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

DH: I have young children who attend Jordan schools along with many kids in our community. I care greatly about the future of the school district, quality of its programs, and opportunities available for all residents to be involved. I love kids and love being in a career focused on doing what is best for kids. Knowledge, experience, and passion for kids are what I would bring to the board.

JI: Why do you think that the 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?

DH: The majority of school districts have referendums to support programs. Jordan needs to consider

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

DH: It is difficult to answer that question without having information on current district expenses and input from the community and school staff about what they value most. I feel strongly that kids learning in classrooms, and being involved in activities is a priority for schools, so I would keep cuts away from these two areas as much as possible.

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

DH: There has been little public conversation or information about planning for the future. Considering the growth in many of our adjoining districts, the new developments within our own, and our limited financial resources, this discussion needs to be occurring very openly with residents being very involved and informed. This could be easily accomplished with a task force to study future growth and make recommendations to the school board.

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?

DH: Communication is an area that can be improved. The district made improvements to the Journalist and Web site. However, more still needs to be done at all levels so parents and residents feel informed and have their voices heard. Providing a variety of ways to get information out and gather input works best. Priorities would be to continue improving the Web site and to increase opportunities for residents to provide input.