What Did Sandy Say? Times-News Candidate Questionnaire
As a candidate, I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing from so many of you across our district with relevant questions, thoughtful conversation and powerful feedback about all things ABSS! I have realized many of the questions/questionnaires – and my responses – provide great insight for our citizens as they decide which candidates can most effectively lead our school district. I trust the information is helpful and welcome the opportunity for more conversation about our schools!
10/7/2020: Times-News Candidate Questionnaire
Thank you for participating in the Times-News candidate questionnaire. We ask you to give basic biographical and contact information, answer three questions in 100 words or fewer and submit them electronically with a photo of you by Wednesday Oct. 7. Other than cutting for length, we will not edit your responses, so please have someone read them over for spelling and grammar errors. We will link to campaign websites from the online version of the story. We also ask you to give contact information, preferably personal email addresses and cell numbers to make sure we can contact you with any follow-up questions and to communicate with all of you throughout the rest of the election season. We will not share that contact information with anyone outside our news organization without your permission.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Age: 49
Occupation: Real Estate Broker, Allen Tate REALTORS®
Political background, offices you have held and/or run for, public-service committees and boards you have served on:
This is my first campaign for public office.
I have extensive experience in our community working with non-profits and service organizations:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Ala Co. REALTORS® Association 3 years (President 2014)
Alamance Builders 6 years (Presently State Director)
Meals on Wheels 6 years (President, 2 years)
Little Pink Houses of Hope 2 years
OTHER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:
Alamance Achieves Communications Team 2020
Eli Whitney Ruritan Club
Graham Rotary Club
Sunday School Teacher
Vacation Bible School Director
ARMC 25th Anniversary Champion 2020
Dancing with the Stars for Little Pink Houses 2017
ARMC Pink Ribbon Fund 2018
Education background including your own education and your experience with public schools particularly ABSS:
Southern Alamance High School Graduate 1989
Alamance Community College, NC Real Estate Licensing 2002-2003
ABSS Parent & Consistent Volunteer 1998 – Present (22 Years)
Parent Engagement Program 2019/20
V.O.I.C.E. Parent for BE Jordan, SMS & SAHS Last Served 2018-2020 for SMS
PTA Fundraising Chair SMS 2005/06
PTA President SMS 2006/07 & 2008/09, 2018/19 & 2019/20
PTA President BEJ 2003/04
PTA Hospitality Chair SMS 2017/18
ABSS Joint Facilities Task Force 2017/2018
REALTOR® Quarterly ABSS Tours 2014-2018
Alamance Builders Annual Playhouse Showcase Supporting Carpentry Programs in ABSS!
Family:
SPOUSE Justin Graves
SON Jynsen (27), 2011 Graduate, Southern High & 2016 Graduate, Elon University
DAUGHTER Ashley (25), 2013 Graduate, Southern High & 2018 Graduate, NC State University
** 3rd year Elementary School Teacher, Wake County Public Schools, 1st Grade **
DAUGHTER Katie (14), 9th Grade at Southern High
CANDIDATE QUESTIONS with RESPONSE:
1) What has the ABSS response to the COVID-19 crisis taught you about the administration and what the district needs to work on? word count 99
I commend ABSS leadership, educators, staff, students, and families for their continued commitment to learning in extraordinary circumstances. Our response taught me teamwork in a crisis is priceless. ABSS delivered over 1 million meals, distributed 17,000 chrome books, and 3,800+ hotspots. Our educators received long overdue appreciation for what they do for our children every single day in the classroom, behind the scenes and from a distance!
Often, the greatest challenges create the greatest opportunities. I see opportunity to improve communication and transparency, particularly in listening and learning from our educators, students and families. Everyone must have a voice.
2) The white/minority achievement gap and discipline gap have been persistent problems in public education. How would you as a member of the Alamance-Burlington Board of Education address them? word count 98
Recruiting and retaining minority educators, providing social justice and racial equity training across the district, and improving school culture are important first steps to closing the achievement gap.
Student support teams with school resource officers (SROs) partnered with school leadership, nurses, social workers and counselors create pathways to address disciplinary actions with flexibility and compassion while engaging parents and guardians. Turning minor disciplinary actions into teaching moments and meaningful relationships with local law enforcement officers and school personnel creates trust and provides a positive direction for a student. Safe and healthy learning environments are crucial for student success.
3) How have the ABSS redistricting plan and $150 million in bond programs, aimed at increasing diversity as well as relieving overcrowding, affected your decision to run for school board? word count 100
The bond addresses five critical needs: overcrowding at high schools, critical repairs and renovations for aging facilities, expansion of science & technology, workforce development, and public safety training programs.
This $150M bond, along with the $23.1M joint capital improvement plan and our annual budget, represents a strong financial commitment from our county. A seat on the school board allows me to encourage complete transparency and ensure fiscal oversight to protect a mutual interest to improve the efficiency of our schools and operations. I want to reinforce a clear commitment to accountability and wise spending thus building trust with all stakeholders.
To see full story and learn about all Board of Education candidates, click here.
Posted on 12 Oct 2020, 10:30 - Category: Q & A Insights
Connect With Us