By: Celesse Smedley
Every year, the citizens of New Haven elect three new school board members. This year, there are five candidates: Lauren Zobrist, Kyle Quick, Meg Parks, Mike Oetterer, and Diane White. The election date is set for April 4th.
Each candidate was interviewed and asked questions that came directly from the NHHS community. Ms. Parks’ responses are outlined below in order to give her a chance to speak to the community directly and to offer New Haven a better understanding of what she is all about.
Q: Why are you running for the New Haven School Board of Education and how do you intend to be a participating member?
A: I am running for re-election to the New Haven School Board because I feel public education is important, not only to our students but to our community. I have children and I want to be active in the leadership behind their education. In the past 3 years the New Haven Board of Education has made decisions to ensure students, staff, families and the New Haven community can be proud to say they are a part of a “Tradition of Excellence.”
Q: Tell us about yourself: Where did you grow up? Do you have family? What community activities have you previously been involved in? What ties do you have to this school district?
A: I grew up in Washington, Missouri, where I attended Our Lady of Lourdes grade school and Borgia High School. I have 5 children ages 13, 12, 9, 3, 2. I was a police officer for 19 years, 10 of those were in New Haven where I acted as the School Liaison. I assisted in the development of districts Crisis Management Plan, and coordinated with the Franklin County EMA School Safety Director to ensure safety in the district.
Every year, the citizens of New Haven elect three new school board members. This year, there are five candidates: Lauren Zobrist, Kyle Quick, Meg Parks, Mike Oetterer, and Diane White. The election date is set for April 4th.
Each candidate was interviewed and asked questions that came directly from the NHHS community. Ms. Parks’ responses are outlined below in order to give her a chance to speak to the community directly and to offer New Haven a better understanding of what she is all about.
Q: Why are you running for the New Haven School Board of Education and how do you intend to be a participating member?
A: I am running for re-election to the New Haven School Board because I feel public education is important, not only to our students but to our community. I have children and I want to be active in the leadership behind their education. In the past 3 years the New Haven Board of Education has made decisions to ensure students, staff, families and the New Haven community can be proud to say they are a part of a “Tradition of Excellence.”
Q: Tell us about yourself: Where did you grow up? Do you have family? What community activities have you previously been involved in? What ties do you have to this school district?
A: I grew up in Washington, Missouri, where I attended Our Lady of Lourdes grade school and Borgia High School. I have 5 children ages 13, 12, 9, 3, 2. I was a police officer for 19 years, 10 of those were in New Haven where I acted as the School Liaison. I assisted in the development of districts Crisis Management Plan, and coordinated with the Franklin County EMA School Safety Director to ensure safety in the district.
Q: What is the purpose of a school board member? What do you do?
A: I feel the purpose of a board member is to help the administration and staff maintain a high quality of education in the district. The facility and staff are wonderful here. They are committed to the students and their success. It is my job to help our personnel educate our children, uphold high standards for wellbeing and achievement, and offer my expertise to maintain safety.
Q: What is your plan to make sure students get the best education possible?
A: Our students receive a quality education. My plan is to continue to hire high quality teachers who will give them the tools they need to succeed. Through motivating faculty and staff, providing access to the technology they need and ensuring a safe environment in which to learn, New Haven School District will continue its success.
Q: Why do you feel you’re a good candidate for the school board?
A: I am active in the community and the school district and I will continue to help the district progress.
Q: What is the biggest strength of our school district?
A: Our people are our greatest asset. They strive for success and push each other to do their best. Together, we hold high standards for one another.
Q: What would you like to see changed in our school district in the next few years?
A: I would like to see our technology and facilities updated and maintained to meet the needs of our students.
Q: What is your vision for the future of the New Haven School District?
A: I would like to continue to move technology toward one-to-one at all grade levels. I feel this world moves so fast and our children need every opportunity to be competitive and productive in a technology advanced society.
A: I feel the purpose of a board member is to help the administration and staff maintain a high quality of education in the district. The facility and staff are wonderful here. They are committed to the students and their success. It is my job to help our personnel educate our children, uphold high standards for wellbeing and achievement, and offer my expertise to maintain safety.
Q: What is your plan to make sure students get the best education possible?
A: Our students receive a quality education. My plan is to continue to hire high quality teachers who will give them the tools they need to succeed. Through motivating faculty and staff, providing access to the technology they need and ensuring a safe environment in which to learn, New Haven School District will continue its success.
Q: Why do you feel you’re a good candidate for the school board?
A: I am active in the community and the school district and I will continue to help the district progress.
Q: What is the biggest strength of our school district?
A: Our people are our greatest asset. They strive for success and push each other to do their best. Together, we hold high standards for one another.
Q: What would you like to see changed in our school district in the next few years?
A: I would like to see our technology and facilities updated and maintained to meet the needs of our students.
Q: What is your vision for the future of the New Haven School District?
A: I would like to continue to move technology toward one-to-one at all grade levels. I feel this world moves so fast and our children need every opportunity to be competitive and productive in a technology advanced society.
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