Bridgette Sanlon: 2025 candidate for Cary District 26 board
Bio
Office sought: Cary Elementary District 26 board (Vote for 4)
City: Cary
Age: 58
Occupation: IT director
Previous offices held: None
Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
For a connection to the community that makes an impact in a meaningful way.
What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring the curriculum?
School boards establish education goals and standards for the district that align with state and federal guidelines and review what is proposed by educators and administrators for the curriculum.
Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
Determining the current curriculum and its successes and failures would require more review to establish where the attention may be needed.
How do you view your role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents — even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?
The goal is always to do what is best for the students. That may come with some opposition, but I believe the role of a board member is to hear all views but to keep the goal of the students well-being in mind not matter the controversy or popularity.
Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions for your school board.
As a director in my profession, I often create policy and solicit advise from my team and other stakeholders. I consider the situation, best practices, what are the possible solutions and how we can be proactive going forward. It is imperative to get all perspectives in making final policy decisions.
What is your assessment of the school district's diversity and equity efforts? Do you support the continuation or enhancement of such programs, or would you rather see them diminished. Please explain your reasoning.
I think the school district is doing a great job with their diversity and equity efforts. I would support the continuation and enhancement of these programs. Inclusion and equality of all students and families only strengthens our community and the success of our schools.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
My experience in my professional life as a leader, innovator and collaborator has prepared me to take on the important issues in which the school board is tasked to address.
I’m a parent and grandparent so I understand the stresses on families who are looking for the best possible education for their children. I can also appreciate the struggles that teachers and administrators might face in achieving that goal.
What’s one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
I would seek out examples of programs from other districts with similar socioeconomic and demographic populations that have increased their test scores and proficiencies. Gaining feedback from former students regarding their experiences and what contributed or deterred from their successes.