Candidates were asked to limit their responses to each of the following questions to 200 words or less.
Name: Katie Allen
Age: 46
Profession: Education research, evaluation and technical assistance
Incumbent: No
Do you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden schools? I have two kids attending USD 383 middle school.
-Why are you running for school board? I am running to advocate for policies that ensure every child in our community has access to a high-quality education. My 20+ year career includes creating learning opportunities and conditions where kids can succeed. I’ve worked with all education levels from early childhood to teaching graduate students about school continuous improvement. I’ve collaborated with school districts and state education agencies on policy initiatives including early literacy, educator workforce, and accountability systems. I hold a master’s degree in public administration, a doctorate in education leadership focused on systems and policy, and am the parent of two middle schoolers attending USD 383.
-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? As I look at communications from the district, my kids’ teachers, and in the media I am amazed at the level of community engagement with our schools. There are many opportunities to get involved and I believe that citizens, non-profit organizations, and businesses who want to be engaged in supporting our district are finding ways to do so. One area that I often hear needs to improve is parental engagement. While we must recognize that there are challenges that impact parental engagement, such as two-parent work schedules, I think there are strategies that could be considered. For example, the Kansas Parent Information Resource Center provides tools and resources for districts to use that can increase communication and engagement with families on important issues such as understanding state standards for math, Individual Plans of Study, and many other relevant topics.
-If you had one thing you could change about the USD 383 school district, what would it be? In the USD 383 school district, candidates for school board compete for at-large positions rather than representing a defined geographic area. This has led to a current majority composition of school board members who live outside the City of Manhattan and Riley County in effect creating unequal representation and access to board members across the district and a lack of understanding the levels of taxation that most district residents are experiencing. Some voters are concerned about district facilities growth focused outside of the City of Manhattan and Riley County boundaries.There is a perception of disinvestment within existing Manhattan neighborhoods which in turn can affect homeowners' property values. Electing board members by districts rather than at-large could equalize representation.
-What is your opinion of the USD 383 administration? Do you think you could work with the current administration moving forward? USD 383 has a strong and long-running reputation for success, which indicates that our school leaders are well-qualified and focused on what matters most for our students. My observation of USD 383 administrators is that they are deeply committed to the district’s mission, love our students, and care about staff. My professional background working as a partner to support school improvement and help kids reach their potential gives me a solid understanding of the work that administrators are responsible for, the legal and accountability standards they are working within, and appreciation of the challenges administrators face. I look forward to the opportunity to work with the USD 383 administration to meet the mission to prepare all students for success.
-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 appreciate school board members giving their time and talent to serving the people of our community. My observation is that these folks truly care about students, staff, and the success of our schools. I think current (and incoming school board members) should be asking more questions at the board table about budget and policy. Enriching the dialogue on these important issues is important to reaching compromise, leads to better decision-making, and provides the public with clear information on why certain decisions are made. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the public and work productively with current and incoming board members.
-What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district? It is not the school board’s role to oversee daily operations of the district, that is the role of the superintendent and district administrators. The board is responsible for approving the budget and expenditures, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, adopting policy, and advocating for the needs of students, staff, and the district.
-Have you received money or in-kind donations from individuals, businesses, groups or PACs outside of the school district? The reality of running for any public office is that it takes money to get your name out to voters and I suspect that the fundraising aspect of campaigning is what deters many talented folks from serving the public. Contributions to my campaign have come only from individuals. My friend who is a baker gave in-kind donations of two pies for a fundraiser and my sister along with three lifelong friends and colleagues who do not live within USD 383 boundaries have contributed to my campaign. Financial contributions to my campaign have intentionally been reinvested in local Manhattan businesses.