Laura's priorities
Build a Visionary Leadership Team
Hire district leaders committed to sustaining and enhancing what makes Lakeville Area Schools exceptional. It is essential that our district leadership has a long-term vision for our district with the ability to problem-solve as we navigate the “growing pains” of continued growth and change. Effective communication and collaboration with district staff, school board members and the community at large are vital qualities. As our district expands we need operational flexibility and leaders who are not afraid to think outside the box when it comes to solving issues at hand.
Collaborate with teachers, families and students
As a member of the school board it is my job to represent the community who elected me. This starts with listening and learning about their experiences and understanding the priorities they have for our district. It will be critical for me to advocate for those priorities when it comes to programming, budgeting and policy along with relying on the expertise of our educators to implement best practices as our district continues to strive for excellence.
Foster a safe and inclusive environment
Education is for everyone and all people should feel safe and welcome in their school. Mental health, community support resources and social emotional learning are critical to the overall education of our students. As a parent of a student who has benefited from some of these supports I have seen firsthand the positive impact it has had on the outcome of her education. As a member of the board it will be my job to ensure our district enacts policies that support and value all students and staff in our district. We also must provide resources that support those policies and meet the needs of our community.
Restore trust with our community
As a busy parent in the district I have struggled with incomplete and delayed communication from the board. Meetings are changed too frequently and recordings and audio are inadequate for today’s available technology. All who want to participate in the school board process should be able, remotely or in-person. In addition, disappointment over recent budget decisions, contract negotiations and district leadership have continued to erode the trust that was once there. One of my priorities once elected is to make meetings more accessible to parents and community members along with expecting timely and transparent communication about all board decisions. I am committed to rebuilding trust with community members through engaging, timely and respectful dialogue.