I have worked in the education field as a licensed Speech Language Pathologist for the past 23 years, 2 years in the St. Cloud Area School District and 21 years in the Elk River school district where I am currently employed. I have experience with students in early childhood, elementary, middle and high school settings. The students I work with include individuals with autism, cognitive, and emoti
onal/behavioral issues. My husband, Chris, and I have 4 children (ages 21, 17, 12 & 7) and we have proudly called Becker home for 18+ years. We have a deep appreciation for our community and schools. My experiences with the Becker School District has been positive. Our district has experienced, motivating, and caring teachers. These teachers challenge students to grow, take risks and become independent thinkers, while providing a positive environment for every student. The decision to run for the Becker School Board is because I want to continue to support our students and teachers, and I do not agree with past decisions made by our current school board. The direction in which the school board is headed does not support the Becker Schools mission statement: “Developing self-directed learners to thrive in a changing global community.”
I believe that all decisions should be based in the best interests of our students, who are our future. I strongly believe all decisions should be made having the students’ best interests’ front and center. I believe we need to retain and recruit high quality teachers and staff, who are passionate about teaching and learning, to prepare our children to be successful and contributing members of their community. I believe our schools need to exhibit fiscal discipline and utilize their resources efficiently. Finally, I believe that the decisions made need to reflect the mission of Becker Public Schools: “Developing self-directed learners to thrive in a changing global community.”
Our students need to be able to be independent, critical thinkers with the information they are given. Students need to learn problem solving and communication skills to agree and disagree in a manner that is not disruptive or violent. I also believe we need to design and implement academic programs that fit all student needs, whether they are headed off to college, tech school, the military, apprenticeships or a work/employment track. My personal experience having children in the Becker schools for the past 18 years and experience working in education makes me the most qualified candidate to be the voice for what our students and families need today, and I would greatly appreciate your vote for Becker School Board on Tuesday, November 8th.
