Forest Hills Teacher's Association Q&A
What qualifications and experiences have prepared you to serve on the school board?
What do you believe is/are the most important issue(s) facing Forest Hills?
One thing I have learned over the years in this position is that issues arise constantly. Four years ago, we were deep in construction of facilities, dealing with lack of air conditioning and sometimes heat in our buildings. The issues that have dominated our meetings over the past few months were complete unknowns. I now have 12 years of experience dealing with issues as they arise, - facilities, curriculum, human resources, state mandates, changes in leadership, township/village/park collaboration, student wellness, teacher/administrator turnover, legal challenges and more.
That said, finances remain the top issue facing our district as well as every public school district in the state. The unconstitutional reliance on property taxes, combined with a funding system that, by law, does not account for inflation, forces this issue to the forefront. Forest Hills provides outstanding value for the taxpayer dollar with Excellent results at below average costs. And that is a testament to our incredible team of teachers, administrators and staff. I have the experience and perspective to help guide our district with the challenges to come.
Other issues include providing the necessary tools for our students to excel. This incorporates technology, curriculum, staffing in the context of our financial abilities. All areas that I have supervisory experience and more importantly, I have well qualified people in the district to advise.
And frankly, an important issue will be the board itself. Our last board had an unprecedented number of new members for a Forest Hills School Board, with 14 years experience combined at the beginning of 2020 (10 years, 2, 2, 0, 0). New members are instrumental to bring new ideas and vitality to the board. But there is value in having veteran leadership in a district with 7300 students, 800 employees and an $89 million dollar budget.
What is your understanding of FHTA and its relationship with the Forest Hills School District (FHSD) Administration and Board of Education?
FHTA is the organization that represents most of the teachers in Forest Hills. My experience with the FHTA has been very positive. It is an organization that not only represents teacher’s interests, but is dedicated to the advancement and success of our students. Similarly, the relationship with the board and administration is symbiotic, with the common goal of providing a world class education for our students. This common goal is present even during contract time, where the FHTA works to get the best terms for its members understanding financial limitations, and the administration/board works to show the teachers their appreciation for their excellent work, also understanding financial limitations.
If elected, what is one goal you hope to accomplish during your term?
My one goal is to provide leadership and collaboration to increase the success for all students.
- 12 years serving on the Forest Hills School Board
- Elected by my board colleagues to be President 5 years and Vice President 3 years
- Served on the Finance Committee, Technology and Learning Committee, Tax Increment Finance Committee, Facilities Committee, Legislative Liaison, etc.
- Worked with 9 board members, 4 superintendents, 3 treasurers, 1 FHTA President
- Greatly increased the collaboration with the township, park district
- Volunteered for over 10 levy requests and 2 bond issues, extremely involved in 2 successful levy campaigns and both bond campaigns (1 for 2 success on those)
- Habitual volunteer (Knothole coach x 12 years; flag football coach, ATLL, basketball, soccer, softball over the years; cub scouts, Boy Scouts, public address announcer for girls JV and varsity soccer and basketball, 6th grade Olympics, etc.)
- Member of the Wilson PTA/PTO for ~12 years, Nagel PTO for ~7 years, Turpin PTO for ~7 years, FHIMA, Forest Hills Band booster, highest level athletic booster at Turpin and Anderson for 5+ years
- 8 years and currently serving on OrthoCincy corporate board
- 5 year Chair of Orthopaedic Institute at St. Elizabeth
- Served as Chairman of Surgery and on Medical Executive Board at St. Elizabeth
- 12 years on Finance Committee of Commonwealth Orthopaedics/OrthoCincy
What do you believe is/are the most important issue(s) facing Forest Hills?
One thing I have learned over the years in this position is that issues arise constantly. Four years ago, we were deep in construction of facilities, dealing with lack of air conditioning and sometimes heat in our buildings. The issues that have dominated our meetings over the past few months were complete unknowns. I now have 12 years of experience dealing with issues as they arise, - facilities, curriculum, human resources, state mandates, changes in leadership, township/village/park collaboration, student wellness, teacher/administrator turnover, legal challenges and more.
That said, finances remain the top issue facing our district as well as every public school district in the state. The unconstitutional reliance on property taxes, combined with a funding system that, by law, does not account for inflation, forces this issue to the forefront. Forest Hills provides outstanding value for the taxpayer dollar with Excellent results at below average costs. And that is a testament to our incredible team of teachers, administrators and staff. I have the experience and perspective to help guide our district with the challenges to come.
Other issues include providing the necessary tools for our students to excel. This incorporates technology, curriculum, staffing in the context of our financial abilities. All areas that I have supervisory experience and more importantly, I have well qualified people in the district to advise.
And frankly, an important issue will be the board itself. Our last board had an unprecedented number of new members for a Forest Hills School Board, with 14 years experience combined at the beginning of 2020 (10 years, 2, 2, 0, 0). New members are instrumental to bring new ideas and vitality to the board. But there is value in having veteran leadership in a district with 7300 students, 800 employees and an $89 million dollar budget.
What is your understanding of FHTA and its relationship with the Forest Hills School District (FHSD) Administration and Board of Education?
FHTA is the organization that represents most of the teachers in Forest Hills. My experience with the FHTA has been very positive. It is an organization that not only represents teacher’s interests, but is dedicated to the advancement and success of our students. Similarly, the relationship with the board and administration is symbiotic, with the common goal of providing a world class education for our students. This common goal is present even during contract time, where the FHTA works to get the best terms for its members understanding financial limitations, and the administration/board works to show the teachers their appreciation for their excellent work, also understanding financial limitations.
If elected, what is one goal you hope to accomplish during your term?
My one goal is to provide leadership and collaboration to increase the success for all students.