(1) Previous Experience

I have a B.A. degree in Journalism and M.S. degree in Management. I have held positions in both the public and private sectors as a manager in the area of marketing and finance. I also have served on the Madison Area Technical College Board as Chair. I am currently Chair of the TEACH Wisconsin Board which sets standards and awards grants in the area of technology to school districts around the state.

I am completing my first term on the Madison School Board, having served as chair of the Budget Committee and the Partnership Committee. I also served on the State Standards Committee which established academic standards for local school districts.

(2) Current Issues

Maintaining the overall quality of education. As resources shrink, and demographics change, the district faces a major challenge of enhancing the quality of education.

Addressing the labor/management relationship between the union and the administration. Each side will have to reach common ground if we are to maintain an equitable and excellent educational system.

We must make the maintence of our facilities a top priority and bring this issue to resolution. We must focus on developing a community acceptable plan to meet ongoing maintenance needs.

(3) Past Issues

My leadership in getting the Board to focus on and develop a plan to direct operating funds to address maintenance on a continuing basis. This has lead to an additional $500,000 per year directed to facilities maintenance each year.

Support for the establishment of academic standards and Summit on Minority Achievement which have lead to the Equity Diversity Advocacy Audit Committee.

I believe these standards will raise the bar for the whole student population. The EDA study will focus on the area of minority achievement. This information will provide a valuable resource to improve the quality of education for all children.