Janelle Henry

     Candidate for Elk River School Board

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       Contact:  
 
     jameshenry@sprintmail.com 

 

I am running for the School Board because I want the District to continue down the path it started when the Board hired Mark Bezek.  Many positive results have taken place in the District under his leadership.  We have become financial transparent to the public and have established goals for our students. 

The District continued on the right path when it hired a Communication Director.  This along with the Legislative Action Committee will make the District more visual and will obtain the support needed for a District our size.  I am willing to work with the Communication Director and the Legislative Action committee to obtain needed support.

We still have major issues facing our District.  We need to maintain the current operating levy funding to avoid any cuts in staff and curriculum.  We need greater academic results and improved test scores.  We need Legislative funding equal to funding of the large school districts in the state.  I am willing to serve on any and all committees to obtain results in these areas.

I fully support the Strategic Plan for the District.  This vision for our District began with the hiring of a new Superintendent who looked ahead at the future of our children and was willing to make changes.  I am willing to work again with the Superintendent and Board to fully implement the Strategic Plan for the District.

As a Board Member I will listen to the public I represent in making decisions.  As in the past, I am always open to any communication from the public.  My phone number is listed, I have an email address I check several times a day, and I am always willing to listen to the public.  I will represent all areas of the District. 

 

The work of a school board involves:

  • Developing a vision for the District.
  • Setting goals and monitoring progress.
  • Communicating with stakeholders.
  • Hiring and evaluating the superintendent.
  • Advocating student needs to lawmakers.
  • Rallying the community around student achievement.
  • Establishing District policy.
  • Monitoring student achievement.
  • Aligning resources with goals.
  • Collaborating with community partners.
  • Ensuring facilities are safe and adequate.
  • Ratifying employee contracts.

What qualities make a good board member:

  • Passionate about public education.
  • Able to make decisions.
  • A strong communicator willing to listen
  • Willing to spend time and energy on board business
  • Able to function as part of a team
  • Motivated by the best interests of all the children
  • Collaborative.

 

Background:

I have been married to James (Jim) Henry for 22 years.  We have two children.  Our son James graduated from West Point in 1997 and is currently attending George Mason University in Washington, D.C.  Our daughter Kristina (Tina) graduated from Elk River High in 2005, and will graduate from Minnesota State University at Mankato in 2009.  I have a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Wayne State College.  I taught junior/senior high school  for 7 years.  I was a Girl Scout leader for 5 years.  I served from 2002-06 on the District 728 School Board and was Chairperson in 2006.  I work for Target Corporation.  I also tutor children in District 728 thru Community Education.

 

The Minnesota School Boards Association states the following about serving on a school board: "School board service is one of the most important responsibilities a citizen can undertake.  The board's standards and decisions will affect a generation of students, your community and society.  Governing on a public board is a challenging job with long hours and difficult decisions.  However, it is rewarding to watch students succeed and lead productive lives as a result of the educational opportunities you helped create.  As a board member, your decisions must reflect what is best for all students and all citizens.  This demands a strong commitment to serving other people."

Remember to Vote on November 4th.