Moyock 17 years, with my husband and son. My son has always attended Currituck Schools, currently enrolled at JPK Early College High School. I have a nursing diploma with 20 years experience, and have been a substitute teacher here for 6 years. My volunteer work is important to me. I serve on the board of directors of Currituck Art Council; I am also art chairperson of the Moyock Woman's Club. I will continue to advocate for all forms of the arts in our schools. I do a yearly art contest for our students, and yearly scrap booking class for our EC students at the high school. I also work with our Buddy Program, mentoring students, and volunteer through the court system as a Guardian-ad-Litem for children. I serve on a 4H youth committee, and a safe and free drug committee. Other than volunteer work serving on the school board has been my full time job, and will continue to be if re-elected.

WE MUST - WE CAN - WE WILL very important words to lead our children into 21st century learning. We must create that spark in all students. We can cultivate a climate of creativity and engagement in our schools. We will hire talented teachers that motivate, relate, and activate learning. We must have high expectations for all students. We will graduate all students to be productive members of society and good citizens.

Student achievement is my number 1 goal. Hiring the best teachers and administrators is the number 1 way in achieving this goal. We will be working on career academies at our HS, students can than focus on their interests, and were their talents are. I will continue to push for more foreign language and culture exposure, and it must start in elementary schools. We must support a learning community that includes student, parent, and community involvement.

We must keep families informed; I want to see a website that would access student grades and progress reports. We must work on alternatives to suspension program, more productive in school suspension, that include community service.

Safety will always be one of my main focuses. I want to install alert buzz in systems at all schools. We must aggressively address bully problems. We will monitor safety on busses. Drivers need safety training, and radios on busses. Retaining highly talented teachers remains a big concern.

I will work towards increasing teacher supplements, and more time away from the classrooms for professional development. I will continue to be a strong advocate for all our children. I will not be satisfied till we have all schools of excellence, zero drop out rate, and to graduate all students to be productive in this 21st century. As a board member I demand this, as a parent I expect this, as a student they deserve this!