Sheryl Le Vine: 2023 candidate for Roselle Elementary Dist. 12 board

Bio

Town: Roselle

Age on Election Day: 61

Occupation: Retired teacher of Roselle District 12

Employer: N/A

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

A: I was lucky enough to teach in Roselle District 12 for 30+ years. Now that I'm retired, I feel the need to give back to District 12 & the community of Roselle.

There is no one particular issue that motivates me, but I feel that with my experience & my ability to be objective, I can really help decide what is best for our kids & members of Roselle.

Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?

A: I believe that the BOE takes a strong role in setting & monitoring curriculum. I believe we need to see what curriculum is being used nationally, but also involve all teachers/professionals in that decision making, whenever possible.

It will also be important to make sure that not only are we providing all the academic & technological resources that are needed, but also put into place reliable & valid means of assessing that curriculum.

Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?

A: I know that we are regularly working on updating language & math curriculum, as well as revamping SEL & STEM curriculum. However, unless something has changed since I retired, it seems that we're ready to focus on an excellent social studies curriculum, as well.

Personally, as a teacher who believes that children learn very developmentally, I would like to see handwriting/cursive put back into place.

Yes, I believe that students need to know how to sign their name, compose a letter, & basically be able to put pencil to paper, even in this computer-driven world.

Beyond that, especially in kindergarten/first grade, learning how to write helps students develop eye-hand coordination, spatial concepts, even creativity.

For many, like myself, it helps foster the ability to focus better. These skills will help students through their academic career, as well as life.

Q: How do you view your role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?

A: My role is to listen to all stakeholders, read all the information provided to me, and ask questions that will help to clarify each issue.

Then, my fellow BOE members and I will make the best decisions we can for our students & for our community.

I realize that sometimes the choice may not be my personal opinion, but my job is to represent the students of District 12 as well as community members.

Q: Concerns are growing regarding a new resurgence of the pandemic. If another massive outbreak of infectious disease occurs, what have we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that will guide your decision making?

A: We've definitely learned that things can change day by day!

We need to be as informed as much as possible, even on a daily basis, so that we can make the decisions that will keep our students the safest.

Unfortunately, we cannot please everyone, but safety will be our number one concern.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your school board.

A: Although I hold my own personal opinions, I am also a team player. I have spent so much of my teaching career working in cooperative & collaborative situations. I will do my best to continue this with my fellow board members. I am one responsible & intelligent person, but together we are stronger!

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: Throughout my whole teaching career (30+ years), I have heard the mantra of doing "what's best for kids." I believe that with my experience, I have a bit of an edge knowing what is best for kids. I can't think of a better way to give back to our students & the community then by supporting them in this way.

Plus, I am very organized, detail-oriented, & a team player. I will give Roselle D12 my very best!

Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?

A: Nothing at the moment, but just give me time!