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USD 259 Wichita school board, District 2
Candidates for Wichita school board
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Connie Dietz
Higher Education
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Karen Walker
Assistant Director, Park & Recreation
Comparison
Connie Dietz
Karen Walker
Biographical Information-
The Legislature may cut millions in education funding in the next two years to address state budget shortfalls. How should the Wichita district scale back spending?
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Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, all students are expected to meet proficiency standards by 2014. How would you ensure student achievement in your district?
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With the end of the district’s busing for integration policy this school year, what steps should schools take to ensure cultural diversity? What do you consider equity among schools, and how would you work to achieve it?
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Legislators have eyed cutting state aid to bond projects as a way to help balance the budget. How should the district proceed with the $370 million bond plan if the state doesn’t come through with its 25 percent?
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How should the district spend the $10 million in bond money designated for a new technical education high school magnet program?
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If elected to the board of education, what would be your top priority?
Connie Dietz:
In 2001,02 and 03, we were faced with budget cuts. Our practice then was to hold community meetings where we asked our parents and community to make recommendations. Our focus then and now was to make the cuts as far from the classroom as possible. Instead of across the board cuts, we made strategic cuts which kept classrooms in tact and minimalized the impact on our students. If faced with budget cuts again, I would propose that we follow the same procedures and approach.
Connie Dietz:
The Wichita Public Schools is a successful urban district that has experienced 11 years of increased student achievement. NCLB has forced districts across the country to focus their efforts and to allocate resources so that every child receives a rigorous, relevant education. We have initiated numerous programs such as AVID, high school reform, multi-tiered services, and professional learning communities. All of these are important and have contributed to the increased test scores.
Connie Dietz:
In our belief statements we say that we "profit from diversity". In our mission statement we included the phrase, "culturally responsive & inclusive learning community". We established a Director of Equity & Accountability and have wrote policy speaking to equitably staffed, highly qualified teachers and rigorous curriculum. Students will be attracted by exciting,cutting edge educational programs. Resources need to be allocated to meet the needs of students in individual schools.
Connie Dietz:
First, let me say that I hope the legislature does not vote to eliminate the state's support of bond issues across Kansas as the vast majority of school districts would be negatively impacted by such a vote. However, if they should pass such an action, I believe we would need to closely examine our projects, look for some that could be moved to capital outlay, and determine if any could be delayed. The needs are real and won't go away. We have to stay focused on quality schools.
Connie Dietz:
I am so pleased that the school board included these funds in the bond plan. A cutting edge, academically rigorous technical education program is essential for the future of our community. Wichita is the only district with the capacity to provide such a program. The program needs to be developed with the input from employers and in cooperation with WATC, community colleges and universities. I envision a program that draws students from a wide area and is nationally recognized as a model.
Connie Dietz:
My top priority has and will continue to be student achievement. This is the overriding role of a school district and should drive all decisions. Having said this, I will continue to focus on technical education, attracting highly qualified teachers who reflect our student population, safe schools, smaller class size, support of the fine arts and athletics, alternative educational structures to meet the needs of our students and an inclusive learning community.
Age:
63
Education/Degrees:
Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education from Wichita State University
Occupation:
Director- Office of Cooperative Education & Work-Based Learning, Wichita State University
Community Involvement:
Member, Pine Valley Christian Church;
Past Member and President, League of Women Voters;
Active in several community organizations
Children in school:
(2) adult children are graduates of Heights High School;
(1) granddaughter in kindergarten
Political experience:
10 Years on Wichita Board of Education, USD 259
How long lived in district:
Over 60 years
Campaign Phone:
316-684-3554
E-mail:
connie.dietz@cox.net
Karen Walker:
I promise to use my financial skills and take a hard look at services and expenditures. It’s important that we make the classroom our priority and enhance students’ ability to learn. It is critical to continue our strong partnership with the state, county, city, businesses and nonprofits to ensure we are maximizing taxpayer dollars.
Karen Walker:
I find it difficult to read the No Child Left Behind Act, it’s so easy to get lost in all of the federal requirements. But it will impact educational services in the future. If elected, I promise to ensure that the board develops guiding principles and a long-term strategic plan to address these federal mandates.
Karen Walker:
I will continue to support our school district’s diversity policies. I will work with administrators and teachers to make sure that we continue this diversity in our policies and guidance. It’s important that the district work with nonprofits and others in our community to maintain and establish partnerships focused on continuing culturally diversified schools.
Karen Walker:
The district's citizens voted for this bonding resolution by a narrow margin. I would NOT support the school board simply passing the additional 25% cost on to taxpayers because the State did hold up on their part of the promise that was made. I would NOT support this position without gathering citizens response and input to how we should proceed. The first phase of the school bond project is already in process, so the new board will have limited ability to change some of the decision making that has already been decided.
Karen Walker:
I would use my financial and auditing experience on a community advisory board of business leaders, administrators, teachers, parent and others to ensure the district is spending the resources on the right technology. We need to have the ability to providing additional technology opportunities for our teachers, as they have a direct impact.
Karen Walker:
It is Academic Performance! My priority is to lead the board so that we create an open and positive environment for students, teachers, employees, and administrators to do their job. I will listen to their concerns and make decisions based on the entire district. My goal is to create a community where we all can live and learn.
Age:
49
Education/Degrees:
Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting Major -WSU; Masters in Business Administration-Baker; Oklahoma CPA Certificate
Occupation:
Current Position: Assistant Director of Park & Recreation with the City of Wichita; Previous Positions: City Auditor-City of Wichita; Corporate Auditor-Hawker Beechcraft; Cost Accountant-Planner - Boeing Company; Federal Auditor-Department of Defense, DCAA
Community Involvement:
I have been actively involved in Wichita Visoneering-Quality of Life working on a regional recreation plan. I have spent the past 2 years working with our Park Board and the community; Doug Kupper, Park Director; Scott Wadle, Senior Planner and Janet Miller, Park Board President to develop our Wichita; Park, Recreation & Open Space (PROS) community development plan. It's important that we create a community where we can provide recreational opportunities for all our citizens to enjoy!
Children in school:
I have 3 grown married sons, with 5 grandkids and another on the way. My greatest accomplishment is being a “Grandparent” and spending time with them. They are all under the age of 5, but one of my grandsons will be attending kindergarten in the school district for the 2009-2010 school year. I plan on becoming an active member of his school’s PTA and supporting the great things that they do.
Political experience:
None. I have participated in labor union negotiations and I believe that its important that we all work together and provide a positive environment for our community, employees and the students!
How long lived in district:
I have lived in this school District 2 for a year and prior to that I have lived in Andover, Rosehill and I attended school in Derby.
Campaign Phone:
316-260-4875 home 316-516-7574 cell
E-mail:
karenwalker.usd259@yahoo.com
Social media (list any pages on Facebook, MySpace, etc.):
Facebook & MySpace