Meg Rosenfeld: School Board Candidate Q&A
(D, Write-In). Meg Rosenfeld has a background in early childhood education, teacher education, curriculum development and school administration; she is currently a legal professional and is earning a secondary degree. Meg has been a resident of Pike County for 11 years and her four children currently attend school in the DVSD district.
1. Should kids be required to wear masks unless they show a medical exemption?
The current mandate compels students to wear masks unless they provide verifiable medical documentation warranting an exemption. Should the mandate expire, the school board directors should make mask determinations based on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC and local Covid-19 data.
2. Do you think kids are getting too much screen time at school? Explain.
This question is dependent on how one defines “too much.” Some parents believe that any screen time is “too much.” Passive learning is never as successful as active learning. Children learn best through hands-on activities that encourage communication and cooperation with their teacher and peers. Our teachers are experts at engaging students through active learning methods. I would advocate for active learning models.
3. How can we bring peace back to our teachers and parents?
Parents and teachers both have the best interests of students at heart. It’s important for the school board to listen to their concerns so that they feel heard. We must swiftly address the everyday issues that are causing stress for our students and teachers. Parents want their children to be safe, happy and successful students and this can only be achieved by supporting teachers and ensuring a physically and emotionally safe learning environment.
4. How do we teach our kids what it means to be responsible members of the community?
Treating our students with respect is paramount. Authoritarian disciplinary systems do not motivate or encourage children to engage and participate as community members. We should respect students’ voices and offer programs that help them make healthy relationship decisions, and develop confidence/positive interpersonal skills as these are the foundations needed for engaging as responsible community members. A strong community is built by engaged and caring individuals who value others. Connection and accountability are the best motivators for participation.
5. Should schools stick to teaching the standard academic curriculum as it currently exists and leave the rest to parents?
Schools are tasked with preparing children for the future. Academic and professional success extends well beyond arithmetic and reading. Students need to learn soft skills like tenacity, cooperation, and to develop their sociological imagination if the goal is for them to be successful beyond high school. Our current curriculum is developmentally appropriate and encourages critical thinking skills. Parents should be left to the religious education of their children.