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

SE: I feel my career in business would add tremendous value. I work in an environment that consists of committees and task forces that discuss improving the way we treat our customers. I'm held accountable for budgets and how they are spent. Therefore, my goal with a position on the school board would be to take the areas I'm strong in and add them to an already good school board to make it even better.

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?

SE: I feel the past referendums failed because the facts presented to the public were not strong enough, they felt the school board could operate effectively within the current budget. Each year, we need to balance the long-term vision for our school district with the uncertainty of incoming revenue support. If and when a new referendum is appropriate, I would do my best to educate the public and let them make the decisions.

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

SE: When budget decreases are necessary, I will assure that the children's needs, as well as the community, are kept at the forefront of all budget decreases. At this time, not knowing the specifics of the school district's budget, I cannot answer this question, except to say that I would work closely with the board, staff, and the community to make the best decisions 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?

SE: There needs to be a balance between giving our kids the best possible environment to learn and grow today, while planning and budgeting for the future. There should be long-range plans in place for the elementary, middle school, and high school. These plans should contain a what-if scenario for each building as our enrollment grows. Proper planning and budgeting will help keep costs in line.

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?

SE: I think the school board worked hard this past year to improve its communication with the public. I like the way they've upgraded the Web site to include video coverage of the monthly meetings. Despite these improvements, I feel the public still isn't aware of all the ongoing issues that affect our school district. I would work hard to take the school board's message to the public through the Jordan Independent and other public forums.

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

SE: 1. Money management – Today's budget is in good shape, but every year represents a new challenge that must be addressed. As enrollment changes, so does our funding. Proper allocation of these funds is critical, since it affects almost everything we do.
2. Long-term Vision – There need to be plans in place for growth at every level in the district. This helps plan the allocation of all funding and saves a tremendous amount of money.