Candidate questionnaire: Alaina Joe Hinze

NAME: Alaina Joe Hinze

AGE: 36

PLACE OF BIRTH: Mt. Vernon, Illinois

SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

I am married to Christopher Hinze of Jackson and we have two children.

EDUCATION:

I'm a 1995 graduate of Woodlawn High School. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southeast Missouri State University in December 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

OCCUPATION:

I have always been a woman of faith and believed that God has a plan for our lives. Following His plan, today I am the owner/operator of The Hill Pet Crematory. As unique as it is, I can truly say that I love my job.

EMPLOYER:

The Hill Pet Crematory

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

None

WEBSITE: www.jacksonr2voices.com

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST NEED YOU HOPE TO ADDRESS IF ELECTED?

I am one of many parents who fear our children are being misled by changes in district curriculum. The board has stifled parent concerns and this needs to be addressed. I believe the board has underestimated the importance of their jobs and the ramifications of their decisions. I believe immediate action is needed, include putting spelling back in the classrooms and allowing teachers the freedom to teach the way they know works best for the individual dynamic of their classroom. I do not believe we should jump on each educational reform bandwagon or teach to the state tests. I would like to address current policies concerning homework and retesting. It's time to take politics out of the local school district and to elect a school board member that will hold the administrators they hire accountable and work as a system of checks and balances as they were designed to be.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

I have spent months researching and speaking to parents and teachers about the concerns in our schools. I will not back down, but rather ask the hard questions to ensure the best education for our students. I have attended education committee hearings in Jefferson City and will stay abreast of such topics as Common Core and SBG. I am knowledgable about improvements that can still be made at the local level. As a parent, wife of a Jackson alumni and taxpayer, I have significant Jackson Pride. I want to keep the wonderful teachers of our district and believe there is a fine line between true vision and selfish ambition. I believe that the decisions our school board makes impacts the lives of not only our children, but also our local economy, property values, and community's reputation. I will provide strong representation for you, the taxpayer, while demanding better for students.