First, I became interested in contributing to the School Board so I called the Delaware County Election Board. I found we are the only county school system with the ward system. Grove is divided into 5 wards of relatively equal population. One School Board member from one ward is elected each year in a rotation. A candidate must live in the ward up for election during that year. I thought immediately,"I will have a 20% chance of living in the ward up for 2025 so my chances are slim."
However, I do live in Ward 5 which is up for election in 2025! I was delighted! I also like the fact that I don't have to be running against an individual who now holds the seat but can let you know I am running for an opportunity to represent the voters of Grove School District.
Many have asked me why I would run for the Grove School Board.
Here are my answers:
1) We are being encouraged to get involved locally in our communities. This is something I am interested in to help our public school be successful. Our test scores have not been that great so it appears that what has been done in the past isn't being as effective as it could be. (And yes I know test scores aren't always a good judge of performance but it is what we have.)
2) I would like to encourage greater transparency between the school and community and vice versa. This would require more dialogue between the two parties. I have some ideas how this could be accomplished and would be willing to work toward that goal as a member of the Board.
3) An issue I am especially interested in the restoration of the Bible to the classroom as a source of historical significance in our world and country. There is so much false information that people quote because they heard it from someone else. The guidelines for the use of the Bible in classrooms were published by the State Department of Education and are clear how the Bible can be used under the state standards. Period.
4) We are entering a time where we may have challenges if/when the control of Department of Education is given back to the states. I would like to be involved in that process.
5) We need to take measures to make the homes of our students successful in concert with our teachers being honored for what they are doing to educate the children. People thrive where they find success. This goes for the parents, the students, and the teachers.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at pamsheartart@boltfiber.net I would love to hear from you!
