Colfax-Mingo School Board Election Candidates 2023

Name: Ashley VanderSchoor

Age: 40

Occupation: Paralegal

1. Please introduce yourself and explain why you are running for school board.

My name is Ashley VanderSchoor. My husband Scott and I have three children in the Colfax-Mingo School District. I feel called to represent a voice of common-sense decision making and direction for our children’s education. A school board should represent the broad range of voices and opinions found within the community it represents. I believe that my voice will represent like-minded C-M parents that want to know their children are receiving the best education possible that prioritizes fundamental academics and prepares them for the future.

2. What’s the best quality of C-M schools? What can the district improve on?

C-M has a lot of exciting things going on. With the new athletic facilities nearing completion, I’d like to see the district focus on building stronger, successful athletic programs to retain talent, and to provide more options for extracurricular activities. I look forward to the opportunity to bring fresh and different ideas to the school board to continue the positive growth within the district.

3. What challenges do you see in public schools and how do you propose to address them?

A major challenge that public schools are facing is the focus on fundamental academics taking a back seat to social and political issues. I hope to address this particular issue by collaborating with parents, school administrators, and the school board to keep the focus on preparing our students for future success.

4. Where would you like to see C-M grow?

I would like to see our schools provide more opportunity to successful students that need to be challenged and to provide the needed support for students who are struggling. It’s important for students on every end of the spectrum to have a great educational experience.

Growth in numbers is also important — whether it be through open enrollment or new families moving to the district.Our schools have a lot to offer.

5. What is a parent’s role in the educational system?

I believe that it is not just a parent’s role, but their duty to be as engaged as possible in their child’s education. That is not just limited to voicing opinions of support or dissatisfaction, but to also give their time to the various voluntary needs of the school. I believe the more engaged the parents are in their school, the more likely we are to see a parent/teacher dynamic that is pulling in the same direction versus pulling against each other. Educators play a vital role in the development of our children, but parents shouldn’t outsource their responsibility to their child’s future.

6. What other school issues are you most passionate about?

Involvement. As I previously stated, the more engaged we are as parents, or even as a community, the more successful our students and staff will be.