Candidate Questions For Emma Petrie-Barcelona

Occupation: Non-profit management- compliance

1.) Why do you want to be elected, or re-elected, to the Lakewood Board of Education? Why should we
vote for you? (100 words or less)

I have served the residents of Lakewood as a school board member for the last 8-years and believe I
have done a good job. I would like to continue to provide leadership and support the district in carrying
out the new district vision. I’m excited about the leadership that Dr. Barnes and Mr. Zeman bring to the
district and I add value to the board through my board and professional experience, as well as my first-
hand knowledge of the district as a parent, informed by what other parents and stakeholders share with
me.

2.) What do you see as the three biggest issues facing the Lakewood School District?  Explain how will
you address one of them? (100 words or less)

The consistent area of focus of the schools is serving all children as well as possible, given the realities of
funding, and meeting the variety of needs of children given the experiences, strengths, growth areas, and
backgrounds that each individual possesses. As a school board member, I will continue to focus on the
budget priorities and managing resources effectively and appropriately, while investing in areas that may
need additional attention. Finally, while managing enrollment changes across the district, I will pay
particular attention to ensuring that all buildings have consistent access to supports and programs.

3.) It seems that every week we hear of another terrible school incident and this year we have been
informed of threats in our own schools. What are your ideas to keep our children as safe as possible in
our schools? (100 words or less)

Communication, paying attention, along with consistent safety planning, will help support a safe
environment for our children and schools. One part of school safety includes having safety standards and
limiting access to the buildings in consistent ways as the Lakewood Schools do now. Safe schools are
ones where students trust the adults and fellow students to be looking out for them and feel comfortable
sharing information. Listening and sharing information is critical in order for the professionals to assess
any situations and the Lakewood schools has tools and people to help get information to the right people
quickly.

4.) In a city dedicated to wellness, if elected or re-elected, what will you to do make sports, recreation and
extra-curricular activities more abundantly available to Lakewood students and families?

The Lakewood City Schools, through the schools, the recreation department, and the City, have many
options for recreation, athletic, and wellness pursuits. By creating the recreation facility, we now have an
affordable space for people to exercise safely year-round; it accepts Silver Sneakers which provides more
opportunities for Lakewood’s seniors. I support the continued improvements in creating consistent
programming in sports or disciplines at each level and for each age group, so there is a clearer direction.

5.) What are your ideas to better address the needs of different learners in Lakewood: the
developmentally challenged, ESL students, and at risk students? (100 words or less)

I listen to teachers, administrators, and parents with regard to their experience, knowledge, and expertise.
Every child is different, but all children deserve a safe, supportive environment in which they can grow,
learn, and thrive. With that, I support differentiated learning opportunities and will support the education
experts in pursuing any changes or inprovements in how Lakewood serves various populations and we’ll
continue to serve the groups listed in the question as best we can.

6.) What do you see as Lakewood School District's greatest asset, outside of the students, teachers and
new schools? How can this be be used to make our schools better? (100 words or less)

Broadly speaking, our greatest asset is the community of Lakewood including the residents who may not
have children enrolled in the schools. The environment we all create by being part of this city is what
allows our students to learn and grown, providing them opportunities to learn from each other and
others. Continued connections between the community and the schools will help make the schools and
the entire city stronger.

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Volume 15, Issue 20, Posted 6:16 PM, 10.02.2019