Liz talks about hot-button issues

Budget

I cannot emphasize enough that it is the responsibility of our board to make future-focused financial dPine-Richland’s budget deficit demands a thoughtful, transparent response that protects the quality of education our students receive. We must prioritize student-centered investments while ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

Addressing this challenge starts with transparency—clear, accessible information about what’s driving the deficit and how decisions are being made. We must also hold spending accountable, examining administrative costs and outside contracts before cutting student programs.

Finally, we need a long-term, sustainable plan that avoids short-term cuts and focuses on what works for students. Our budget is a reflection of our values—let’s make sure it shows we value educational excellence, equity, and fiscal responsibility.

Extreme library policy overhaul

This policy ignores the professional expertise of our librarians and educators by shifting final decisions about library materials to the board—individuals who are not education professionals. By a 30-day public posting, and board approval of every resource, the policy creates unnecessary delays that hinder students’ timely access to materials. It invites political interference, opens the door to censorship, and risks limiting students’ exposure to the diverse ideas and perspectives essential for learning and growth. As a board member, I will advocate for policies that trust our educators’ expertise, protect intellectual freedom, and ensure access without unnecessary barriers.

Counseling Opt-In Policy

I am concerned about Pine-Richland’s opt-in policy for counseling resources. With over 95% of families already choosing to opt in, the current policy creates an unnecessary administrative burden on our educators—diverting time and energy away from teaching and student support.

Our teachers and counselors should be focused on meeting students’ needs, not managing paperwork for a policy that serves little practical purpose. Families who do not wish to participate should absolutely have that choice—but making opt-in the default creates inefficiencies that serve no real benefit.

We should trust our families and streamline access to essential services. Shifting to an opt-out model would respect parental choice while supporting staff and ensuring students can access the help they need without delay or complication.

Student Wellness and Safety
Student wellness—including emotional well-being and physical safety—must be a top priority in the Pine-Richland School District. When students feel safe, supported, and seen, they are better able to learn, grow, and thrive.

That means ensuring access to qualified counselors, mental health supports, and safe school environments. While not every resource will be the right fit for every family, all families should have the ability to choose and access the resources that best meet their child’s needs.

Policies should reflect the diverse needs of our students—not political agendas—and support the educators and professionals working every day to help them succeed.

Ethics, Transparency, and Good Governance
School board members are elected to serve the community and should always act with honesty, fairness, and in the best interest of all students. Families deserve a board that is transparent about its decisions, open to public input, and accountable for how it uses taxpayer dollars.

Good governance means listening to the community, making thoughtful, informed decisions, and being clear about how and why those decisions are made. Board meetings and votes should not happen behind closed doors or be rushed through without discussion.

The board should lead by example—showing respect, responsibility, and a real commitment to our schools. Politics and personal agendas have no place in public education. Our students, teachers, and families deserve better.

Student Input Matters
Our students are directly impacted by school policies, classroom environments, and resource decisions every day. Including their voices ensures the board understands what’s really happening in our schools—what’s working, what’s not, and what students need to succeed. Listening to students promotes transparency, builds trust, and helps create policies that are relevant, responsive, and equitable.

We need to actively include students in the decision-making process. Below are some possible means of involvement:

• Student Advisory Committee. Establish a student advisory group that meets regularly with the board or administration to provide feedback and raise concerns.

• Student board representatives. Invite student representatives to attend board meetings, either as non-voting members or through a public comment segment.

• Surveys and listening sessions. Use anonymous surveys or host regular open forums to gather input on key issues like mental health, curriculum, or school safety.

• Involve them early. Ask for student input at the beginning of policy discussions—not after decisions are made.