I have a history of community involvement at several levels, as I
strongly believe in the concept of a participatory government. Over
the last few years, I have become more and more involved with young
people and education issues, as my company became an active
“Adopt-A-School partner, I became involved with the East Tulsa
Prevention Coalition and the “Going to Bat for Tulsa Kids”
mentoring program, and then was appointed to the TPS Suspension Task
Force. These experiences have raised my awareness of and whetted my
interest in TPS. I believe that our public schools are the
foundation of our community and Tulsa’s future prosperity will be
determined in large part by the perception of TPS. I am trying this
because I believe service on the TPS board to be a tangible way to
attempt to make a difference in the future of our community.
2. Discipline and safety are consistent problems for both teachers and staff. What
ideas do you have for decreasing discipline problems and increasing
safety in the Tulsa district?
I
served on the TPS Suspension Task Force, which worked very hard to
address these issues. I believe our students, teachers and support
staff all deserve a safe and orderly environment in which to learn,
teach and work. I will demand that. Although current fiscal
restraints may not make these programs easy to implement or
immediately possible, I propose a wider application of early
positive engagements with students and their families through
programs such as FAST (Families & Schools Together), Tulsa
Alliance for Families, Camp Anytown and Unitown, Peer Mediation, and
adult and youth mentoring. These will require TPS to partner with
community and social organizations that can help deal with problems
that may have roots “off-campus.” Also, the Suspension Task
Force discussed the notion of realigning grade levels, much like
some other area school districts have done, as some of the most
remarkable suspension statistics seemed to center on the 6th and 9th
grades. Examining this realignment possibility may have merit. Also,
I believe TPS needs more capacity for “alternative” educational
settings.
3.
Do you support the Oklahoma Education Coalition members’ goal of
passing a 1cent sales tax this session for public education?
I
would be inclined to follow any recommendations from the Oklahoma
Education Coalition. I am not against a tax increase to support
common education. However, I would like to consider the full details
of any proposal before endorsing it. I also am curious about the
pros and cons of raising the property tax rate in the TPS district,
as a possible part of the solution.
4.
Would you support extending the school year so that employees can
attend Capitol rallies for funding public education?
Possibly.
5.
Describe you vision of your relationship with TCTA. What will you do
to increase communication between us? What is your attitude toward
bargaining with TCTA?
For
starters, let me say I am a big believer in the right to organize
and collectively bargain. I am “pro-union”, both personally and
professionally. My clients include Oklahoma State AFL-CIO, Transport
Workers Union (International and Local 514), and Tulsa Firefighters
Local 176. I am a professional communicator and would strive to have
an open line of communication with TCTA and its members. I would
look to TCTA to be a creative partner in achieving the goals of the
district.
6.
What other group or individual is interested in your candidacy?
In
the weeks leading up to the filing period for this position, I was
asked and encouraged by many people whom I respect to run for TPS
Office 1. Since filing, I have been very gratified at the support
from a wide cross-section of the community, including teachers and
principals working in the TPS Board Office 1 district.
7.
If TCTA does endorse your candidacy, what can our members do to help
your campaign?
Help
spread the word. Refer students and teachers who want to volunteer
in this campaign. Send
money.
