JI: Why are you running for a school board position? What expertise, work experience or talents could you bring to the board?

SB: I have a vested interest in educational policy as a parent, educator, and community member. Successful policy culminates when best practices and research-based information are combined with specific developmental and educational needs of children. The central question for the school board must be, What is best for our children? I'll bring collaborative decision-making skills, broad conceptual thinking and planning skills, and passion for doing what's right for kids to the board.

JI: Why do you think that proposed referendums have failed in each of the past two years? Do you see a referendum passing during the next four years, or should the district rely on grants, increased tax levies, or other revenue sources?

SB: This is where collaborative efforts with community experts become critical. For what are we willing to pay? For what can we afford to pay? Where do we compromise? How do we prioritize?
The following is certain: 1) operating costs continually rise and our district's fund balance is dwindling, and 2) most (if not all) public school districts continually rely on grants and other revenue sources, like parent-teacher association fund-raisers, to meet educational needs.

JI: If you had to cut from the school district's budget, for what would you decrease funding?

SB: First, I'd identify areas that are least likely to directly affect children, and second, I'd consider the overall balance of district spending, searching for areas that are heavily funded. Incidentally, in West Des Moines, Iowa, a district saved $700,000 annually by altering bus schedules and changing to later start times for high school students. This is a wonderful example of creativity used in developmentally appropriate and fiscally responsible ways.

JI: With the growing number of students in the Jordan district, how do you feel the district and the school board should plan for expansion?

SB: We begin by analyzing data from current enrollment trends and by specifically understanding facility use today compared to how facilities might be used differently tomorrow. We must work with city and county agencies and local developers to understand changing demographics in Jordan and our surrounding communities. Expansion planning is one part of a larger comprehensive plan. It should include not only issues of capacity, but of cultural changes and global influences as well.

JI: How would you rate the school district's and school board's communication with the public? What do you think works, and what would you like to see improved?

SB: Overall, below average. Updates from school administrators in the Journalist and the information I've received from elementary teachers (my children have only attended elementary school up to this point) have been good. Many school districts offer a broad range of information on their Web sites, such as district goals, lunch menus, wellness policies, teacher contract information, behavioral expectations for kids, and employment opportunities. The district Web site is an easy place to begin with improvements.

JI: What do you see as the other major issues facing the district?

SB: Effective school board members focus on the greater good and continuity of excellence within the institution over time, rather than personal politics of the moment. Despite personal and political differences, most folks want what's best for kids. Let's find strength in those areas where we can agree and build a foundation of commitment, respect, and educational excellence for our children, our communities, and ourselves.