Julie Jette: 2025 candidate for Cary District 26 board

Bio

Office sought: Cary Elementary District 26 board (Vote for 4)

City: Cary

Age: 67

Occupation: Retired chemist/educator

Previous offices held: School board member

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I originally ran for school board to help correct the district’s financial crisis. I am proud that the district works on a balanced budget and maintains healthy cash reserves. I am excited about current improvements on our curriculum programs aimed to improve reading and math scores.

What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring the curriculum?

The school board governs through policy. Curriculum development is guided by policies that are available for any parent to read. The current curriculum must include goals, material needs, one-time and continuing expenses, staff development, parent/guardian communication, and an evaluation process. If there is a change to a curriculum or a new curriculum is recommended by the Administration, the Board of Education will adopt a curriculum that meets the above criteria. The Board must also be open to hear parent questions or challenges to the curriculum and work with the community, parents and teachers for solution.

Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?

The curriculum department, principals and teachers are making significant changes to the Language Arts curriculum and classroom delivery to help raise test scores. I am very excited about these changes and feel the students will benefit. We also have strengthened the curriculum at the JH level for the dual language program. The Board is also very concerned with how technology is used to deliver the curriculum.

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 school board governs through policy. Curriculum development is guided by policies that are available for any parent to read. The current curriculum must include goals, material needs, one-time and continuing expenses, staff development, parent/guardian communication, and an evaluation process. If there is a change to a curriculum or a new curriculum is recommended by the Administration, the Board of Education will adopt a curriculum that meets the above criteria. The Board must also be open to hear parent questions or challenges to the curriculum and work with the community, parents and teachers for solution.

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.

The board governs through policy. The policy states: “Anyone may propose new policies, changes to existing policies, or elimination of existing policies. Staff suggestions should be processed through the superintendent. Suggestions from all others should be made to the board president or the superintendent.

Regarding curriculum development, I encourage parents to attend their child’s curriculum night at the beginning of school and work with classroom teachers to better understand the scope of the curriculum. Board policy 6:40 Curriculum Development guides the district. If parents or community members have curriculum concerns, they are encouraged to speak during the public comment section of a meeting or contact board members and administration members by email.

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.

A board policy committee will consider all policy suggestions as directed by the board of education, and provide information and recommendations to the board.

I have in my past experiences requested the review of specific policies which resulted in modification of that policy. At present, I am working with other board members to review and strengthen our policy on bullying and harassments.

What is your assessment of the school district's diversity and equity efforts? Do you support the continuation or enhancement of such programs, of would you rather see them diminished. Please explain your reasoning.

The district has a policy for equal educational opportunities for all students. I do support Title IX although the district will abide by any new changes being made to Title IX. The district does not have a specific DEI program.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am passionate about providing a high-quality education to the current students of Cary and future students of Cary. I appreciate the education my children received and want to continue this tradition. As a retired person, I have the time available to be present in the schools and research challenges to the district so that my vote is an informed vote. I am dedicated to a balanced budget and strong financial stewardship.

What’s one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?

I would like to see parent or community member volunteers used in the classroom for one-on-one tutoring of students.