School Board Greenback District 3

VOTE

Lisa Russell

 

.

Lisa Russell, standing far back with family members.

 

My name is Lisa Russell and I am running for the Greenback 3rd District School Board Seat. My family has lived in Greenback for 10 years. Tim and I, have 5 children, 3 that attend Greenback School. As a member of the community, I have been a substitute teacher and an active member of the PTO. For ten years, I was employed as a Jr. Accountant. I feel that my strong financial background and experience would be an asset on the school board.

Some of the problems plaguing our school are well documented, as is evident by the fire watch that was needed for most of the school year. Many of these issues are very serious concerns because they involve the health, safety and welfare of our children and school personnel. It has been stated that we are to get a new school in Greenback. The property for this was purchased in 2005 and still nothing has happened. In the meantime our current facility must be safe for our children. It will take time and hard work to correct the many issues at our school. I intend to follow closely the work orders submitted to the maintenance department to ensure that work is done on a timely basis.

Our children’s quality of education is being compromised and it is time for someone to be a strong voice for them and have their needs met. Our main focus should be, Our Children, their education and safety. Children do not have a voice or a choice; they must attend school. I would like to be the Voice for Our Children and Parents. Please allow me the opportunity and privilege to do this.

Please consider me when you Vote - Kids First - Lisa Russell School Board District 3 - August 7.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce myself to you, I look forward to hearing from you. My contact information may be found below.

 

Sincerely,

Lisa Russell

Greenback Parent

7969 Glendale Community Rd.

Greenback, TN 37742

Phone: 865-988-7939

E-mail: mailto:lrussell917@aol.com

 

Newspaper questionnaire & answers furnished by candidate

What is your background?

I married my husband, Tim in 1983. We moved to Greenback in 1998. We have five children, Anthony, Nicole, Samantha, Brianna and Lil’ Tim. Samantha, Brianna and Lil’ Tim are still attending Greenback School. I worked as a Jr. Accountant for ten years and now I am a stay at home mom, which gives me the time necessary to be an active school board member. My accounting background will also be beneficial in ensuring fiscal accountability. As a member of the community I have been a substitute teacher and an active member of the PTO.

Why are you running for office and what are your qualifications for this position?

When I found out what was going on at our school I was outraged. Issues that involved the health, safety and welfare of our children and school personnel had not been addressed. These issues put our children and school personnel in harm’s way as was evident by the fire watch that was needed for most of the school year. With documentation in hand I went to task with these issues and have had positive results. I feel it is each school board member’s responsibility to know the issues in their school and be an advocate to offer solutions for any problems. I have a love and concern for children and believe I can offer solutions to help our county schools. I will be happy to do the work required to keep on top the issues and get things accomplished in a timely manner for our children.

What is your opinion of the county schools building program and what do you believe should the first priority in the building plan?

My opinion is it has taken too long to get started. One item has been a constant in all of the studies done and that is a New School for Greenback. That is what I believe should be the first priority.

What is your opinion of the proposed wheel tax and county property tax hike to help fund school system needs?

In my opinion I feel this county has ample revenue to meet the needs of our schools. I don’t feel comfortable asking our citizens to give more while most of them are working hard to just stay afloat in today’s economic crisis.

What are your expectations of the county’s new director of schools?

My expectations are that he will find a way to help our county schools. I hope he will research the school budget thoroughly and make adjustments, as he feels necessary. I am sure it will take time and dedication.

What do you believe is the most pressing problem facing the Loudon County School System and how would you propose that problem be solved?

I feel the most pressing problem is the condition of our facilities. I believe that a preventative maintenance program needs to be implemented. It doesn’t make sense to build or renovate schools if we are not going to maintain them properly.

BACK