BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 October 23, Wednesday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook
In a detailed interview, write-in candidate Melaini Sturm shares her vision for Blair schools and introduces herself to the community. A mother of two Blair students and long-time resident, Sturm brings nearly two decades of professional experience in learning and development to her candidacy.
Background and Motivation
Q: As a write-in candidate, could you introduce yourself to Blair residents and explain what motivated you to run?
Sturm speaks with conviction about her connection to the community: “I’ve lived in Blair, specifically in Lakeland, for the past 8 years. I’m married and the proud mother of two children who are currently in 1st and 5th grades in the Blair School system.”
Her professional background includes significant experience in education-adjacent fields. “I hold a bachelor’s degree in health administration and policy from Creighton University and have worked in learning and development for 19 years,” she explains.
The decision to run wasn’t immediate. “My decision to run for the School Board developed gradually; I’ve been passionate about educational policies since my kids started preschool,” Sturm reveals. “A recent conversation made me reflect, ‘Why not run for the School Board?’ After prayer and discussions with family and community members who know me well, I felt called to take this step.”
Key Issues and Positions
Q: You’ve mentioned “fiscal responsibility” as a key platform. Can you elaborate on your approach?
“Fiscal responsibility is crucial to the taxpayer,” Sturm states firmly. “For me, this means prioritizing needs over wants and evaluating the long-term impacts of the Board’s budget proposals. I’m committed to ensuring our spending reflects the best interests of our students, teachers, and community.”
Q: What does curriculum integrity mean to you?
Her response is clear and direct: “Curriculum integrity for me is about focusing on the fundamentals, skilled trades, and making sure that material is age-appropriate. Respecting parental involvement is key and we must allow them to guide their children’s values at home while enabling teachers to focus on delivering quality instruction.”
Q: What’s your position on Critical Race Theory in schools?
Sturm takes a definitive stance: “I do not support the teaching of critical race theory in our schools. I believe that while it’s important to acknowledge historical injustices, we should focus on fostering unity and inclusivity in our curriculum. Education should promote understanding and respect among all students, emphasizing common values rather than dividing perspectives.”
Challenges and Solutions
Q: What do you see as the top challenges facing Blair schools?
“The biggest 3 focuses for me are safety, fiscal management, and curriculum,” Sturm states decisively. She elaborates: “Ensuring the safety of all students is paramount; I take bullying seriously and want every child to feel secure. I’m committed to avoiding property tax levy increases and will approach financial decisions with care.” On curriculum matters, she takes clear positions: “I support a curriculum that emphasizes foundational skills while minimizing controversial content, as demonstrated by my support for the recent decision to vote down CKLA.”
Community Balance and Achievement
Q: How do you approach balancing diverse community interests?
“Balancing the interests of students, parents, teachers, and the community requires active listening and open dialogue,” Sturm emphasizes. “I plan to prioritize understanding various perspectives, believing that while our approaches may differ, we all share the same goal: the well-being of our children. I value compromise and problem-solving and will pray for guidance in all decision-making. Everyone has inherent value.”
Q: What’s your plan for improving student achievement?
“To enhance overall student achievement, I will collaborate with our dedicated teachers and staff to explore effective strategies,” Sturm shares. “I aim to understand their proposals for addressing achievement gaps and will research successful practices from similar districts to implement solutions that align with our community’s needs.”
Library and Content Policies
Q: What’s your stance on content management in school libraries?
“I support the recommended age restrictions and requiring parental consent for accessing certain books in school libraries,” Sturm explains. “It’s crucial to strike a balance between providing access to diverse literature and ensuring that material is appropriate for students. I firmly oppose sexually explicit content in schools, as I believe parents should have a significant role in guiding their children’s reading choices.”
Q: How do you approach gender-related issues in schools?
Sturm addresses this thoughtfully: “I recognize that discussions around trans and gender issues are sensitive. My perspective is influenced by my faith, which guides my views on these topics. I believe in focusing on creating an environment where all students feel respected and valued, while also prioritizing parental involvement in decisions that affect our children.” She adds specifically, “Sports and Spaces are also places that need to be protected.”
Safety and Technology
Q: What are your views on school safety and security?
“Ensuring the safety of our students is my top priority,” she emphasizes. “I believe we should explore increasing the number of School Resource Officers (SROs) to enhance security measures in our schools. It’s essential to have comprehensive safety plans in place, including training for staff and students, to address and prevent potential threats.”
Q: How would you handle smartphone use in schools?
Sturm outlines a clear policy position: “I believe there’s a time and place for smartphone use in educational settings. To minimize distractions, I would advocate for policies that require phones to be kept in lockers or bags during class time while still allowing students access when necessary. This approach balances the benefits of technology with the need for focused learning environments.”
Educational Assessment
Q: What’s your stance on standardized testing?
“I believe standardized testing is important for assessing student progress,” she states. “By monitoring performance quarterly and annually, we can identify trends and ensure our students are on track for graduation and future success. This data is essential for making informed decisions about curriculum and support. In Blair, we should strive to have high scores, and also, real life skills.”
Teacher Support
Q: How do you plan to support Blair’s teachers?
“Building strong relationships with teachers is essential,” Sturm states. “I plan to engage in meaningful conversations with educators about their needs and the challenges they face. My goal is to create an environment where teachers feel supported and can voice their concerns, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.” She adds personally, “I look forward to seeing my kids continue to grow up with inspiring teachers.”
Community Engagement
Q: How will you engage with voters as a write-in candidate?
Sturm concludes with her commitment to community connection: “As a write-in candidate, I will continue to focus on building relationships within the community. I will continue to engage in one-on-one discussions with residents to share my vision and what my candidacy represents. Please contact me with any questions. I genuinely care about the families, students, and teachers in Blair, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve on the School Board.”
