Brinegar School Board Special Election Questionnaire

Name: Arica Brinegar

Age: 39

Occupation: Self employed

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

The Prairie City-Monroe School District and people it serves matters very much to me. I am a lifelong resident of Monroe, graduating from PCM in 2001. My husband, Josh, and I have been married for 18 years and have chosen to raise and educate our four children, Hewitt, Harri, Kate, and Penelope, here. Our children are currently PCM high school, junior high, and elementary students. Each are involved in a range of school activities, from varsity and junior sports, choir and band, to youth club sports, and elementary activities. We are committed to being present and invested in our children’s lives, as well as the lives of other students. I am currently president of the Youth Soccer Program and have also started a jr. high level soccer team. I have helped with church AWANA clubs and currently help with the Good News Club at Monroe Elementary. My husband and I are committed to PCM as residents, parents, and tax-payers.

I am a researcher and value information. As a graduate of Mercy College of Health Sciences with an associate’s degree in nursing, I know the importance of education, seeking out pertinent and factual information. This mindset and these skills will serve me and others well as a School Board Member who reads, researches, gathers information and asks for others’ input on policies, budgets and issues. I pursue honesty. I strive for transparency. I value other people’s opinions. I care for other people’s concerns. My compassion for others, personal integrity, and desire to help families and children is what drives me to seek a position on the PCM School Board.

2. What’s the best quality of PCM schools? What can the district improve on?

PCM Schools have many excellent qualities, it is difficult to pick the best. As a parent, I have experienced the quality and commitment of our educators and administrators. They have high standards for education while maintaining our small town and local rural values. Also, as a parent I like knowing our students are in a safe environment with a village surrounding them with support from staff, community and local law enforcement.

I want to help them maintain high standards and safety for all students. A strong school district is key to attracting new families into our towns, or open enrollment opportunities for families in outlying communities.

But I am also aware that test scores have fallen at the elementaries and open enrollment is low. That is a challenge our school board must meet.

Another area to improve is offering a larger varieties of trade classes, like plumbing, welding, building, and home economics etc. for Jr. and Senior High students. I love that we have the capability to offer college credit courses and would like to see this broadened as well.

I would like to evaluate and foster an environment where staff can feel comfortable and excited to be long term employees not just a stepping stone. Building healthy relationships with our staff is important.

3. What is a parent’s role and how does it fit into the school district?

I believe a parent has the biggest role model in the life of their child. That role should not end when they enter a school building. I feel to give a solid education, parents need to be included as much as possible. I encourage parents to be involved at all levels of education.

Parent/teacher communications are critical, as both parties need to feel welcomed and open to understand their child’s needs. Homeroom volunteers, parents back at classroom parties, visitor days, grandparent days helps a parent be more a part of their child’s life.

These interactions were a favorite of mine growing up and also as a mother. I have seen a steady decline in parent involvement throughout my children’s school years. To have a good relationship with student/teacher/parent, communication, respect, and involvement is essential.

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

I am passionate about many school issues, both good and challenging. Curriculum. Part of well-rounded education is learning the discipline and responsibility of

being on a sports team, a band team, or any other extracurricular activity. But I understand that basic education, such as reading, writing, math, and science fundamentals must be first priority. It is so important to offer educational opportunities to our students and let them reach their full potential and do it with confidence. I am committed to help find new ways to excel as a school district.

Finances. The largest portion of our property tax dollars go to our schools. We all have a big part in this so we must have a voice in how the finances are used, from building improvements, staff retainment, broadening learning experiences, etc). Funding should be put to the best use possible considering the needs and desires of community values.

Families. I am passionate in keeping our smalltown communities and families involved by being informed and having their voice heard and ideas represented. We have so much to be proud of here at PCM. I am looking forward to many good years ahead for PCM, watching our children mature, and feel it an honor to work for you and our community.

Thank you for this opportunity to serve you.