Vote Nov. 7! Find Your Polling Place StarTribune endorses Pam, three DFL teammates! Pam is proud to have been endorsed by the DFL, along with three other outstanding candidates: Tom Madden Chris Stewart T. Williams Together they will provide the leadership and vision needed to restore confidence in the Minneapolis Public Schools

Yet, we must be honest. The Minneapolis Public Schools are in crisis. Once the crown jewel of our city and a nationally recognized leader in urban education, our district is now facing serious challenges: diminishing state support for public education, declining enrollment, a troubling gap in opportunity and achievement between poor children and their middle class peers, low morale among staff and parents, and lack of clear direction and leadership from the district.

Despite heroic efforts in the classroom every day and the dedication of staff and parents alike, deep problems persist and must be addressed.I am stepping forward to run for the Minneapolis School Board in 2006. I am running because our district needs strong leadership to turn things around. I am committed to:

• High achievement for all children regardless of their wealth, color or circumstances.
• Classroom stability that ends the constant shuffling of teachers and administrators and focuses on what is best for children.
• Lower class size so teachers can teach and students can learn.
• Board accountability where the School Board leads, listens, communicates a clear vision and is accountable to the public.
• Shared responsibility where all parties – the state, the city, the school district, parents, students, teachers, and citizens join together to make our schools successful.

The problems of our district will be solved only if we come together as a community to support our children and their schools. It is possible to restore confidence in the Minneapolis Public Schools, but it will take a determined and focused effort.

I am eager to hear from you, listen to your observations and concerns, meet with you in schools or neighborhoods and plan together for our children’s future. I ask for your support and partnership in my candidacy for the Minneapolis School Board.