This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Name: Martha Heiskell
Occupation: Retired Educator
Education: B.A. in Elementary Education, Capital University, Columbus, Ohio
M.S. in School Counseling, University of Phoenix Level II School Counselor Certificate
City: Sandy
Why are you running for office?
I have been an educator for over 30 years and my passion is the education of young people. I want to be an advocate for students, teachers, and parents in my community as the district moves through this split. The high quality of education that Jordan School District students have enjoyed must not be compromised when setting up a new district. My experience interacting with students in the classroom for many years gives me a realistic expectation of what can be accomplished in our schools.
What do you consider the top three issues facing the east side Jordan School District?
1) Filling job positions: This will include the hiring of a superintendent and administrative personnel to get the district up and running and retaining current teachers as well as attracting and retaining quality educators.
2) Establishing open communication: The school board must create a climate that fosters open communication among all groups that are part of the education environment such as the certified and classified employees, the associations that represent them, and the patrons of the school district.
3) Maintaining a quality education for all students: Assuring parents and students that they can count on the same excellent quality of education they have come to expect. Special needs programs and policies that have been successful should remain the same as before the split. For a smooth transition to take place, there must be the least amount of interruption as possible.
What do you see as three opportunities in forming a new district?
1) Evaluating current practices: Closely examining the policies and procedures that have been in place and evaluating them as to their quality and effectiveness, and then making adjustments where indicated.
2) Incorporating new ideas: Listening to patrons and employees and establishing new procedures for their ideas and concerns to be heard.
3) Creating positive changes: Having a clean slate to dream of improvements and possibilities and then being creative in making these dreams and ideas realities.
What do you think should be the governance structure when it comes to the roles of patrons, local school, board of education and district administration?
Scheduled discussions: There should be a procedure and forum established where these three entities could come together for open discussion and problem solving. This should be scheduled and occur on a regular basis so that it is on going and open to anyone with concerns or issues to discuss.
What will you do or say to teachers to make sure they feel job security and stability in their new jobs in the new district?
Benefits and experience should remain the same: It is crucial that teachers experience no interruption in their career goals or retirement incentives as a result of the district split. All benefits and experience they have accrued should remain the same.
How big of a priority is it to update and improve the conditions of east-side buildings and schools?
A major priority: Many east-side schools are in need of updating and improvement. This is extremely important for the safety and positive learning environment needed for our students. This should be a top priority of the board.
One of interests of schools on the east side of the district is to have the school board be more accessible for dialogue and feedback. How do you think that can be accomplished?
Establish a communication forum: There should be a forum established where communication could take place. This should be an informal environment that invites candid and honest discussions with active listening and respect on all sides.
What is your stand on having to raise taxes to cover costs?
In order to provide the quality of education that our children deserve, lower classroom size, offer programs that meet the needs of all students, attract and retain quality teachers, and keep our buildings safe and functional, we need the capital to be able to do these things. I am not, nor do I believe the citizens would be, opposed to raising taxes if we are assured the additional money would be used for the things I have listed.
How much time do you have to devote to the duties of a school board member?
As much time as necessary: Since I am now retired from my career, I have as much time as would be needed to attend to the business of establishing this new school district.