Newfields School Board candidate Jane Walsh
Name: Jane Walsh
Education: Degree in philosophy & ethics, in master's program for organizational development
Occupation: Manager, Customer Success
Political or civic experience highlights: Newfields School Board, Newfields treasurer, Budget Advisory Committee, Communications Committee, Safety & Security Committee, Policy Committee, Girls on the Run
What would be your top three priorities if you are elected?: All school boards have three major responsibilities: developing the annual budget to run the school system; setting school policies; and hiring and evaluating the superintendent. All of these are very important responsibilities that I will take to heart. My main priority is to manage the school budget closely to balance what the school needs to provide an excellent education and what Newfields can bear in taxes. Newfields taxes have been increasing at hair-raising levels. Safety and security are a big priority for me. I agree with the Newfields police chief that the Newfields Elementary School crosswalk needs to be moved to a safer location, and I will work to get that done. The third priority would be to ensure all students have the support they need in math and English. Our scores have not improved from where they were three years ago. The students deserve to have the opportunity to learn. I am committed to work for the benefit of all students not just a select few students and their parents.
How should the school district handle requests to remove books from the library or curriculum?: Fortunately, this has not been an issue for Newfields. In the unlikely event this happens, it would be the responsibility of the School Board to review all relevant policies, such as inappropriate content or bullying, to see if books are in conflict with preexisting policies and then make a unified decision.
Do you support the expansion of education freedom accounts in New Hampshire?: No. If public schools are not meeting expectations, then we as a community need to work to improve them, not pull funds that hurt public schools. Private schools and homeschoolers who accept public funds should be held accountable to the same standards.
What else should voters know about your views on local schools and public education?: During my previous term on the NES School Board I:
∙ Maintained fiscally responsible budgets.∙ Hired a new principal.∙ Negotiated two fair teacher contracts.∙ Completed the NES Building Maintenance Plan ahead of schedule.
I also am committed to listening carefully, making informed decisions, and being a voice for families. Newfields is a special place for all of us, and serving my community is important to me. On the School Board, I will continue to advocate for all of us!
I hope I can count on your vote on March 12.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Newfields School Board candidate Jane Walsh
