GULF BREEZE — Wei Ueberschaer is running for Santa Rosa County School Board District 5. She describes her reasons for running and her background in her own words here:
In early March, after much contemplation and discussion with my family, I decided to run for the District 5 seat of the Santa Rosa County School Board.
As a former chemistry/biology teacher at Tate High School and an Escambia County Teacher of the Year semi-finalist, I understand the rewarding, yet complicated responsibilities tasked to our teachers.
Serving as president or board member for a PTA or School Advisory Council continuously for the past 17 years, I also believe that I have a parent perspective of how families view the importance of a successful school district. I have a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and a master’s degree in Secondary Science Education. I believe that my background as a teacher and education advocate will bring common sense ideas to our school board.
I decided to run for four main reasons:
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Retaining and recruiting great teachers by providing a fair and reasonable salary and benefits package
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Restoring the 7-period instructional time for students and giving teachers a planning period during the school day
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Placing a School Resource Officer in each school
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Addressing rapid population growth in Santa Rosa County
These goals can be accomplished with recurring operational funds available through the continual growth of Santa Rosa County's student population. Every budget line needs to be scrutinized for efficiency and over expenditure, so we can continue to provide the best education for our students and successful work environment for our educators and support professionals.
Santa Rosa County schools must continue to expand the Career Academies that provide industry certification in fields such as nursing, culinary, manufacturing and digital design. I would like to see the implementation of a Teaching Academy to introduce students to a career in education and encourage them to stay in Santa Rosa County.
My husband Tom and I have lived in Santa Rosa County for over 20 years and our sons either graduated or are still attending SRC schools. Our family has benefited from the successful schools we have here, and I would like to do my part in ensuring that this quality continues.
I will work with families and educators to bring new ideas and cohesiveness back to the school board. We are all working for the same mission, preparing students for success.
I am a founding board member of the local charities Miracle League of Santa Rosa County and Gulf Breeze Will Do. I am also a current board member for the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida and an active member of Impact 100 since 2011. Serving for these organizations as well as my work experience as a bookkeeper has prepared me to work with large budgets and accomplish goals while working on a board. Whether it is my involvement with Take Stock in Children, Gulf Breeze High School Debate Team, Cub & Boy Scouts, Loaves & Fishes or Project Graduation, I have volunteered to serve my neighbors.
I have always been passionate about education and our community and hope to have your support when you vote on August 28th. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Contact Ueberschaer at weiueberschaer@gmail.com or visit www.wei4schoolboard.com for more information.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Wei Ueberschaer runs for Santa Rosa County School Board