Schriver: Find creative ways to fund education

Lezlie Schriver said School District 833 will probably have to “trim spending” next year.

It's hard to know where cuts could be made without seeing a copy of the budget, she said in an interview.

To find out more ways to fund education, Schriver would be more creative, research what other districts are doing and look for opportunities to set up partnerships with other schools, businesses and organizations.

"In this economy," she said, "we can't rely solely on the government for help."

Schriver said she would not expand the Spanish language immersion program unless it's necessary.

"I would not over-accomodate that program when funds would be better used somewhere else," she said.

She wouldn't change any of the provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind law that requires all children to be proficient in reading and math by 2014.

Schriver would not support a referendum to increase property tax revenue for local schools.

"Education is the baseboard for your life," she said, whether it's in formal or informal settings. "One should never stop learning," she said.

Children need basic skills if they are to succeed. If children are not understanding what happening in the classroom, schools need to find a way to give them hope and find out what works for them, she said.

Schriver said she is running for the District 833 School Board because she has the qualifications and is confident she can do the job.

"I like a challenge," she said, "and I'm concerned about families and children.”

Families need reasons to hope their children can get a good education, according to Schriver.

"It's our responsiblilty to create the passion for learning for teachers, families and students, Schriver said.

Schriver, who has worked as a mental health assessment worker at United Hospitals, is making a documentary movie on human rights. Schriver is in the process of finding a producer for her documentary.

Lezlie Schriver

Age: 52

City: Cottage Grove

Education: Bachelor and master’s degrees in social work

Occupation: Volunteer

Spouse: Husband, John; three children, ages 21, 19 and 15

Tags: 833 candidates, news, education, elections