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Candidates for Gretna Board of Education
Jennifer Bullington (R): http://www.facebook.com/bullingtonforschoolboard. Education: Bachelors Degree from Iowa State University, Masters Degree from Pacific Oaks College. Military experience: Spouse of Air Force Veteran. Volunteer experience: Board Member for the nonprofit Survivors Rising, Teaching Assistant for a Taekwondo kids class, Room Parent at Whitetail Creek Elementary School, Active Gretna Community Member
Jennifer Deitloff (NP): Current Public Office, dates held: N/A. Past Public Office, dates held: N/A. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from University of Nebraska; Juris Doctorate from University of Nebraska College of Law. Military experience: None. Volunteer experience: Member — Child Saving Institute Guild Board since 2012 and started Kids 4 Kids of CSI — where kids plan a fundraising event supporting kids in foster care and the emergency shelter. Association of Corporate Counsel programs committee co-chair.
David Gulizia (R): No response received.
Mark Hauptman (R): No response received.
Carsten Ruff (NP): No response received.
Ann Sackett Wright (R): No response received.
Gretna Board of Education Candidates’ Responses
If elected, what two things do you hope to have accomplished by the end of your first year?
Jennifer Bullington: First, I would love to be able to do my part in pursuing safety in school drop off and pick up procedures, including a street light at Hwy 370 & 186th St. As our district expands, we must continue to consider the safety of young and inexperienced drivers as well as the rush of traffic around those times. Second, I would love to gather as many members of the school district as possible to share their voices on our growing school district as we continue to learn the best way to expand.
Jennifer Deitloff: I would seek to understand both the work that the board has done to date and the individual perspectives of the other board members and the administration on strategic priorities for the district. Thereafter, I would work collaboratively to ensure that we have appropriate crisis plans in place that properly address the risks facing our students, teachers and staff. I would also take on a focused review of curriculum to identify areas to improve, enhance or modernize what we have today.
David Gulizia: No response received.
Mark Hauptman: No response received.
Carsten Ruff: No response received.
Ann Sackett Wright: No response received.
How can schools use technology to create better equity and educational outcomes?
Jennifer Bullington: Technology has allowed our students to have a competitive edge and a head start on preengineering, pre-architecture, and pre-urban planning skills, just as a few examples, thusly better preparing them for higher education opportunities. The hands-on experience technology provides gives the kinesthetic and visual learners an opportunity to excel, making abstract concepts easier to understand & apply. We must use this opportunity to continue teaching internet safety as well.
Jennifer Deitloff: Not all of the technological tools that schools invest in actually promote learning and development for all students. Schools should be disciplined and ask themselves whether they are investing in a technology because it is a popular trend among other schools or whether the technology will actually support the learning, participation and comprehension of all student users or does it instead reinforce social inequalities. Schools need to be mindful of any barriers with the use of new technology
David Gulizia: No response received.
Mark Hauptman: No response received.
Carsten Ruff: No response received.
Ann Sackett Wright: No response received.
What can be done to ensure the safety of students and teachers in our schools?
Jennifer Bullington: Being an educator myself means I’ve been a part of safety and lockdown drills. In addition to the regular drills and the officers present frequently in our schools, we need to bring the community’s voice to the discussion. What more do parents and other invested parties want to see? I’ve been fascinated by Oklahoma’s bulletproof shelters they’ve installed in classrooms. Additionally, I do believe we need to continue research on the prevalence of the Gretna area human trafficking.
Jennifer Deitloff: School safety has never been more prevalent in public discourse than it is today. Protecting safety of students, teachers and staff in our school systems is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive solution. Working to identify a mix between seeking to control access to guns, identifying and addressing mental and/or emotional health issues, investing in school security technology, identifying bullying and negative peer behavior and ensuring proactive crisis management plans are a start.
David Gulizia: No response received.
Mark Hauptman: No response received.
Carsten Ruff: No response received.
Ann Sackett Wright: No response received.
What role, if any, should charter schools have in the Nebraska educational system?
Jennifer Bullington: No response received.
Jennifer Deitloff: Nebraska’s public schools consistently score rankings above the national average. While I recognize the importance of parental choice, it is important to consider the potential negative impact to students and society. Choice does not necessarily guarantee quality.
David Gulizia: No response received.
Mark Hauptman: No response received.
Carsten Ruff: No response received.
Ann Sackett Wright: No response received.
