I Endorse An Education Curriculum That Focuses On
Mastery Of Essential Subjects
ABOUT GRETCHEN SLOVER
It is Time to Return Education to Its Basics—Mastery of Foundational Subjects
My name is Gretchen Slover, and as a candidate for the Flagstaff Unified School District Governing Board, I am committed to supporting the best experience and outcomes for your student’s education. The kind of excellence we expect in our school district is rooted in transparent and clearly-stated efforts by the school board. I am dedicated to bringing this clarity and accountability to the school board’s actions. As a licensed mental health professional with a doctorate in clinical psychology as well as a master’s degree in law, I am prepared to manage the responsibilities and concerns required of the school board members. Given that school board members are elected public servants, my focus and commitment is to be your eyes and ears. District financial concerns are an important part of the board’s responsibilities, and I will ensure that money is spent to enhance your student’s education, keeping the focus on mastering the essential subjects so today’s students will be tomorrow’s well-rounded, capable adults.
Common Sense Solutions to Common Problems
1. PRIORITIZE PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parental and guardian rights need to be honored. Unfortunately, schools have increasingly assumed more rights, which has diminished your role as the parent. A school's role is to support children and their families in their educational journey. I am committed to keeping clear lines for families and the students’ educational experiences.
2. ACADEMIC FOCUSED LEADERSHIP
School time is for learning the foundations of education—reading, writing and arithmetic—as well as Civics and History—and the practical application of all these subjects. Coupled with schooling in various life-skill and vocational classes, students will have a robust foundation for their lives.
3. IDENTIFY AND ELIMINATE FINANCIAL WASTE
FUSD has a $4.5 million deficit in its budget. This shortfall becomes the responsibility of our community, payable as increased taxes for residents and business-owners alike. Under the current board, the plan to get us out of this hole is to cut FUSD staff positions and decrease teacher pay—the impact on retaining great teachers and offering important classes is where the impact will be felt. As a board member, I will work toward rectifying the problem of the deficit while retaining our teachers—and ensuring that the students’ education remains the priority.
4. DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY
The FUSD school board must be responsible and clear in its efforts, so that district families understand the decisions being made on behalf of the students and district staff.
5. SUPPORT TEACHERS AND STAFF
Teachers are the cornerstone of FUSD. The increase in classroom sizes has created an increasing burden to teachers and staff. With such challenges, FUSD has lost--and will continue to lose--even more teachers. I am dedicated to considering the input of all teachers and committed to providing teachers with the support needed to do their jobs well.