Candidate questionnaire: Phyllis L. Pickard

__Name:__ Phyllis L. Pickard

__Age:__ 48

__Place of birth:__ Cape Girardeau, Missouri

__Spouse, children's names:__ Brian D. Pickard

Mady Pickard - age 11

__Occupation:__ Legal Assistant

__Employer:__ Spradling & Spradling

__Businesses owned, all or part:__ N/A

__Previous offices held or sought:__ N/A

__What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?:__

While I was born, raised and educated in Cape Girardeau, my husband and I moved into the Nell Holcomb School District so that when we decided to start our family our child would have the best education offered in Cape Girardeau County. Our daughter started kindergarten in 2008 and I immediately joined the PTO and have been actively involved with the school ever since. I have chaired numerous PTO committees, held the position as PTO Treasurer for 2010-2011, 2011-2012 school years and PTO President for 2012-2013 and 2013-2014. I believe my 15 years experience as a legal assistant with Spradling & Spradling have taught me to keep an open mind and readiness to learn about whatever matter is before me. I enjoy meeting and working with the people in our community. I am a good listener, capable of working toward decisions that are mutually beneficial to those involved and willing to compromise in order to achieve a common goal. I believe my past devotion and willingness to volunteer my time for the students, staff and administration of Nell Holcomb shows that I am committed to the Nell Holcomb District and maintaining the academic excellence provided by our school district.

__What do you see as the opportunities and challenges in the district?:__

One of the largest opportunities I see is to help market and promote the Nell Holcomb District to the real estate companies and agents so that they will know about the wonderful opportunities that can be gained for families with children at Nell Holcomb. The challenge I believe will be in looking for additional avenues of revenue for the Nell Holcomb District to help with the budget in hopes of minimizing the budget cuts that the school could face.

__How will you communicate your work to your constituents?:__

As has been my practice since holding an office with PTO, I am always available to meet in person, whether in the hallway while waiting to pick up my daughter or during the day/evening, or by phone, text or email to answer questions, address issues or concerns at any time needed. I believe an open line of communication between parents, teachers, staff and the Board will benefit all involved.

__What are the factors on which you will base your decisions as a school board member?:__

First and foremost, I will base decisions on what is best for our children, teachers and staff. I will educate myself on the issues and remedies available to make common sense decisions that will benefit the needs and the education of our children, while being responsible with taxpayers' money.