Blogage

From Gina:

Dear Community of Menomonee Falls--

I am running for a seat on the School Board because I believe I have the skills and experience it'll take to do a great job for our schools.  This is especially important since we are losing two active incumbents on the board who've decided not to seek re-election, including Ted Klumb.  

I am the only candidate for school board who has actual experience working with the schools and district.   My leadership in the schools has spanned over eleven years.  I have been an active PTA leader at all school levels, serving as president three times, most currently at North Junior High.   For several years I have been involved extensively in school district planning activities for facilities, strategic goal-setting and curriculum/ learning issues.  I was part of the leadership committee that worked to pass the recent successful referendum to renovate the high school and reconfigure the district's schools.  

My two sons are high school-aged students now and I feel, while they've experienced a solid education in the Falls, there is room for improvement in our district.  Most people connected to its day-to-day workings-- like the administrators and teachers in our schools--  understand and agree with  this sentiment.      

I believe my having actual experience in our school district matters, especially now, when we face challenges  related to the budget, planning and student achievement.  My professional background also lends itself to a role on the school board.  Currently the Associate Director of the Institute for Wisconsin's Future, a public policy research and advocacy center, I am dedicated to improving state policies that impact families, workers and schools in Wisconsin.  My public policy background gives me extensive knowledge of school funding, organization and legislation.  This makes me a valuable asset to the School Board.

My goals for the School Board are to:

1)  Continue to improve academic excellence for our children by providing a rigorous curriculum and delivering instruction consistently and in a way appropriate for each and every student in the district.

2) Improve the district's communications with students, parents, staff  and members of the public and ensure that stakeholders have ample opportunity to provide input on important policy and budget issues -- at a meaningful point in the decision-making

process.

3)  Increase the school board's participation in advocacy and legislative efforts affecting schools and continue to encourage parents to be advocates on behalf of their children at all levels of government.

Together with the community, our school district can achieve the gains we've determined necessary.   My skills and experience prepare me to play an important role on the school board.   Please vote for me on April 1st.   Thank you -- Gina Palazzari