Election 2011: Meet Brenda Jo Corbett, District 197 School Board Candidate

Editor's Note: Each candidate for the submitted their answers to the following questionnaire. The candidates had 125 words or less to respond to identical prompts. Their responses will be printed in their entirety one a day for the next seven business days, in alphabetical order.

The Basics

Name: Brenda Jo Corbett

City: West Saint Paul, MN

Education: BA - Lawrence University

MEd - University of Minnesota

Additional graduate credits - St. Thomas University

Where do you work? Retired from teaching English grades 11 and 12 at Henry Sibley H. S. on June 15 2011

Questions for District 197 School Board candidates:

Patch: Why are you qualified to sit on the District 197 School Board?

Brenda Jo Corbett: Education is my life's passion. I have taught for over 30 years, the last 21 years in ISD 197. My first 13 years in District 197 I coordinated gifted and talented education and taught in all 5 elementary schools and both middle schools; the past 8 years I have taught English at Henry Sibley.

I have worked with the middle school planning committee, staff development, and graduation standards. My husband and I have lived in this district for 33 years, our children attended ISD 197 schools K-12, I know the community and its schools well, and I have a positive working relationship with administration, parents and students. I am committed to offering the best educational possible to each ISD 197 student.

Patch: Where do you stand on passage of the operating referendum that will be on the ballot?

Corbett: I support the referendum. Should the existing levy not be renewed, elements that many people view as essential for a quality education will disappear as budget cuts over previous years have already pared down offerings and staffing. I would like to see a more specific description of projected changes should the additional funding not be approved, but it is clear that even with the additional $50 per pupil from the state, state funding does not meet mandated expenses and programs. While a $3 charge for a home valued at $100,000 may seem minimal to some, I realize that in today's economy, every dollar matters. I will see that each dollar is wisely spent, giving taxpayers the greatest possible value for their money.

Patch: What is the most important step the district must take to address financial pressures?

Corbett: Although school budget shortfalls can be somewhat alleviated by seeking additional revenue from open enrollment, school/community partnerships and grants, ultimately the school district cannot spend more money than it has.  Budgeting requires a careful examination of dollars spent and a prioritizing of the community's values. The district budget should reflect the educational values of a well informed community. 

Patch: Aside from the budget, what is the most important issue facing the school district?

Corbett: Aside from the budget, I feel another important issue facing the district is the seeming lack of trust and respect among all parties involved in the educational process—the school board, school and district administration, teachers, parents and community, and students. Without a strong feeling of trust, the sense and effectiveness of teamwork is reduced, individuals are hesitant to share ideas and solutions, problem solving ability is limited, and people have a sense of hidden agendas. All of these issues often result in poor decision making and a waste of time and money to the district. Creating a sense of transparency, keeping commitments, and extending trust to all parties involved can greatly improve any group's functioning and effectiveness.

Patch: What area of education are you particularly passionate about?

Corbett: As an educator, I am especially excited and interested in the wealth of information resulting from new research and technology about how our brains work, the effect of environment on brain function and physiology, the interconnectedness of mind and body, and the role of emotion in learning. New technologies allow us to see inside one's brain and body and actually measure what takes place during the learning process; we can then use these findings to improve teaching and learning.  It is an exciting time to work in the field of education.