 Candidate for Ketchikan School Board 3-year term seat - two seats open Published:
Name: Susan E. Walsh Candidate For: School Board Address: 1252 Upper Millar - Ketchikan. AK. E-Mail Address: alaskancelt@hotmail .com Phone: 247-3828
About - Background: 25 year resident of Ketchikan. Mother of 17 year old. Registered Nurse with certification in Pediatrics. Avid outdoor enthusiast - gardening, boating, fishing, hiking, etc.
List any experience that qualifies you for this elected position: Previously served on the school board in 1996 and served after the recall of 2000. I have served on various boards in the community and have attended the Alaska Association of School Boards (AASB) workshops regarding board duties and responsibilities.
State at least 3 reasons why you are seeking a seat on this elected body. As a pediatric and currently as an obstetrical nurse in this community, I have been a long time advocate for children and parents and wished to continue. Since my child has attended school I've been involved with the PTA and am currently serving as President at the High School, I believe I have a good working relationship with our staff.
Why should the voters elect or re-elect you? Well the above qualifications and I know I would do a good job.
List local, regional and/or state-wide issues that you believe are a high priority and state your position on each. 1. Funding.... Funding.... Funding - can I say it enough? Our legislators for years have pitted rural against urban and then sat back and watched the districts duke it out like some dysfunctional family while they are off the hook in not addressing the issue. We will need a educational tax of some sort. Not having adequate funding impairs our ability to deliver adequate education. Increased PTR (pupil-teacher ratio), computer software must be maintained and updated, teachers need to be paid adequately - on and on. This is a national issue also, I think it is a sad state of affairs when parents have to save box tops to supplement their child's school. 2. Standardized tests - how much is enough? 3. There are a myriad of issues out there and would be happy to address any on the exchange page.
How do you determine your position on an issue? Gathering the data presented by staff, listening to concerned citizens via phone, internet or in the grocery store.
What would compel you to change your position? Adequate data to support a change of venue.
If a dozen people speak at a public meeting on a controversial agenda item with the majority of the speakers opposed and the minority for, how would this impact your ability to form a decision on what is best for the community? I would hope that the citizens felt at ease with contacting their government officials prior to the meeting(remember gather as much of the facts as possible). In the field of medicine there are emergent events that take place - in government I can think of very little that would warrant not moving to postpone an item if there was a outpouring of citizen participation - which to be candid doesn't take place often enough - only when something causes a knee jerk response.
Where would you most likely obtain more information on agenda items? Staff recommendations - The board is responsible for hiring and firing of the Superintendent, budget and policy. When addressing the drug policy I listened to parents, coaches, chaperones, and most compelling was the impromptu survey of students that I conducted.
Who would you most likely talk to prior to making a decision that affects the entire community? Family; people at work; civic organizations; private friends; government staff and people in the community -
How would you deal with people whose views oppose your beliefs who want to talk to you about an agenda item or issue? Respectfully and attentively -
In a public meeting discussion, what would you likely do? Tell others my position; Listen to the positions of others; Try to reach a compromise - It is the duty of a board member, especially on an item of controversy to relay his/her arguments for his/her position in order to sway the vote. This should be based on facts.
How do others view you? Reasonable - It's not the whistle
that pulls the train and I'm probably viewed in as many ways
as there are people in this community, I believe at least consistent
would be an apt description.
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