Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

I have 25 years of experience as a school board member as well as experience as a teacher, as a mother/grandmother and volunteer in our schools. 

I am a native of Mt. Airy and a graduate of Appalachian State University with a degree in Spanish and Social Studies.  Having taught prior to becoming a mother, and now a grandmother, home and family became my primary occupation.  I have continued to teach part-time at all levels, KG-adult education.

As a school volunteer and PTA President, I became concerned with the educational decisions being made by the school board regarding ALL children.  That initial candidacy resulted in my dedication to continue to vote with the heart and intellect of a mother/educator for the past 25 years.  I received recognition as an All State Board Member by the NCSBA in 2006 and currently serve as Vice Chairman.

As an ACBL certified Bridge Instructor, Gold Life Master, I now teach classes at various locations in the city/county.

My reasons for continuing to serve on the Board have remained steadfast -- to have a conscientious vote for ALL children and their educational needs.  Our schools always need parental participation and support.  I want to place more emphasis on our parenting curriculum in order to prepare our current students for the responsibility of future parenting.  The foundation for success begins in homes with loving parents/guardians.  I want our school board to continue to have a reputation for being supportive of teachers and staff.

The foundation for academic achievement begins in the home.  Some students do achieve without parental support, but it is usually because the teacher has put a lot of extra effort into that child/class.

Parents/guardians should be in school to conference on the needs of the child or to volunteer to help and thus to show teachers that they are respected in their efforts on behalf of student success.  I would like to see the implementation of a requirement for parents/guardians (or a substitute) to be at school on a regular schedule.

I will continue to advocate for as strong parenting curriculum that emphasizes the parental role in the success of students -- parenting skills that produce education for job-preparedness and life-preparedness as good citizens in the community.