Number of years in Oxford: Attended Oxford Schools, graduated from Oxford School, and always lived in Oxford, or surrounding area.
Family: Husband ? Paul Phelps. My children are: son Paul Phelps/wife Lori (2 children); son Robert Phelps/wife Lana (3 children); son Ryan Phelps; son Preston Phelps/wife Rachel (1 child); daughter Lisa Phelps; son Matt Phelps.
Education: 1? years at Bob Jones University.
Occupation: Realtor at Coldwell Banker Shooltz Realty
1.Why are you running for School board?
I would like to see more accountability to the people of Oxford (tax payers) for financial performances of the district on a regular basis, instead of just when the time for assessing new tax. I also would like to see the schools run with student betterment first, and government last.
2. What do you believe are the top three issues facing the school district? How do you plan to deal with them if elected?
1. Finances ,where and how to get the top performance out of every dollar. To give children a great education despite economic hard times.
2. Meeting the emotional needs of children, for safety, and performance, allowing them freedom to study.
3. Prioritizing the needs of teachers, children, and all other aspects of school, to meet the inner needs of the children before the social needs.
3. What personal assets or qualification do you feel you can bring to the school board? Why should voters elect you?
The people should elect me as I have good problem solving skills. I have the ability to find solutions to problems looking at the root of the problem and finding the cure, rather than trying to cope with the consequences.
4. How do you view the relationship between a school board and the district’s central administration, particularly the superintendent? Who is in charge? I believe in most things the School Board is in charge, however it does not matter who ? mans the ship? as all hands are needed on board, and all sailing in the same direction.
5. What, if anything, would you change or improve about Oxford Schools? I would like to see monies used more constructively to help children with their basic needs. Education is very important in the world economy, but the inner character and person that carries that education is most important.
6. Anything else you wish to add?
I am the mother of 6 children, and grandmother of 6. Children have been my life, and I have an automatic connection with most people, especially children and teens. My children are now all close to being above age 20. In the 35 years of mothering, 4-plus years driving a school bus, and working with young people in all walks of life, I have had opportunity to learn through carefully listening to the youth. When I had opportunity to meet the parents, I have had the opportunity to learn even more. We have troubled youth, and troubled parents, that need special assistance. As long as their problems are not met, the schools will not function to its highest potential. These problems draw from the teachers ability to teach. Sometimes what seems to be a big problem is, but often it turns out to be something with a reasonable gentle solution. All problems need to be addressed. Failure to take care of these needs affects schooling, and the future of our students.
My view for the school is that first we need to listen to the needs of the children, from the mouths of our children. Second, we need children and parents listening and understanding each other, unified in their needs for the success of their children. Third, we need a school that will function at a greater level of accountability than it does now. The public needs a greater level of accountability both in finances and in performance. Forth, when communication, unity, and accountability are incorporated, teachers would be able to teach with more success, and the government would be able to meet the desires they have for education.
This plan would start at the child, instead of government levels. I feel this would set a new precedence for educating the youth of Oxford, and for preparing Americas future leaders.