I am running for Seat 7 on the Madison Metropolitan School District Board, the seat that Carol Carstensen is relinquishing in the spring. I offer smart, seasoned, sensible and supportive leadership to meet the challenges ahead for our Madison schools.

Smart. I'll bring an intelligent approach and fresh thinking to the difficult issues the Madison schools face, informed by facts rather than preconceptions. The task of the schools - the education of all our children - is too critical to rely on anything other than the best evidence we can gather on what works and what doesn't.

Seasoned. I have had children in the Madison schools for the past 18 years. I have practiced law for 29 years. I know from experience how well-functioning Boards should operate. I won't need on-the-job training on how to read a financial statement, or analyze complex data, or ask tough questions and insist on responsive answers. The annual budget of the Madison school district is about one-third of a billion dollars. The Board responsible for its operations can benefit from members with experience in the business world.

Sensible. School Board members should exercise common sense and prudent judgment. I will. I will also work to keep the Board focused on the important issues that affect the quality of the education that our schools provide and minimize time spent on issues of secondary significance.

Supportive. I will help celebrate what is good about our schools, and there is a lot to be proud of. There is no reason why Madison families should feel that our schools can't provide their children the kind of education they'll need to succeed. I will take every opportunity to make the case - with enthusiasm - that, with all their challenges, Madison schools offer an excellent educational experience for our kids.

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