Improving Educational Excellence: Helayne’s number one priority is to ensure that ALL students in the Boulder Valley School District receive the educational opportunities they need to succeed and prosper in the 21st century. Helayne will:
- Ensure that our schools address the needs of all children – from gifted and talented to those challenged by language or learning;
Work to close the achievement gap that is leaving certain students behind;
- Advance science, technology and math education to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century;
- Foster well-rounded students through continued emphasis on arts, music, creativity and problem-solving;
- Encourage adoption of new instructional technologies, such as video and online opportunities.
Supporting Teachers and District Staff: Helayne knows that the men and women working as teachers and staff in the District are the backbone of the educational system – and they must be recognized, trained, managed and encouraged in a manner that gives them the support they need to make a difference in the classroom. Helayne will:
- Promote expanded professional learning opportunities for teachers;
- Continue urging society to compensate teachers better;
- Advance successful interest-based negotiations with teachers;
- Recognize the contributions of all employees groups – from service workers to administrators.
Enhancing District Administration: Helayne believes that Boulder Valley must be Colorado’s model for administrative efficiency and effectiveness. To accomplish this goal, Helayne will:
- Be an active partner in helping BVSD’s brand new superintendent succeed;
- Expand healthy food options for students;
- Ensure that BVSD continues to honor its commitments to upgrade facilities consistent with the voter-approved bond measure in 2006;
- Strengthen program evaluation so successful programs are replicated, and unsuccessful ones are rolled back.
Responding to the Community: Helayne has worked hard the past four years to build bridges – between the administration and teachers; between the mountains, east county and central Boulder; and with community stakeholders. BVSD is more cohesive as a District than at any time in the past decade. But more can be done: Helayne will:
- Continue working to enhance relationships and communications internally and externally in the District;
- Listening and responding to community sentiments, not just the loudest voices;
- Making sure BVSD’s facilities reflect the priority our community places on environmental stewardship;
- Continue to place priority on the views and priorities of students themselves.
