Opportunity for Every Oakwood Child
Service has been the theme of my life. At 18, I joined the Air Force, serving my country after graduating from the Air Force Academy. As a mother, I have served my four kids, especially advocating for my children with special needs. As an Oakwood community member, I have served Smith School through the PTO and helped raise over $75,000 in four years. I am also serving as the MOM’s Group Co-President this year.
I’m committed to serving all of Oakwood – you and your children – on our Oakwood school board. Our community requires straight talk, honesty, leadership, and the ability to get things done for our schools. When parents and the district work as a team, our kids get the best.
Amy’s Top Priorities for Oakwood School Board
High Expectations
Charles F. Kettering once said, “High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation.” One of my goals for Oakwood schools is to make sure the district sets high expectations and creates opportunities for everyone. We want to get children excited about school by feeding their curiosity and giving reachable challenges. I want to lift all children up wherever they are at in their education because every child counts.
Greater Community Involvement in the Board’s Deliberations
Open communication builds the strong foundations of trust. Before embarking on new district-wide education programs, I will seek parents’ opinions and engage the community as a true partner. Education and critical thinking thrives in a politically neutral environment. In the classroom, we must teach facts and debate theories.
Equipping Teachers
Just like technology, training techniques change over time. Many classrooms have special-needs, generaleducation, and gifted kids all in the same class. I want our teachers to be fluent in the best, scientifically based, teaching methods. We also need to keep our student-teacher ratios below the state average of 18:1. Teachers need time for quality interactions with all students.
Helping Parents
Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. They know their child best and will be with them for a lifetime. If a parent asks for a school evaluation for their child, the school’s default position should be, “How can we help you?” I am committed to changing the current culture. There is a need. We have the ability. Let’s connect parents to Oakwood’s resources.
Return on Investment
We all pay high taxes, and we expect to get our money’s worth. As a former Air Force contracting officer, I have carefully managed hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars with integrity. I will ensure that the Board is careful, intentional, and transparent with our tax dollars, making sure to use them for “best value” projects and plan for future expenses.
