10/11/2025
YOU ASKED, I'M ANSWERING: YOUR TOP QUESTIONS ABOUT MY CAMPAIGN FOR BATTLE GROUND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
As an independent candidate for the school board, I've received numerous questions from voters. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked ones:
Q: "Why are you running for the school board?" A: I'm committed to ensuring our district provides the best possible education for all students. My campaign focuses on students first and always! As my 32 year career as a teacher and union leader came to a close, it became apparent there was a need to step up and help the district in this volunteer role. I had never planned this, but I feel called to it. I am passionate and dedicated to listening to the community to make informed decisions.
Q: "What experience do you bring to the role?"
A: Although I'm new to elected office, I'm passionate about education and committed to learning and growing in the role. I'll work collaboratively with the other board members, parents, educators, and the community to make informed decisions.
Q: "How will you stay accountable to voters?"
A: I plan to maintain an open-door policy, engage regularly with the community, and provide transparent updates on my work. I attend district sporting events, musical performances, plays and other activities. I also serve currently on the Citizen's Advisory Committee. I volunteer in two of the schools weekly which is a dream of mine. It's the higight of my week! I love helping kids learn in small groups. As an independent candidate, I'm committed to representing the interests of our community, not a particular party or special interest group.
Q: Since you were a union leader, won't you only advocate for the teachers?
A: Yes, I was a union leader for many years. In that role, I focused on students needs as the priority. I advocated for smaller class sizes, safer schools, students' ability to learn and grow. Sometimes, yes those very things helped teachers and support staff as well. Being a retired teacher, from the very district I committed my life's work to, gives the board an insider's perspective from all levels. Terry Tate is a former teacher, but only at middle school. I served on bargaining teams and have first hand experience looking at budgets from both the district and union's perspective. Being a former leader, helped me see isdues from Pre-K - high school, SPED and all departments.
Q: Do I think all the board members should be educators?
A:ABSOLUTELY NOT! We need lots of diverse leaders on the board. We need people like Sebrena Worthy with a heart for mental health, the needs of special education students and her background in social work. We need business owners that know what it takes to educate all students for the workforce. We need people who truly care about the students and not their own agendas. We need board members who will truly vote for what the majority of their constituents want instead of a select few loud ones.
Q: Has she ever even gone to a school board meeting and spoken up on any issues?
A: Over my many years, I have been at many, many meetings. In the past two years, I have missed a couple. As far as have I ever spoken during Citizen's Comments on any issues? Yes, many times. Were those in support of educators? Here are the topics I have spoken about during Citizen Comments. Student safety and disruptive learning. I have spoken on this topic several times. As a result, we were able to get additional district support into our school and it made a difference. The district and board heard and acted! We have a LONG way to go with this. I have also spoken in support of curriculums for the board to consider. Was that for the teachers? No, these curriculums would impact student learning and well-being. When the levy failed, I approached the board and advocated to keep our assistant principals and didn't say anything about keeping teachers. Why? Because in order to have safe schools and less disruptive behaviors, enabling learning to happen, assistant principals are essential. I was told not to push for them, but I did it anyway because, once again, it's what the kids needed. Many times I contacted and advocated for needs just with district admin. One such case allowed for an additional teacher to be hired in order for a very needy group of students following COVID have the class size they needed to be more successful! Why? That particular group of students would have suffered and would not have been as successful. Because I care about students, I advocate for them. Sometimes, my advocacy does help educators as well.
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