Is it Bobo4Buses, Bobo4Budgets or Bobo4LOJO?

I won’t bury the lead - it is #Bobo4LOJO

Like all parents, I was excited to see many of the students having the opportunity to get back to the physical classroom. By most accounts, it was a very successful day for those attending, even with the increased Covid protocols in the various campuses for both students and teachers. Of course, there are things that will need to be worked out, but it is good to see the progress being made and the community coming back together.

Monday evening, I listened and talked with several parents via conference call about their experience with car pool. The conversation centered on long wait times, safety concerns and logistical observations. I agree one hour round trip for carpool pickup is unacceptable. I received news today from one principal that it was down to 30 minutes and I have faith that it will only get better as time goes on and protocols for everyone are well practiced. I support making sure all kids can get to and from school and that working parents are able to juggle the demands of school time management.

Of course, one of the major causes of the long carpool lines was the elimination of a majority of the bus routes. I was at the many board meetings where the board wrestled with balancing the budget. The administration proposed many budget options to maintain a balanced budget, which I agree is required. In the end, the board approved a final budget that kept the things that make Lovejoy a superior district that had the least impact to the kids and the classroom. Items that the Board kept were:

• 8 periods at Willow so that teachers could get their proper planning time and our extra-curriculars would not suffer to such an extent that they could not be offered.

• Retaining our awesome teachers by giving them a small raise to keep the salaries comparable to surrounding districts;

• Keeping our security top notch during one of the most volatile times in our nation’s history.

There was no easy decision for the board as there is no magic bullet in finding dollars to balance the budget and not change transportation. As a school board trustee, if I thought that transportation weighed heavier than other items, and the community wanted to sacrifice in other areas, I would most certainly fight to keep transportation. No item is off-limits.

Here is why you should vote for me to be the set of eyes and ears around budget decisions.

• I am easy to talk to so you can voice your concerns to the board. I am an active and visible part of this community and welcome all comments.

• I will use my 15 years in the district to be as reflective as possible when making budgetary decisions.

• I will look at every angle, listen to every comment, and thoughtfully consider the risk/reward. I will not make snap judgements or be reactionary in my conduct.

• I will fight for every student.

• I am not afraid to weigh in on key decisions, even if they are not popular with the school board.

• I will leverage my professional experience. For instance, at Microsoft, I was trained specifically how to listen to people communicate their thoughts on important items.

• I am and will always be a public school advocate. It will be my job to make sound judgements given the budget challenges and state level decisions.

• I have experienced the entire Lovejoy system from kindergarten to a graduating senior.

• If elected, I will be the only trustee with an elementary child.

Parents and the school board must work together as a team to ensure that our children receive the best education possible. This is how you can help.

• Write your principal about Monday’s experience or any experience for that matter that you feel is not satisfactory.

• Attend board meetings and read the summary given by Dr. Goddard after each board meeting.

• Communicate to those that can make the change whether it is a principal, admin or the board.

Lovejoy ISD is an amazing district, let’s make it even better. I look forward to serving you on the Lovejoy school board, trustee position 5 and appreciate your vote in the upcoming election.

#Bobo4LOJO