OROL: Patrice Gray 1999

Candidate for ORSD School Board 1999

PATRICE K. GRAY Durham, NH Member ORSB 1996-1999 CANDIDATE FOR REELECTION

BACKGROUND: Associate Director, Writing Across the Curriculum Program, University of New Hampshire. M.A., Ph.D in American Studies, Emory University. Twenty years of experience in teaching writing and humanities. Job responsibilities include curriculum design, faculty development, and program review and assessment. Married, resident of Durham for ten years, three daughters in the ORSD: Alissa, 16; Kate, 14; Anna, 10.

SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE BOARD:

• Chair (1997-99) Board Negotiations Committee. Lead the board through two years of collective bargaining with the Oyster River Teachers’ Guild. Resulted in contract that balances needs of teachers, administrators, taxpayers, and students. The contract was ratified unanimously by both the Board and the Guild and will appear on the ballot for voter approval.

• Alternate Member of Supervision & Evaluation Committee. Worked with board members to create committee comprised of teachers, principals, and board members to assess current methods of teacher evaluation. Resulted in creation of new teacher mentoring program in the schools.

• Advocated for Budget Target of 5.5% for 1999-00. Lobbied for a reasonable budget increase that is mindful of district needs and people’s ability to pay. Resulted in a balanced overall increase.

• Advocated for Community Advisory Group for the High School Project. Worked hard to bring together various constituency groups within the community to share their perspectives. Resulted in a consensus plan adopted by the board.

GOALS FOR THE NEXT TERM:

1. Maintain and improve the quality of an Oyster River education. Over the past three years I have acquired a deep understanding of how the system works and believe I can work effectively with board members, administrators, and principals to set and realize educational goals. We should strive to make an Oyster River education synonymous with educational excellence.

2. Identify areas for educational improvement and assist in implementing meaningful change. I am particularly concerned about an “erosion” of public confidence in our schools. How much “erosion” is real? How much is perceived? Of the factors that might undermine educational excellence in the district, how many are external (i.e., legislative change) and how many are internal (i.e., inadequate infrastructure)? How can we as a district address these issues? Asking good questions and expecting clear answers are vital if we are to move forward.

3. Monitor the effects of legislative change. We are in the midst of uncertainty regarding the funding of public education in NH. Board members will be required to monitor the changes closely and gauge carefully the effects of the changing legislation. Over the past three years I have been immersed in the issues, understand their complexities, and can advocate effectively for the district.

4. Continue to look for ways to involve the community. I would like to help organize more public forums in which people from the three towns can discuss issues of interest and concern. Such forums will help the administration, board members, and the community help define needs and goals.

I run for reelection to the Oyster River School Board because I am deeply committed to public education and because I believe that I have helped to make a difference. A consensus builder by nature and respectful of various constituents’ views, I know from my three years on the board that what the district needs is the continuity of people with sound judgment and common sense. I look forward to continuing to represent the towns of Durham, Lee, and Madbury.

I ask for your support on March 9.

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Last update on 30-Mar-99 at 10:18 PM.

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