Answers To Candidate From The Minot Education Association (Part 5)

12. Tell us what you think about school vouchers.

School vouchers are not available in the state of North Dakota.  However, a portion of the property tax and school funding bill I have prepared and offered to the public includes language that addresses a system of using public funds for non-public schools.  The non-public school district would opt into a funding program as long as the reporting and admissions requirements are the same as public schools.  In the event the legislature were to offer a voucher system, I believe the bill I’ve proposed would encourage the accountability discussion during a session.

13. Please share anything else that you believe will help our members understand you and your goals for the Minot Public School district a little better.

My initial goal as suggested by the first question is to enhance the educational experience of the students attending MPS.  I have now completed two surveys as a candidate for the legislature in 2010 and 2014, plus this survey as a candidate for the school board in 2024.  I’m disappointed in the lack of focus on students within these surveys.  No questions about academic achievement or performance, nothing regarding test scores or graduation rates, nothing about direct impact on students and parents regarding IEPs or the gifted and talented programs.  There have been no questions regarding the use and impact of technology, specifically Artificial Intelligence or cell phones in the classroom.   I’m in the process of visiting each school to learn more about those schools and what makes them unique and special within the district.  We have extremely talented teachers and administrators as well as support staff that care deeply about their students.  We have a variety of students in stages of development and I see adults that want the best for all kids.  I think the inclusion of such technologies as Power School and ParentSquare have provided increased opportunities for parents to be involved in their child’s education and have always experienced responsiveness from teachers and administrators when I’ve made requests as a parent.  One of things that we can all improve upon is celebrating our successes within the district and keeping our focus on the positives while we forever chase a more perfect district.