Elect Julie Singewald for School Board

Julie Singewald is running for one of the three open seats for the District 192 School Board this fall. She has been a Farmington resident for the past 12 years and strongly supports a school system that provides a solid academic base for our children.

Key issue Focus:

Continue raising academic standings and building a higher functioning educational system in Farmington.

I believe the key is electing members to our school board who will rebuild trust with:

• Community - be more fiscally responsible
• Parents - provide a better education for their children
• District Staff - whose voices should be heard and respected
• City - maintain open communication
• Themselves - remain focused on the beliefs they bring to the table, providing needed checks and balances to a system accustomed to blanket approvals.

I feel there is a real disconnect in communication.  Mistrust has bred a current system of pointing fingers and rumors.  An open communication system will not present itself overnight, nor will it immediately change at the passing of the chairs to new members.  Those chosen by the public will have to work with the current system in place, but it doesn't mean that we can't work to make the system more transparent.

As a member of this community, I want to know that my tax dollars are being wisely spent.  I question why the new High School has only about 900 parking spaces and the next parking area is dependent on when Lakeville will develop the adjacent road, will I be asked for more money again?  I worry as a parent that my children will be prepared for whatever goals they choose to pursue, or will they venture out only to find that they don't have an adequate background to stand on.  I continue to hear about how the city and the school distict have confilicts such as competing for programs, versus finding a way to work together to enhance what the other has to offer.

The school district is one of the largest "businesses" in Farmington and I don't know of any business that strives for average.  We should be proud of achievements, but that does not mean that we can't set loftier goals.