Candidates were asked to limit their responses to each of the following questions to 200 words or less.
Name: Courtney Jane Hochman
Age: 42
Profession: Parent, with master’s degree in education, serves on Governor’s Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Education
Incumbent: No
Do you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden schools? Yes, I have two currently in the district (14 and 8) and a third entering next year (2).
-Why are you running for school board? I am running because I genuinely care about the education all USD 383 students are receiving. I have three children- two currently in the district and a third entering next year. My oldest is in our special education program. The past 11 years have given me a unique perspective on the district and relationships with personnel at all levels at multiple schools. I facilitated my sons’ education through the pandemic, which gives me an understanding of where the district is today, how pandemic challenges effected students, and ideas how to get our students where we want them to be. I am running for school board to advocate for inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff in our district. Some voices in our district are louder and receive greater representation and we need more diverse perspectives at the table. Inclusion leads to success. If you are in an environment where you feel included, respected, and valued then you can be empowered to be more successful in your role- learner, teacher, or support.
-Parental engagement and community involvement are crucial for the success of any school district. What strategies would you implement to increase collaboration between parents, citizens, and educators? Inclusion and communication are two easy ways to establish and strengthen relationships within and between our school district and the community at large. We are all stakeholders in the public education of the students in our district, as providing an exemplary education reflects positively on our community and enriches all our lives. Encouraging communication and participation in our district events can help create a bridge between our district members (families, teachers, and staff) and the community at large. Finding ways to inform and encourage the community to attend and participate in district events will help keep the community aware of the exciting things going on in the schools and support and celebrate our students. Creating these relationships will help dispel assumptions about what is or isn’t happening in our schools. One wonderful thing about the Manhattan-Ogden district is the dedication to open communications. Parents are encouraged and have many opportunities and avenues to communicate with teachers and administration. Families can be as involved as their schedules allow and that involvement is essential to the success of our students and the district.
-If you had one thing you could change about the USD 383 school district, what would it be? I would correct the district lines that place some Manhattan students in the USD 378 district, which has them traveling 12 miles to school while those essentially across the street attend USD 383. I would also start planning sooner rather than later for the creation of a second high school. Our elementary and middle school populations continue to grow and we will soon need an additional building for our high school students. We should not wait until the building is at capacity and creates a safety hazard before starting the conversation.
-What is your opinion of the USD 383 administration? Do you think you could work with the current administration moving forward? I am acquainted with the current administration and I believe them to be well-qualified, well-trained, and dedicated to their job of serving students, faculty, and staff. I would love the opportunity to work with them to continue the current work at hand and make exciting plans for the future of our district.
-What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board? I admire the current board members and how they have respectfully and thoughtfully made decisions with intention. I would be excited to join the current members who will continue serving on the board. Part of the main charge of the board is to compromise. Board members should weigh information, opinions, costs, and benefits in order to come up with the best decisions for the district, which requires compromise. In my opinion, a school board is no place for an inflexible person.
-What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district? Members of the board should be aware of issues that come up in the day-to-day operations, but the purpose of the board is not meant to be for micromanaging. The board is meant to offer guidance and some oversight from the community at large. Board members all serve on other district committees and each will have specific knowledge of different buildings or initiatives.
-Have you received money or in-kind donations from individuals, businesses, groups or PACs outside of the school district? I received a small financial donation from my mother-in-law who resides in Florida.