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Seven Candidates File for 3, 3-Year Board Terms
March 14, 2017
The community is invited to attend a moderated Board of Education candidate forum Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m. in the Lindbergh Early Childhood Education multipurpose room. Seven candidates are running to fill three three-year seats, and two candidates are running to fill a one-year seat. The election will be held Tuesday, April 4, 2017.
Name: Cathy Carlock Lorenz
Occupation: Middle School Assistant Principal
Name: Kathleen (Kathy) Kienstra
Occupation: Associate Professor, Radiation Therapy Director
Name: Vicki Lorenz Englund
Occupation: E-Commerce Consultant, Small Business Owner
Name: Christy Watz
Occupation: Personal Coach, Recruiting and Hiring
Name: Daniel Sampson
Occupation: Software Developer
Name: Matt Alonzo
Occupation: High School Math and Computer Science Teacher
Name: Jennifer Bird
Occupation: Sales Manager
Lindbergh Resident: 7 years
Describe your past and present involvement and volunteer work with Lindbergh Schools.
LORENZ: I taught social studies at LHS for 10 years. I coached tennis and sponsored clubs; including Student Council. I volunteered as room party hostess for several years. Craig and I coached several Lindbergh Athletic Association teams (soccer, basketball, volleyball). I served as the Prop R Campaign Manager in 2008 and we put our house on the Mother’s Club House Tour in 2009. I am a volunteer for Project Graduation Class of 2017. I have served on the District Discipline Committee, the Middle School Demographic Committee and most recently, the District Salary Committee.
KIENSTRA: I was an active volunteer while my children were in school, I have served three, three-year terms as a Board of Education Director, including one year as Secretary, one as Vice President and currently, President.
ENGLUND: Lindbergh Board of Education Member since 2011, Lindbergh Board of Education Treasurer since 2015, speaker at several social studies classes about the Missouri Legislature
WATZ: I have served eight years as a volunteer for Lindbergh School District in various capacities in two different schools and committee work at the District Level, including: Sperreng Middle School PTO president (May 2015-present) and secretary (August 2014-2015); Kennerly Elementary School fundraising chair (Aug. 2014-May 2015), Parent Teacher Partnership (PTP) president, (Aug. 2012-Aug. 2014); PTP other positions (Aug. 2009-May 2015); Kennerly Recording Secretary, Classroom Party Coordinator, Variety Show Grade Coordinator, Spirit Fest Representative; Lindbergh Schools District Calendar Committee; Lindbergh Athletic Association review committee; Lindbergh Leader Selection Committee.
SAMPSON: Lindbergh Parents as Leaders for ECE, frequently attend monthly board meetings
ALONZO: As a parent of 3 children, my involvement with the district has centered on their activities within the schools. I’ve participated and volunteered for various events like field trips, variety show, class visits, fundraisers and extracurricular activities. My family and I also make it a priority to show our support and address our concerns at board meetings or other community forums.
BIRD: Two years Boy Scout Den Leader, five years Long room parent, fifth grade party coordinator
Do you have any endorsements or support from an organization, political party or PAC?
LORENZ: Lindbergh National Education Association
KIENSTRA: None
ENGLUND: None
WATZ: Lindbergh National Education Association
SAMPSON: None
ALONZO: Lindbergh National Education Association
BIRD: None
Why are you running for the Board of Education? Please state your goals or areas of focus if elected.
LORENZ: I feel a deep connection to the Lindbergh community and staff. My career in education is a strength that can help bring together the Board/Superintendent and the Faculty. Another focus is hiring the next Superintendent. With my certification as a Professional Human Resource Specialist, I can help properly judge the potential candidates. Furthermore, I am a consummate professional regarding learning about curriculum, instruction and assessment. I belong to National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Association of Supervision & Curriculum Development and the Association for Middle Level Education. My number one goal would be to make sure the needs of our students/staff are met during this time of unprecedented, awesome population growth. Lindbergh School District is the place to live and I love it!
KIENSTRA: I support children learning and growing to be responsible and successful young adults. It is unfortunate that this election has become focused on adult issues such as teacher pay, when it should be focused on issues relating to children. As I have demonstrated as Board of Education Director, I will continue to work toward maintaining the high quality of Lindbergh academic and character education, and excellent services provided to our district children. BOE Directors have a responsibility to keep needs of students as a priority in all areas of planning. Student achievement, district growth, and fiscal responsibility are all important. I believe my experience is valuable and my continued service will provide consistency in future decision making.
ENGLUND: I am running for the school board, first and foremost, to make sure my children get a high-quality education. Lindbergh is known for academics, and we must maintain this high level. Creating a well-rounded environment for our students is also important, so programs such as Marching Band and other school clubs must be encouraged. I gained so much as a Lindbergh Graduate (class of 1992) and I want to keep our traditions long into the future.
WATZ: I am running for Board of Education because I am invested in Lindbergh. I have 3 children who attend Lindbergh schools. I am dedicated to continuing to lead Lindbergh as a great place for kids to receive an excellent education from our schools that are nationally recognized for their leadership and achievements! I have lived in the district for 15 years and understand the importance of an excellent school district in connection with housing prices and safe neighborhoods. I have volunteered in our schools for 8 years and I feel very connected to the schools and staff. My goals are to provide the necessary resources to ensure each student is successful, responsible spending/budget and to cultivate an environment where all stakeholders are heard.
SAMPSON: As a parent with the desire to be an involved community member in this district, I see the importance in leadership and providing a voice for this community and the children who rely on us for their education. I would love to be a part of the positive changes in leadership. We have tough years ahead of us due to growth and communication breakdowns that threaten our excellence as a district. The funding needed for our growth is not going to magically resolve itself to support us if we do not get creative in finding room for our children to learn and for our teachers to effectively teach them.
ALONZO: I seek this position as a parent and educator. I have taught in the Parkway district for 14 years, which has shown me the importance of having an administration who supports their teachers and students. If elected, I will use my experience in public education to help Lindbergh maintain its high standard of education, while promoting a healthier and respectful relationship between our excellent teachers and administration.
BIRD: I want to protect Lindbergh’s fiscal health by ensuring we maintain a sound, balanced-budget approach to spending and maintain sufficient financial reserves. I also want to maintain the district’s long history of outstanding student academic achievement that continues to attract new families.
Last summer, Lindbergh teachers voted to work to contract and withhold voluntary services outside of the school day. They continue to do so. What is your position on the teachers’ decision to work to contract?
LORENZ: I support the teachers’ decision to work to contract because they vetted through all other possible solutions to their concerns. The teachers are at the forefront of our students’ lives every day and open, sincere communication is the key to working together.
KIENSTRA: Work to contract should be an individual choice, not a weapon used by teachers to hurt children. ‘Work to contract’ is doing the minimum required to get paid. It teaches a self-destructive work ethic to students. Students who emulate ‘do-the-minimum’ behavior will find themselves disadvantaged when they compete in college or business. Teachers can learn a lot about their students through volunteer activity, and teachers should instead model successful behavior.
WATZ: The teachers are the backbone of our school district. If they have decided to work to contract, there is obviously a breakdown in communication. The line of communication needs to be opened so that respect can be felt by both administration and teachers.
SAMPSON: It is their right to do so. My hope is that with time we can work together to achieve mutual positive results.
ALONZO: From conversations with teachers, I know the decision to work contract-only was difficult. No teacher wants to prevent a student from getting additional help or watch after-school activities get canceled. Teachers do not clock in and out. They often work countless hours beyond the school day; grading papers, creating innovative lessons, growing their skills and knowledge, responding to emails and even supporting students at extracurricular events. This decision should indicate how invalidated and underappreciated our teachers feel. Unfortunately, the administration and board of education forced teachers into a corner leaving them with no other choice but to work contract-only.
BIRD: Teachers are certainly within their rights to work to contract but that seems to make the focus more on money rather than students. I understand that sentiment, however I am not inclined to seek a tax increase for pay raises when, if necessary, we should seek other ways to find and stretch dollars, just as we in the community must do. Also, the Lindbergh environment is outstanding. We have a community of largely involved families who send their children to school ready to learn and stay involved throughout their children’s academic experiences. Lindbergh teachers do not suffer many of the woes other districts do and work in a comfortable, climate-controlled, safe environment with fabulous hours, exceptional benefits and an outstanding pension.
Do you support asking the public for a tax increase?
LORENZ: I have always supported Lindbergh with a yes vote for a tax increase or a Bond issue and I always will. Lindbergh has always done a great job when it comes to our finances, but as other districts have done; it is time to study the possibility of a tax increase to help with District needs.
KIENSTRA: Lindbergh taxpayers traditionally support capital improvement bond issues to repair buildings; install new security and teaching technologies; and build new facilities to accommodate growth. Taxpayers understand that buildings need maintenance, and that our children need a safe place to learn. We hope they will support a future capital improvement bond issue to update the safety of the high school campus to be ready for increased enrollment. Taxpayers trust we will carefully spend money as needed to support our students, and that we will operate a balanced budget. I have listened for community feedback since teachers advocated a tax increase one year ago, and I have not heard any independent taxpayers demanding that we increase their taxes.
ENGLUND: I absolutely support asking the public for a tax increase, but only if our initial survey shows that there is interest in community to raise taxes to pay for teacher salaries. I have insisted on surveying the public first before putting any kind of initiative on the ballot.
WATZ: With the growth of student population, it is going to be critical for the next Lindbergh School Board to assess spending and make responsible financial decisions based upon the needs of the district.
SAMPSON: I do support the use of propositions only as a last resort. We may need to seek one in the near future for an additional elementary school, and possible funding to expand/improve/modify our current high school campus. These are not cheap needs and may require community assistance to accomplish. We have done well in the past with managing these requests, but we need to tread carefully with if and when we ask for it in the future.
ALONZO: I support asking the public for a tax increase once the board has exhausted all of its options to “find” money within the district through budget cuts and reduced spending.
BIRD: No, not now. The public has been hit repeatedly over the last several years, including twice by Lindbergh with Propositions L and G. In addition to Lindbergh seeking and receiving more tax dollars, Prop L for the County Library system passed, as did Prop S for Special School District. This year, Crestwood wants an additional $0.45 / $100 of assessed valuation and the County wants a ½¢ Sales Tax increase, both for First Responders. I promote fiscal prudence and understand the difficulties of living within a budget as well as the need and responsibility to do so.
What do you think the district’s greatest challenges are in 2017-18? How would you address those challenges?
LORENZ: The three greatest challenges are: population growth, teacher satisfaction/salaries, as well as hiring the best Superintendent. I would study each issue, listen to citizens and ask other district’s board members what worked when they were faced with these challenges. Researching best and proven practices to addressing challenges would be a tactic along with asking for input from stakeholders in the district. To address all challenges, setting up long and short-term committees would be an excellent approach.
KIENSTRA: Our most important challenges will be hiring a new superintendent; managing growth; planning high school renovations; opening Dressel Elementary School; redistricting; maintaining high student achievement, and looking for additional revenue to fund teacher pay. We must hire a new CFO that will continue the Lindbergh tradition of 15+ years of perfect financial audits, and support the BOE’s fiscally responsible use of taxpayer money, which has enabled Lindbergh to have the best possible bond rating for a school district. We need to educate adults about appropriate use of social media; specifically that using social media for cyberbullying is inappropriate behavior.
ENGLUND: We will continue to deal with growth now and in the foreseeable future. We will quickly need more room at the high school and will need to renovate our campus to bring it into this century soon. The only way we can make this happen is to continue to hold the line on spending. We have, and should continue to only spend the money we need to spend, constantly evaluate the basic needs of students in the classroom, and save money through refinancing our current debt. A prudent, fiscally responsible path is the only way to survive our growth.
WATZ: Our challenges as a district are: 1. Growth - We need to continue the plan for growth. It will be important to understand the capacity of our schools and their needs. 2. Spending and budgets - Monitor our spending and budgets keeping students, staff and community at the forefront. 3. Search and hire a dynamic Superintendent - keeping in mind, this change creates an opportunity for new direction in leadership for Lindbergh schools.
SAMPSON: The biggest issue will be growth. Increased enrollment and possible decreased funding will create challenges in placing our children in environments that will provide the best chance for learning while not creating security risks in the process. In addition, in our rebuilding stage we need to show our teachers and community that the board is looking for the children’s best interests while addressing the teachers’ and community’s concerns. Salaries are a concern that must be addressed. Teachers have received increases over the past years, but the amount available has limited teacher advancement. Creative ways are going to have to be studied in order to find resolutions to improve our teachers’ salaries. Lastly, our district budget is limited by the assessment of the County on the properties in our district, which is the majority of the school’s funding. Our ability to stay budgeted, maintain our excellent bond rating and adapt to our rapid growth should remain a priority.
ALONZO: The greatest challenge, and opportunity, facing the district in the coming school year will be planning for the future. The rapid population growth may lead to building a 7th elementary school, as well as much needed capital improvements to the high school. We will soon begin the search for a superintendent. Additionally, we need to address the teacher’s concerns and negotiate a fair contract. Finally, we must address district finances by taking a closer look into how and where funds are spent and determine if we need the public to support a bond issue, a tax increase or possibly both. I will work hard to help make short and long term plans for the district which will include, negotiating a 3-year contract with the teachers, redefining the role and compensation for the superintendent, and overall, finding ways to reduce unnecessary spending.
BIRD: Hiring a new Superintendent after Dr. Simpson retires is critically important to both the community and district. Ensuring we fill his position with a fiscally prudent, academically dedicated and qualified individual can positively affect the district’s future. Also, growth will continue to be challenging. A good portion of the district is older. We will continue to see new families move in as older residents leave. I will work to ensure Lindbergh continues to have the funds and facilities necessary to provide new students with the excellent quality of education for which we are known.
The community is invited to attend a moderated Board of Education candidate forum Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m. in the Lindbergh Early Childhood Education multipurpose room. Seven candidates are running to fill three three-year seats, and two candidates are running to fill a one-year seat. The election will be held Tuesday, April 4, 2017.
The three-year candidate responses below are listed in the same order in which their names will appear on the ballot.
Candidate Information
Occupation: Middle School Assistant Principal
Lindbergh Resident: 42 years
Occupation: Associate Professor, Radiation Therapy Director
Lindbergh Resident: 40+ years
Occupation: E-Commerce Consultant, Small Business Owner
Lindbergh Resident: 34 years
Occupation: Personal Coach, Recruiting and Hiring
Lindbergh Resident: 15 years
Occupation: Software Developer
Lindbergh Resident: 6 years
Occupation: High School Math and Computer Science Teacher
Lindbergh Resident: 13 years
Occupation: Sales Manager
Lindbergh Resident: 7 years
Describe your past and present involvement and volunteer work with Lindbergh Schools.
LORENZ: I taught social studies at LHS for 10 years. I coached tennis and sponsored clubs; including Student Council. I volunteered as room party hostess for several years. Craig and I coached several Lindbergh Athletic Association teams (soccer, basketball, volleyball). I served as the Prop R Campaign Manager in 2008 and we put our house on the Mother’s Club House Tour in 2009. I am a volunteer for Project Graduation Class of 2017. I have served on the District Discipline Committee, the Middle School Demographic Committee and most recently, the District Salary Committee.
KIENSTRA: I was an active volunteer while my children were in school, I have served three, three-year terms as a Board of Education Director, including one year as Secretary, one as Vice President and currently, President.
ENGLUND: Lindbergh Board of Education Member since 2011, Lindbergh Board of Education Treasurer since 2015, speaker at several social studies classes about the Missouri Legislature
WATZ: I have served eight years as a volunteer for Lindbergh School District in various capacities in two different schools and committee work at the District Level, including: Sperreng Middle School PTO president (May 2015-present) and secretary (August 2014-2015); Kennerly Elementary School fundraising chair (Aug. 2014-May 2015), Parent Teacher Partnership (PTP) president, (Aug. 2012-Aug. 2014); PTP other positions (Aug. 2009-May 2015); Kennerly Recording Secretary, Classroom Party Coordinator, Variety Show Grade Coordinator, Spirit Fest Representative; Lindbergh Schools District Calendar Committee; Lindbergh Athletic Association review committee; Lindbergh Leader Selection Committee.
SAMPSON: Lindbergh Parents as Leaders for ECE, frequently attend monthly board meetings
ALONZO: As a parent of 3 children, my involvement with the district has centered on their activities within the schools. I’ve participated and volunteered for various events like field trips, variety show, class visits, fundraisers and extracurricular activities. My family and I also make it a priority to show our support and address our concerns at board meetings or other community forums.
BIRD: Two years Boy Scout Den Leader, five years Long room parent, fifth grade party coordinator
Do you have any endorsements or support from an organization, political party or PAC?
LORENZ: Lindbergh National Education Association
KIENSTRA: None
ENGLUND: None
WATZ: Lindbergh National Education Association
SAMPSON: None
ALONZO: Lindbergh National Education Association
BIRD: None
Why are you running for the Board of Education? Please state your goals or areas of focus if elected.
LORENZ: I feel a deep connection to the Lindbergh community and staff. My career in education is a strength that can help bring together the Board/Superintendent and the Faculty. Another focus is hiring the next Superintendent. With my certification as a Professional Human Resource Specialist, I can help properly judge the potential candidates. Furthermore, I am a consummate professional regarding learning about curriculum, instruction and assessment. I belong to National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Association of Supervision & Curriculum Development and the Association for Middle Level Education. My number one goal would be to make sure the needs of our students/staff are met during this time of unprecedented, awesome population growth. Lindbergh School District is the place to live and I love it!
KIENSTRA: I support children learning and growing to be responsible and successful young adults. It is unfortunate that this election has become focused on adult issues such as teacher pay, when it should be focused on issues relating to children. As I have demonstrated as Board of Education Director, I will continue to work toward maintaining the high quality of Lindbergh academic and character education, and excellent services provided to our district children. BOE Directors have a responsibility to keep needs of students as a priority in all areas of planning. Student achievement, district growth, and fiscal responsibility are all important. I believe my experience is valuable and my continued service will provide consistency in future decision making.
ENGLUND: I am running for the school board, first and foremost, to make sure my children get a high-quality education. Lindbergh is known for academics, and we must maintain this high level. Creating a well-rounded environment for our students is also important, so programs such as Marching Band and other school clubs must be encouraged. I gained so much as a Lindbergh Graduate (class of 1992) and I want to keep our traditions long into the future.
WATZ: I am running for Board of Education because I am invested in Lindbergh. I have 3 children who attend Lindbergh schools. I am dedicated to continuing to lead Lindbergh as a great place for kids to receive an excellent education from our schools that are nationally recognized for their leadership and achievements! I have lived in the district for 15 years and understand the importance of an excellent school district in connection with housing prices and safe neighborhoods. I have volunteered in our schools for 8 years and I feel very connected to the schools and staff. My goals are to provide the necessary resources to ensure each student is successful, responsible spending/budget and to cultivate an environment where all stakeholders are heard.
SAMPSON: As a parent with the desire to be an involved community member in this district, I see the importance in leadership and providing a voice for this community and the children who rely on us for their education. I would love to be a part of the positive changes in leadership. We have tough years ahead of us due to growth and communication breakdowns that threaten our excellence as a district. The funding needed for our growth is not going to magically resolve itself to support us if we do not get creative in finding room for our children to learn and for our teachers to effectively teach them.
ALONZO: I seek this position as a parent and educator. I have taught in the Parkway district for 14 years, which has shown me the importance of having an administration who supports their teachers and students. If elected, I will use my experience in public education to help Lindbergh maintain its high standard of education, while promoting a healthier and respectful relationship between our excellent teachers and administration.
BIRD: I want to protect Lindbergh’s fiscal health by ensuring we maintain a sound, balanced-budget approach to spending and maintain sufficient financial reserves. I also want to maintain the district’s long history of outstanding student academic achievement that continues to attract new families.
Last summer, Lindbergh teachers voted to work to contract and withhold voluntary services outside of the school day. They continue to do so. What is your position on the teachers’ decision to work to contract?
LORENZ: I support the teachers’ decision to work to contract because they vetted through all other possible solutions to their concerns. The teachers are at the forefront of our students’ lives every day and open, sincere communication is the key to working together.
KIENSTRA: Work to contract should be an individual choice, not a weapon used by teachers to hurt children. ‘Work to contract’ is doing the minimum required to get paid. It teaches a self-destructive work ethic to students. Students who emulate ‘do-the-minimum’ behavior will find themselves disadvantaged when they compete in college or business. Teachers can learn a lot about their students through volunteer activity, and teachers should instead model successful behavior.
ENGLUND: It is unfortunate that our teachers feel that working to contract is their only option. I wish we could pay the teachers more money to pay them what they deserve, however, we do not have the money at the present time due to our unprecedented student growth. I do not feel, as a board member, that the work to contract has shown any positive results. It has only hurt children and families. That being said, I do believe we, as a District, could have done a better job with communication and discussion with teachers. Working to contract did not solve any of these problems.
WATZ: The teachers are the backbone of our school district. If they have decided to work to contract, there is obviously a breakdown in communication. The line of communication needs to be opened so that respect can be felt by both administration and teachers.
SAMPSON: It is their right to do so. My hope is that with time we can work together to achieve mutual positive results.
ALONZO: From conversations with teachers, I know the decision to work contract-only was difficult. No teacher wants to prevent a student from getting additional help or watch after-school activities get canceled. Teachers do not clock in and out. They often work countless hours beyond the school day; grading papers, creating innovative lessons, growing their skills and knowledge, responding to emails and even supporting students at extracurricular events. This decision should indicate how invalidated and underappreciated our teachers feel. Unfortunately, the administration and board of education forced teachers into a corner leaving them with no other choice but to work contract-only.
BIRD: Teachers are certainly within their rights to work to contract but that seems to make the focus more on money rather than students. I understand that sentiment, however I am not inclined to seek a tax increase for pay raises when, if necessary, we should seek other ways to find and stretch dollars, just as we in the community must do. Also, the Lindbergh environment is outstanding. We have a community of largely involved families who send their children to school ready to learn and stay involved throughout their children’s academic experiences. Lindbergh teachers do not suffer many of the woes other districts do and work in a comfortable, climate-controlled, safe environment with fabulous hours, exceptional benefits and an outstanding pension.
Do you support asking the public for a tax increase?
LORENZ: I have always supported Lindbergh with a yes vote for a tax increase or a Bond issue and I always will. Lindbergh has always done a great job when it comes to our finances, but as other districts have done; it is time to study the possibility of a tax increase to help with District needs.
KIENSTRA: Lindbergh taxpayers traditionally support capital improvement bond issues to repair buildings; install new security and teaching technologies; and build new facilities to accommodate growth. Taxpayers understand that buildings need maintenance, and that our children need a safe place to learn. We hope they will support a future capital improvement bond issue to update the safety of the high school campus to be ready for increased enrollment. Taxpayers trust we will carefully spend money as needed to support our students, and that we will operate a balanced budget. I have listened for community feedback since teachers advocated a tax increase one year ago, and I have not heard any independent taxpayers demanding that we increase their taxes.
ENGLUND: I absolutely support asking the public for a tax increase, but only if our initial survey shows that there is interest in community to raise taxes to pay for teacher salaries. I have insisted on surveying the public first before putting any kind of initiative on the ballot.
WATZ: With the growth of student population, it is going to be critical for the next Lindbergh School Board to assess spending and make responsible financial decisions based upon the needs of the district.
SAMPSON: I do support the use of propositions only as a last resort. We may need to seek one in the near future for an additional elementary school, and possible funding to expand/improve/modify our current high school campus. These are not cheap needs and may require community assistance to accomplish. We have done well in the past with managing these requests, but we need to tread carefully with if and when we ask for it in the future.
ALONZO: I support asking the public for a tax increase once the board has exhausted all of its options to “find” money within the district through budget cuts and reduced spending.
BIRD: No, not now. The public has been hit repeatedly over the last several years, including twice by Lindbergh with Propositions L and G. In addition to Lindbergh seeking and receiving more tax dollars, Prop L for the County Library system passed, as did Prop S for Special School District. This year, Crestwood wants an additional $0.45 / $100 of assessed valuation and the County wants a ½¢ Sales Tax increase, both for First Responders. I promote fiscal prudence and understand the difficulties of living within a budget as well as the need and responsibility to do so.
What do you think the district’s greatest challenges are in 2017-18? How would you address those challenges?
LORENZ: The three greatest challenges are: population growth, teacher satisfaction/salaries, as well as hiring the best Superintendent. I would study each issue, listen to citizens and ask other district’s board members what worked when they were faced with these challenges. Researching best and proven practices to addressing challenges would be a tactic along with asking for input from stakeholders in the district. To address all challenges, setting up long and short-term committees would be an excellent approach.
KIENSTRA: Our most important challenges will be hiring a new superintendent; managing growth; planning high school renovations; opening Dressel Elementary School; redistricting; maintaining high student achievement, and looking for additional revenue to fund teacher pay. We must hire a new CFO that will continue the Lindbergh tradition of 15+ years of perfect financial audits, and support the BOE’s fiscally responsible use of taxpayer money, which has enabled Lindbergh to have the best possible bond rating for a school district. We need to educate adults about appropriate use of social media; specifically that using social media for cyberbullying is inappropriate behavior.
ENGLUND: We will continue to deal with growth now and in the foreseeable future. We will quickly need more room at the high school and will need to renovate our campus to bring it into this century soon. The only way we can make this happen is to continue to hold the line on spending. We have, and should continue to only spend the money we need to spend, constantly evaluate the basic needs of students in the classroom, and save money through refinancing our current debt. A prudent, fiscally responsible path is the only way to survive our growth.
WATZ: Our challenges as a district are: 1. Growth - We need to continue the plan for growth. It will be important to understand the capacity of our schools and their needs. 2. Spending and budgets - Monitor our spending and budgets keeping students, staff and community at the forefront. 3. Search and hire a dynamic Superintendent - keeping in mind, this change creates an opportunity for new direction in leadership for Lindbergh schools.
SAMPSON: The biggest issue will be growth. Increased enrollment and possible decreased funding will create challenges in placing our children in environments that will provide the best chance for learning while not creating security risks in the process. In addition, in our rebuilding stage we need to show our teachers and community that the board is looking for the children’s best interests while addressing the teachers’ and community’s concerns. Salaries are a concern that must be addressed. Teachers have received increases over the past years, but the amount available has limited teacher advancement. Creative ways are going to have to be studied in order to find resolutions to improve our teachers’ salaries. Lastly, our district budget is limited by the assessment of the County on the properties in our district, which is the majority of the school’s funding. Our ability to stay budgeted, maintain our excellent bond rating and adapt to our rapid growth should remain a priority.
ALONZO: The greatest challenge, and opportunity, facing the district in the coming school year will be planning for the future. The rapid population growth may lead to building a 7th elementary school, as well as much needed capital improvements to the high school. We will soon begin the search for a superintendent. Additionally, we need to address the teacher’s concerns and negotiate a fair contract. Finally, we must address district finances by taking a closer look into how and where funds are spent and determine if we need the public to support a bond issue, a tax increase or possibly both. I will work hard to help make short and long term plans for the district which will include, negotiating a 3-year contract with the teachers, redefining the role and compensation for the superintendent, and overall, finding ways to reduce unnecessary spending.
BIRD: Hiring a new Superintendent after Dr. Simpson retires is critically important to both the community and district. Ensuring we fill his position with a fiscally prudent, academically dedicated and qualified individual can positively affect the district’s future. Also, growth will continue to be challenging. A good portion of the district is older. We will continue to see new families move in as older residents leave. I will work to ensure Lindbergh continues to have the funds and facilities necessary to provide new students with the excellent quality of education for which we are known.