There are five candidates running for two seats on Upper Arlington School Board. Pencilstorm asked each of the candidates five specific questions centered around issues that impacted Upper Arlington schools and questions that were being raised by fellow voters. Pencilstorm will be posting their complete and unedited answers individually throughout October and reposting all their answers together before the election. Answers will be posted in order they're received. Our fifth and last candidate, Liz Easton, is featured below.
Liz Easton, Upper Arlington School Board Candidate
Liz Easton
www.lizeastonforuaschools.com
What makes you qualified to have oversight of the $98 million schools operating budget?
As a small business owner, I understand and appreciate the importance of a budget. While our business budget is nowhere near $98 million dollars, I do believe in the importance of using our money in the most prudent and effective ways. Large parts of our school budget are items that fall under maintenance, capital expenditures, salaries, etc. I would listen to experts and also look at past budgets and do comparisons to other school districts. Financial transparency will be absolutely imperative when it comes to spending in our school district.
One priority of our strategic plan is “Whole Learning.” How will you foster whole learning in our elementary schools, middle schools and high schools?
When we talk about "Whole Learning" it not only includes the academic achievements for students but also the personal and developmental needs of our students. It prioritizes the requirements that are needed to improve our children's education and makes certain that each child can reach their full potential. Upper Arlington has a lot of great programs that are diverse in different teaching techniques. Barrington Elementary has both informal and contemporary teaching styles. Wickliffe Elementary offers both progressive and informal instructional programs. Upper Arlington High School utilizes Community School as an alternative to traditional learning. My vision for whole learning is to have more professional development for our teachers, provide key services including counselling and social workers, and use balanced learning styles to help students achieve success.
Another priority of our strategic plan is “Student and Staff Well-being” with a key element of belonging. How will you serve as a role model to our community and create a feeling of safety and connectedness?
We know that teachers have the most impact on student success, and it is important that we are supporting teachers’ social and emotional well-being as it directly benefits our students. We now have an executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion, Mr. Matt Boaz, who I believe will be a great advocate for our students and an important resource for our teachers. It is important that our teachers and students have a safe space to learn, grow and thrive without fear of prejudice or bias. If I am elected to the School Board, I will work to create policies that develop a supportive school and classroom climate and work to build a sense of connectedness, focus, and purpose.
Everyone at Pencilstorm is a musician. To that end, what would you do to support music education at a younger age in our elementary schools?
I am a lover of music and play the flute, oboe and piano. Music and art are crucial for the well rounded education we strive for in Upper Arlington. One of the first things I would do if I am elected to the Board of Education is learn why we disbanded our music programs at the elementary schools. Until 2021, students in our elementary schools had the opportunity to try different musical instruments. This then leads to becoming members of either band or orchestra in the Middle Schools and into High School. In order to have strong music programs at the high school, I believe it is crucial to start in the elementary schools, and I would work to reimplement our music programs at the elementary schools.
Here’s a fun question. If you had a time machine and an unlimited amount of money and could pick any band or performer to play in the new auditorium for our students, who would you pick? Bonus question – who’s the opening act?
Queen with an opening act of Prince. Can you tell I grew up in the 80's?
Pencilstorm would like to thank Liz Easton for taking the time to answer our questions. Learn more about Liz at her website: www.lizeastonforuaschools.com.
This is our final coverage of Upper Arlington politics and we thank you for your readership. Pencilstorm is an independent news source and does not endorse any individual candidate.
Local UA Politics coverage provided by Wal Ozello. You can email him at Pencilstormstory@gmail.com or try to catch him at Colin's Coffee.
Check out coverage of all the candidates we've received responses from by clicking here.