Sheryl Glasen
Candidate for Cordova School Board member
Incumbent, running unopposed
Job: Bookkeeper at Cordova Telecom Cooperative.
Public service: Cordova School board member, Mt. Eccles Site-Based Council member, Curriculum Committee member.
Highest education: Some college.
What’s your view on the proposed new policy defining the professional boundaries of staff with students (BP 5141.42)?
In this day and age, there is a responsibility in every district to have a policy regarding these expectations and guidelines. I believe we need to be careful to think not only about the safety that we are trying to provide, but also what consequences this policy could result in. I am glad that we have had input from the community and that it is being and has been vetted at so many levels. I look forward to the continued discussion.
What’s been the biggest challenge of serving on the school board?
Funding.
As pressure on budgets increases, how can educators continue to raise student performance?
We are so fortunate in Cordova to have teachers and staff that really care about the students. They find great ways to engage the students. Thinking outside of the box is a valuable strength that Cordova possesses, and it has paid off in so many ways, including dealing with budget constraints. I think we will need to continue to look at new ways to engage students and provide a quality education that possibly looks different than how things have been done in the past.
Where do you believe the Cordova school system is most in need of improvement?
I believe the Cordova School District could improve by finding more ways to engage the public. With more public and family engagement, the students are bound to feel positive outcomes. I truly believe that when a student feels a strong support system, they have a better chance of succeeding. This could be volunteering in the classroom, coaching, being involved in committees (policy, curriculum, site-based councils, etc.), community partners and attending student events, to name a few.
Who is your hero?
I am blessed to have many heroes and role models in my life. In regard to being on the school board, I would like to point out that teachers are my hero. Thinking back to my own education, I knew when a teacher was genuinely interested in my success and it made all the difference. A good teacher has such passion for helping others and a great patience. I think we could all learn from their ability to formulate different strategies to reach several different people and styles. Sometimes they are with our young people more than the families are and they are such an important part of the building of our future citizens. The amount of time that they give is often unnoticed. Even when they are at home, their students are in their hearts. The amount of love that it takes to be a teacher is astounding and I am moved beyond words when I see a teacher pouring their life into our future.
The Cordova General Election will be held Tuesday, March 3, selecting new members of Cordova City Council, the Cordova School Board and the Cordova Community Health Center Authority Board. Voting will take place from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Cordova Center.
The Cordova Times asked all candidates questions with uniform word limits and deadlines for response.
