Candidate for Batavia School Board- Erin Meitzler

Name: Erin Meitzler

Age: 38

Town of residence: Batavia

Office sought: Batavia Board of Education Member

Website:  N/A

Civic involvement and volunteer work:  Vice Chair of Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence (BFEE) ,Co-Chair of Batavia Inter-school Council, Vice President of Music Buffs, RMS liaison, H.C. Storm PTO President from 2016-2018, Executive Board 2014-2018.

Served on the the BFEE District Innovation Grant Committee focused on STEM education,  Hall of Honor Committee, Bulldogs Unleashed Auction Committee Co-Chair, 100 Kids Who Care Fox Valley, which provides age appropriate volunteer experiences to children, member of 100 Women Who Care Fox Valley.

Previous elected offices held: 

N/A

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

I believe the board can benefit from a member who has elementary aged students enrolled in the district, and my youngest children (grades kindergarten and 1st) will be for several more years. With my children ranging from elementary to middle, and high school, I believe I bring a current, relative and uniquely well rounded perspective. Further, I am the parent of an honors student, as well as a student with a 504 plan. I am a parent of a student athlete, as well as student musician. I am also a parent of multiples, which in some instances brings a unique perspective.

Before I became a stay at home parent, I was a human resources manager for a managed services company in the Chicagoland area. I traveled to different school districts and assisted them with HR related needs. I worked with my business partners to:

* create succession planning tools

* create employee evaluations and improvement plans

* conduct training on topics like leadership and customer service

* investigate employee hotline calls

* assist with union hearings and negotiations

* empower employees to be the best possible version of themselves

Most importantly, I listened to the concerns of ALL individuals, and then formulated plans of action.

I earned my B.A. in Mass Communication/Communication Studies at Winona State University, and my M.B.A. from Madison University. I also hold a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification.

What are the biggest challenges facing the office you seek?

I believe the biggest challenges are constantly changing and evolving. Currently, I believe the biggest challenges facing our district are class size, guaranteed and viable curriculum, rigorous standardized testing schedules, and the individual health of the student in their entirety. Clear and thorough communications to all appropriate community members is also essential.

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

Health and safety of our students in their entirety will be a critical focus for me, should I earn a position on the Batavia Board of Education.