A school system should never place itself between parents and their children, as children are not the property of the state.
DEFEND
PARENTAL
RIGHTS
The voices of parents deserve to be respected, not ignored. Parents have the fundamental right to make decisions about their children's well-being, including opting them out of certain activities or curricula for health, safety, or religious reasons. These rights must be upheld to ensure that parents remain the primary decision-makers in their children's lives. In recent years, the distinction between parental authority and the role of education has become increasingly unclear.
As parents, it is our duty to stay fully informed, involved, and engaged in our children's education and school environment. Additionally, we are responsible for instilling character, family values, and morals in our children. The role of schools is to provide a quality education and prepare students for the future. It is not the school's responsibility to promote any political ideology, endorse specific worldviews, support political activist groups, or influence life-altering decisions for its students.
Our parental and constitutional rights do not stop when our children enter the classroom.
One of my goals as a Caledonia Board Member would be to ensure that parents have a voice.
I would advocate for this in the following ways:
Transparency & Communication
1
Schools should maintain open lines of communication with parents, providing regular updates on their child’s progress, school policies, and any changes in the educational environment. This helps parents stay informed and involved in their child’s education. This includes advocacy for special needs children as parents should have a strong voice in the creation and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs). This ensures that their children receive the necessary resources and support. In addition, schools should have clear and accessible processes for parents to raise concerns and complaints.These processes should be responsive and aim to address issues in a timely and effective manner.
Parent Participation
2
Participation in parent volunteer programs specifically at the Elementary and Middle School levels. Research shows that strong family-school partnerships can lead to better student outcomes, such as improved academics, attendance, and social-emotional development. When parents volunteer, teachers can focus on what they do best, which is educating students. Parent volunteers can help save schools money on personnel costs and provide input on how to improve the school. They can also help create a positive, cooperative, and inclusive atmosphere. This can also improve the school's perception in the community.
3
School of Choice
Parents should have the right to choose the school that best fits their child’s needs, whether it’s a public, private, charter, or homeschooling option. This allows for a more tailored educational experience that can better support the child’s development.
Opt-Out Options
4
Parents should have the ability to opt their children out of specific classes or activities that conflict with their values or beliefs. This could include sex education, certain health classes, or any other content they find objectionable.
By defending these rights, parents can help create a more collaborative and responsive educational environment that respects their role in their child’s upbringing and ensures that their child receives a well-rounded and respectful education.
UPHOLD
FISCAL
RESPONSIBILITY
Caledonia has a lot of these items already in place. As a board member, I will use my experience to review the proposed budget, gather the details and identify items that may be considered a “want” versus a “need”, ask questions, make recommendations upon further research so that as a board, we can all make an educated decision on how to best utilize the monies granted to us via the government as well as through bonds funded by our community.
My ultimate goal is to make sure that we use our financial resources effectively, support educational excellence, and maintain long-term financial stability.
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My experience: Brightside Finance Team Leader, Private Banker, Caledonia Education Foundation Treasurer, Caledonia Athletic Boosters Treasurer
Fiscal responsibility in schools means managing money wisely to provide quality education while staying financially healthy.
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Here's how we can do this:
1
Budgeting and Planning
Continue to create detailed budgets that predict income and expenses. Plan for both short-term and long-term needs, and adjust as needed to stay on track
2
Transparent Financial Reporting
Regularly share clear financial reports to show how money is being used. This builds trust with parents, staff, and the community, ensuring everyone understands the financial situation. Regular audits help ensure everything is in order and identify areas for improvement
3
Efficient Resource Allocation
Spend money on things that directly improve student learning, like good teachers, educational materials, and technology. Minimize unnecessary costs and find ways to save money and focus on what benefits students the most
4
Stakeholder Involvement
Involve parents, teachers, and the community in financial decisions to reflect their needs and values. This collaborative approach can lead to better financial strategies
PROMOTE
LIFE SKILLS
& TRADES
Teaching life skills and trades in schools is important for several reasons
Incorporating life skills and trades into school curricula prepares students for the diverse challenges of adult life. It aligns education with real-world needs, benefiting both individuals and society as a whole. This approach not only equips students with practical skills but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and confidence, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future.
1. Practical Preparedness
LIFE
SKILLS
​Classes on managing money, cooking, time management, and basic home repairs help students handle adult life. These skills are often missed in regular classes but are crucial for independence and success.
SKILLED
TRADES
Learning trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work,and mechanics gives students hands-on experience and opens up career options beyond college.
2. Career Diversification
Skilled trades are in high demand and offer stable, well-paying jobs.
Early exposure to these fields helps meet industry needs and reduces the stigma around vocational careers. In doing so, training students in trades can positively impact the economy. Skilled workers are essential, and early training helps address the shortage of skilled labor.
3. Inclusivity & Accessibility
Not all students excel in academic settings. Offering life skills and trade education provides alternative pathways for those who thrive in practical, hands-on environments.
4. Hollistic Development
Life skills and trades classes combine thinking, emotional, and physical learning. Students learn to think critically and apply their knowledge in real-world situations, fostering independence and confidence. This empowers students to make informed decisions and take responsibility for their actions, laying the foundation for responsible adulthood.
FOCUS
ON THE
FUNDAMENTALS
These areas provide the essential skills and knowledge that students need to succeed in life.
I would like to see Caledonia focus on fundamental subjects like reading, writing, arithmetic, science, technology, and history.​ Primarily at the Elementary and Middle Schools levels, we need to make sure these fundamentals are proficient before electives are chosen.
Here's why:
Critical Thinking &
Problem-Solving:
Subjects like math and science teach students how to think critically and solve problems, skills that are valuable in any career and everyday life.
Technological Proficiency:
In today’s digital world, understanding technology is crucial. Learning about technology and how to use it prepares students for a wide range of careers and helps them navigate the modern world. I would like to see MicrosoftOffice used in Caledonia in addition to Google Docs. Google Workspace holds 50% of the marketshare compared to Microsoft 365’s 45% market share in the business world. We should be teaching our kids both to provide the training they need for their future careers.
Basic Literacy &
Numeracy:
Reading, writing, and arithmetic are the building blocks of education. Without strong skills in these areas, students may struggle in other subjects and in their future careers.
Historical Context:
Studying history helps students understand the world around them. A comprehensive Civics class should emphasize how America came to be, focusing on the foundational principles of the United States and their impact on the nation’s development. Such a class would delve into the significance of our republic and democrat system, illustrating how these frameworks have guided the country’s growth and governance. Unfortunately, it seems that the depth of this education has diminished over time. Ensuring that students receive a thorough understanding of these concepts is crucial for fostering informed and engaged citizens who appreciate the importance of our democratic values and the role they play in maintaining America’s status as a beacon of hope.