Carrie Schoon for GSL School Board Q+A
Photo courtesy of Carrie Schoon
Carrie Schoon is one of four candidates running for three open seats on the Glencoe-Silver Lake school board this year. Schoon agreed to answer the following questions, which are meant to provide some insight into the candidate’s values and mindset regarding education.
1: Why are you running for GSL school board this year?
Carrie Schoon: I made the decision to run for school board when I learned that there were openings in this upcoming election because I have strong family ties to education and have spent some time working as a substitute teacher in the Glencoe Silver Lake school district when I first moved to Minnesota. Both my girls attend GSL as well. One of my daughters has some special needs, and the teachers and staff at GSL have worked tirelessly to meet all her needs and have exceeded my expectations as a parent. I would like to give back to the community and the school any way I can, which is why I jumped at the chance to be a part of the board for the school that has done so much for my family and me.Â
2: An increasing number of schools are banning smartphones. Would you support such a policy for GSL?
Carrie Schoon: If the data shows that smart phones were interfering with student’s class time, and GSL teachers were asking for a ban of smartphones, then yes, I would support that policy.
3: When a student graduates from their K-12 education, how do you know that they have been well-served by their schools?
Carrie Schoon: A few indicators that I feel would determine that a student has been well served by their K-12 education would be academic proficiency to the best of the student’s ability, basic life skills, such as communication, problem-solving abilities, and basic financial literacy, and the social emotional skills needed to navigate interactions in adulthood.
4: What are the two or three most vital skills with which every GSL student should graduate?
Carrie Schoon: Every graduating high schooler should have communication skills, both verbal and written, to prepare them for applying for jobs or colleges in their adult life. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for making informed decisions and navigating challenges in adulthood effectively. And, basic financial literacy, such as budgeting and understanding credit, is crucial for managing personal finances as they enter adulthood.
5: Will you commit to a policy of transparency with the parents and residents of GSL school district in all matters related to our schools?
Carrie Schoon: Oh yes, once elected to the school board all members should commit to a policy of transparency and openly share information about decision-making processes with the public since their role is to represent the community’s interest and be accountable to the community through open meetings and access to documents.
6: From what leaders - whether from your personal life or from history - do you take inspiration?
Carrie Schoon: I draw inspiration from several admirable female leaders from history. Namely, Ruth Bader Ginsburg former associate justice of the Supreme Court, because of her efforts to advance liberty and equality for all.Â
7: If there were only 3 books which you could guarantee that every GSL graduate would leave our schools having read and understood, what 3 books would you pick?
Carrie Schoon:
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
8: What are some of the most important things you hope for GSL students to learn about their identity and role as Minnesotans and Americans?
Carrie Schoon: I hope GSL students develop a well-rounded understanding of their identity and roles in society, both at the State and National levels. I hope the school system has helped students develop and foster critical thinking skills and to understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens so all understand the importance of participating in democracy through voting and community service.
9: In recent years on social media, you’ve promoted children’s books about race and gender identity that some would call controversial. Namely, Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race, which is directed at toddlers, and My Shadow Is Pink. Do these books reflect the kinds of stories and values you want GSL students to learn about and adopt through their education? Why or why not?
Carrie Schoon: I consider these books to be personal choices that reflect my values and beliefs. While they may be seen as controversial by some, I believe they offer important perspectives on diversity and inclusion. My intention is to encourage thoughtful dialogue rather than to impose a specific viewpoint. These books are important to me personally, and I believe they reflect values I hold dear. I encourage others to explore different perspectives, but I view these selections as my own rather than representing an official curriculum.
If you want to ask Carrie Schoon or any of the other candidates any further questions, there are two upcoming candidate forums. The first is at the Glencoe city center on Tuesday, October 22nd at 6:30 pm, and the second is at the Silver Lake auditorium on Thursday, October 24th at 7:00 pm. Questions for the Tuesday forum in Glencoe may be submitted here.