Candidate for Geneva School District 304 - Alicia Saxton

Name: Alicia Saxton

Age: 35

Town of residence: Geneva

Office sought: School Board Member CUSD 304

Website: www.saxtonforgeneva304.com

Civic involvement and volunteer work: 

Current Geneva Lutheran Church Parent’s Day Out Board Member, co-leader of the Geneva Lutheran Church Mom’s Group.

Parent volunteer at Heartland Elementary School.

Fundraising Co-chair for Heartland Elementary School Spring Fling Fundraiser.

Previous elected offices held: none

1. Why are you the best candidate for this office?

I believe that I can bring a unique perspective to the school board having been a high school teacher for 5 years.

I understand what goes on in a classroom, I am the parent of young children in the district, and I am a community member committed to helping Geneva schools be their best.

I will make decisions by looking at the full picture and exploring the best options for everyone, especially our students.

2. What are the biggest challenges facing the office you seek?

The Board of Education and teachers need to repair their working relationship.

If elected, I will commit to making myself available to teachers.

I will listen to their concerns, and encourage open and honest communication between the board and teachers by being transparent in my actions.

We will also need to address our aging facilities and the current usage of each building.

Our high school is in need of repairs, and we will have to discuss the mobile classrooms in the near future; an addition to the high school building is a real possibility with our increasing student population.

Our middle schools and elementary schools are in need of general maintenance as well as updating of HVAC systems and replacing boilers.

These types of updates are generally budgeted for within the building and maintenance funds, but unexpected costs do arise.

The board needs to ensure that we are financially prepared for the immediate and future building and maintenance needs.

3. What issues would you like to address should you be elected?

It is my opinion that our board and district need to be open in their communication.

As an elected official, it will be my duty to keep all stakeholders informed and involved. Unless a confidential personnel or student matter is being discussed, I believe that every part of school board meetings should be open to the public.

In addition, any information discussed during each meeting should be communicated in an effective and timely manner with stakeholders.