I believe the Board of Education members need to have solid values, the ability to vision, and the knowledge to ensure proper implementation. I possess all of these things.
My core values are:
- Shared Prosperity – a win for one is not a loss for another
- Diversity – diversity of thoughts, people, perspectives
- Inclusion - a better decision is made with information from a plethora of sources
- Transparency – more feedback is garnered when more information is shared
My vision for the students will be guided by these core values and will include student achievement, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility at all junctures.
I have an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering, and graduate degrees in Telecommunications Systems Management and Real Estate. I am an eternal mentor, coach, educator, and
entrepreneur. This unique blend of education and experience has given me a solid foundation to ask the tough questions and to ensure the tools for implementation of the vision are appropriate. I will not be a rubber
stamp.
I’d like to share with you my position on a number of issues that have been asked of me during the campaign.
- I was asked "who do I think it the number 1 constituent for the Board of Education?" The children of Frederick County are our most treasured constituent and every decision that is made
should be with their growth and development in mind. Who else would be #1?
- Many feel that the current board and administration have a credibility issue. I have experienced a want and need to be included in the decision making process earlier (e.g. visioning and
prioritization). As a board member, I will work with the other members as a consensus builder, team member, and colleague to guide the administration staff to better vision with the community and to implement the
best programs that ensure our teachers have the tools they need to effectively teach. As such, we will provide the most comprehensive learning environment for ALL of our children and improve upon Frederick County’s
top 5 ranking in Maryland.
- Charter Schools: I have been very consistent in my support for charter schools, as I have seen them work well. I think charter schools may be part of a broader sustainable solution to
problems with budgeting and implementation of curriculum. The first step in moving forward is a master plan for our schools. I’m not just saying what I will do, I am taking action. I will convene a group of
stakeholders to discuss this issue of master planning prior to the election.
- We are all going through tough times and the employee benefits issue will not be fixed in the short term. Trying to fix it in a few years will only draw from our children’s educational
tools. We must explore savings in various budget areas to fund these liabilities handed down from the State and Federal government. For example, let’s spend some up front capital funds to put solar panels on the
roofs of our school buildings. This saves on rising utility costs produces savings in the peak times and potentially generates funds during low usage in the summer. The payback period on 25 year solar panels is 5
years. Twenty years of positive revenues could go towards this benefit.
- I believe we should integrate agriculture in to our schools. I envision that our entire system will understand that we can not continue in the direction of (1) buying expensive disposable
goods and (2) eating fast/ high caloric food daily. I will work to bring in a cohort of qualified individuals to educate and get more locally grown materials into the hands of our children. Agriculture is
sustainable. I am the only candidate with sustainability listed as an issue. We must live off of the land and put the remains back after we are done.
In summary, I’m running with vision and potential solutions for the future based upon my experiences and values. I am open-minded and listen intently to all sides of an issue. Please feel free
to visit my website www.pattersonforschoolboard.com. Thank you for your time and I ask for your vote this election!
