SNEA Recommends 2 Board of Education Candidates

  

Recently, a dedicated member-team devoted 8 hours of their weekend to the important work of screening school board candidates We met with all 5 candidates that are running for the 2 available seats. They are;

Charles Taylor

Alina Lehnert

Allen Kunkel

Michelle Gavel

Melissa Penkalski

Per our established process, each candidate had already completed our questionnaire, so these screening interviews gave us the opportunity to go even deeper into issues that are important to our membership. Time was also given to each candidate so they could ask questions of our team.

As we got to know each candidate it was clear that each one brought strengths to this leadership opportunity. This is a strong field of candidates, which bodes well for the continuing health of our school board.

Ultimately, our team decided to recommend support for 2 candidates;

Charles Taylor and Alina Lehnert

In his interview, Charles Taylor stated, “Teachers should be involved in establishing goals; they are closest to the kids.” He is aware of the underlying socio-economic complexities many students bring to their school experience and the impact that may have on their academic and social success.

In response to a question on the distribution of district resources, Charles responded that if the district can allocate resources that benefit teachers and students, then they, in turn, will benefit the district.

For more information on Charles’ campaign, see Charles Taylor for School Board on Facebook.

Throughout her screening, Alina Lehnert identified herself as a maximizer; a leader who can take things that already work and make them better. She advocates for increased collaboration of teachers and believes that everybody matters, so she is determined to listen to everyone.

She stated in her interview, “I see leaders at all levels; nurses, secretaries, cooks...because they all have influence. Leadership must be developed at all levels.”

For more information on Alina’s campaign, see Alina Lehnert, Public Figure on Facebook.

There are many ways you can support these candidates;

• Encourage your colleagues, family and friends to vote for them
• Contribute to their campaigns (see facebook sites)
• Place signs in your yard (SNEA will have signs at our office)
• phone bank

SNEA will keep you informed and up to date on more opportunities for you to be involved.

Most importantly, remember to vote on April 5!

A strong, wise, informed board of education will continue to be our partner as we work everyday to serve our community and our students at Springfield Public Schools.

 

Kittilu Maxson

Springfield NEA President

 

See the link below for the News-Leader article about SNEA's recommendations;

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/education/2016/03/03/springfield-nea-recommends-two-sps-school-board-candidates/81261600/