What's on the people's minds?

We have had phenomenal attendance at our coffees. Even more exciting is that the comments coming from each group reflect a positive outlook for the future of the Liberty School District.

Two questions I've consistently gotten at the coffees...
1. How can we continue the level of excellence as we face an increase in enrollment and a decrease in financial resources?
My first response is: “Great question, and it will not be easy to solve!” One solution I envision is to closely analyze the way we are delivering services and ensuring it is as efficient as possible. To collaborate with all stakeholders would be an exciting endeavor that could result in substantial savings. Additionally, we must never lose sight of running every decision through the filter of "Kids First" when making the tough budget decisions.

2. How can we continue to have small student-to-teacher ratio?
As one patron so aptly said, "Let’s think outside the box. There must be something that we can do." I totally agree with her. Solving this issue is clearly one of my distinct priorities. With the philosophical premise of "Kids First," we cannot go wrong. On every budget decision we make, we must consistently keep first and foremost in our minds the question….What about class sizes?

The questions above give you a feel of the heartbeat of some of the stakeholders in the Liberty School District. I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the Liberty School District remains a district of excellence.

If you'd like to attend a coffee, you can see the dates and RSVP at www.charlenearmitage.com/coffee.html.

Our first community coffee was a success!

Our first community coffee accomplished exactly what we had hoped---opportunity for guests who had never met me to get acquainted with me, ask great questions, share concerns and give me the forum to share my vision for the Liberty School Board. If you'd like to attend a coffee, be sure to go to www.charlenearmitage.com/coffee.html and sign up for one of the future coffees.

I mentioned in a recent blog my willingness to respond to challenges within the framework of collaboration. Additionally, I am very focused on communicating with clarity. One very easy way to remember three key components of myleadership style is
Transparency
Integrity
Full Disclosure
(or as I like to remember it, "TIF.")

These characteristics will be a great fit for the Liberty School Board. You can find additional information about my experience at http://www.charlenearmitage.com/.

Remember… the deadline to register to vote is March 11, and if you will be out of town on April l, 7, be sure to vote absentee. Visit www.charlenearmitage.com/voterinfo.html for links to more information.