Perryville School Board: Betty Laws

__Name:__ Betty Laws

__Age:__ 56

__Place of birth:__ Cape Girardeau, Mo. Graduate of Jackson High School

__Spouse, children's names:__

Michael-husband Chloe-(17)daughter, currently a Senior at PHS, Alex- (15)currently a Freshman at PHS.

__Occupation:__ Retired educator of 31 years, 25 years teaching at Dist.32

__Employer:__ Retired

__Businesses owned, all or part:__ Non-Business Owner

__Previous offices held or sought:__ None

__What is the most important issue facing Perryville Public Schools? What can be done about it?__

The most important issue at Perryville Public Schools is to seek ways to earn the community's trust and support. Facilities, safety, transportation, teacher salaries,the arts, co/extracurricular activities are all at a cost. If the community is not committed and supportive with open lines of communication our school will be at an increasing disadvantage.

__What in your background or education makes you qualified for this office?__

I am a retired teacher of 31 years. I have had the pleasure of working with great students, parents and the community during my teaching career. I believe my experience, knowledge, dedication and positive energy could be a great asset if elected to the board.

__Where do you stand on the issue of Common Core standards?__

I am 100% opposed to the federal government mandating and centralizing a set curriculum which may or may not serve my awesome and unique child. I want my child to explore, create, appreciate, and question; become a thinker. As a thinker my child can choose his career path without intervention from the Feds. How can we reflect and celebrate the values and free choice of our great country in a "one size fits all" bubble?

__Do you think the Perryville School District is a good place for teachers to work? Why or why not?__

Yes!Perryville School District has many devoted and caring teachers/paraprofessionals and support staff. I applaud their great work and the connections they are making each day with our kids. I spent 25 years teaching in the system and had a great many friends and successes. There is, however, work to be done on salaries and morale if we are to retain and attract top educators.