BRIGHAM CITY -- Karen Cronin of Perry is challenging incumbent Kevin Packer of Perry for the Box Elder School Board District 7 seat.
Cronin says if elected she would like to be a voice for parents and teachers rather than another voice for the administration.
"I bring a practical viewpoint from the ground floor, where I have worked in the trenches alongside teachers and other parents to see what realistically does work and what does not," Cronin said, stating she volunteers three hours a week in elementary classrooms, has served on the PTA several times and is a member of the Adele C. Young Intermediate School and the Box Elder High School community councils.
Cronin is a member of the Perry City Council, where she says she has learned to work within governmental regulations and how to manage tight budgets.
"I have confirmed with the lieutenant governor's office that a person can hold elected positions within a city government and a school district," Cronin said.
"I have developed expertise in planning, budgeting, utilizing critical thinking skills to solve problems in a creative and efficient manner. I have been responsive to legal requirements, and have worked within multi-functional groups in both private and government entities on multimillion-dollar projects," Cronin said.
Packer said listening to and valuing students, parents, teachers and community members input has been a priority as he has served on the school board. In addition he has pledged to keep down taxes and class sizes.
"As a member of the school board, we will continue to make difficult decisions as we attempt to provide the very best education possible within the limited resources. We have maximized efficiencies and minimized costs to taxpayers and look to continue to do so. We balanced our budget and kept our focus on the students," Packer said.
Packer said his background as a Realtor has been as asset to the school district as the district has added classrooms to two elementary school, rebuilt two high schools is building one new school in Garland with plans for another new school in Fielding.
"As a board member, I have studied the issues and made decisions based upon their long-term effects, not just based upon quick and apparent easy fixes to pressing issues. This has helped to avoid any long-term unintended consequences," Packer said. "I feel a sense of responsibility to serve in an area where I've been a parent and have enjoyed the benefit of a great education system. In seeing what good education has done for my children, I want to help insure that others who live here have the same positive experience. My expertise and experiences I bring to the table will help this continue."
Comments