Public Education and the Board of Education--- Why I do what I do

By Jenny Pansing

I firmly believe that we need to keep our public schools strong to benefit our youth and our society at large. I would appreciate your vote to re-elect me, so I can keep working hard for all students.

Public Education--Why should people care about it?

Public education is something many in this country take for granted. It seems like its always been there. It is an easy target for many of our common woes-- "No wonder things are so messed up--- look at what they are/ aren't teaching in the schools". Our public schools have become the convenient blame for many issues.

I'll be one of the first to admit that public education isn't perfect. We have many improvements to make, and our accountability level must rise in many areas. We need to ensure that we are looking out for the best interests of ALL students, no matter what their ability level appears to be, or what motivation is shown.

As a pediatric RN, I see first hand the many stressors that impact upon children and their lives. Physical, emotional, and sociological factors all influence what and how children learn. I also see first hand the struggles that many parents face when they haven't received an adequate education themselves. They are hard pressed to provide the kind of parenting and modeling of a desire to learn to their children if they haven't experienced it for themselves. This becomes a never-ending spiral as one generation sets up the next for struggle, hardship, and sometimes-outright failure.

How do we best break that spiral, and help set up our youth and future generations for success? I believe the key is an excellent education. Doing well in school does help students obtain the knowledge and skills they will need to thrive in the world they will soon inherit. It also fuels a positive self-esteem. If people feel good about themselves and what they have accomplished, they have a better chance of being positive contributors to our society, instead of a source of problems.

What does all of this have to do with the Board of Education?

One of the Board's primary roles is to set policy for a district. Through these policies, the tone and expectations are set. If we set high standards for students and staff, and give the necessary supports to ensure that they are achievable, then we will set the stage for high levels of success for all. If we are content with the status quo, and "good enough", then we are selling our youth short, and not giving them all they deserve.

I am passionate about education and its importance for our students and society. If we allow our public schools to falter, then a large segment of our population will not achieve full potential. This means that employers won't have the educated work force they need. Our communities will suffer economically. If the schools aren't seen to be strong, potential new businesses and homeowners are often dissuaded from relocating within the district borders. Again, this is a drain on the community at large. We are all then diminished by the ultimate outcome.

The mission of the Princeton City Schools is to assure that all students thrive as productive life-long learners and citizens of integrity by providing a superior educational environment.

I firmly believe in our mission statement, and do my best to ensure that Princeton lives up to it in all of its actions. I give my time and energies freely to improving our schools, because I believe it is important to help our students gain the necessary tools to thrive in the society they will soon lead, whether they have been prepared to do so or not. I believe my enthusiasm and conviction of the importance of a solid education are beneficial to our district. Through ongoing study and networking with others, I seek new ways to offer a better education for all.

My commitment is to all of our students, staff, community residents and Princeton as a whole. I will give my best, as I have for the past four years, in the hopes of making the most positive impact possible on our students, and ultimately, on our world.

I would appreciate your support, not just by a vote to re-elect me to this position, but in keeping Princeton a strong, vital district that makes positive impacts on students each and every day. Thank you.