Sharon Konecny School Board Questions District 4

In addition to the Candidate Forum that was presented by the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce and Southeast Arkansas Broadcasters, the DeWitt Era-Enterprise wanted to help inform the public about the candidates. After putting together several questions, they were submitted to all candidates.

Please list your name and the ward you are running for.

My name is Sharon Davidson Konecny and I am seeking a position on the Stuttgart School Board in Zone 4. 

What made you want to throw your hat in?

I chose to register as a candidate because I care deeply about our children, the school district, and the Stuttgart community. I also know my experiences as a teacher, principal, and Director of Educational Services makes me uniquely qualified to serve on the school board.

How do you feel you can move our school board forward?

If elected, I would be a team player working collaboratively with other board members, superintendent, staff, community, and the constituents of zone 4. I would be a member of the board who would encourage open and transparent communication. I would be an intentional listener to others' ideas and concerns. I have no special interests and I would make all decisions based on what is best for all children.

What do you feel are issues facing the school district? How do you propose to help solve them?

Student learning is a top priority. The most important responsibility of a school board is to work with our communities to improve student learning /achievement in our public schools. Encouraging our administrators and staff to use current information /data so we intentionally address this issue. It can be done by individual students, grade levels, standards, or achievement gaps. The goal is to improve each student’s learning so they are prepared and confident when they graduate.

Another issue is striving to attract more quality applicants as well as keep and reward those staff members we have. The district may need to revitalize and implement a Recruit, Retain, and Reward Teacher Plan.

It is imperative that we monitor and adjust the Facilities Plan. It is important that our students and staff have a safe learning environment. In addition, our facilities must generate a sense of pride among our students, staff, and our community.

What do you feel is the responsibility of the school board?

The first and most important role of the school board is to improve and ensure student learning.  There are also legal requirements such as helping determine the mission of the district, enacting school district policies, employing staff, monitoring the district’s finances and facilities, and approving the curriculum. I would also advocate for better communication, improving community relationships/ partnerships, and transparency.

Do you have children in the district? If so, where do they attend?

My three adult children attended K-12 within the Stuttgart Public School District as well as graduated from SHS. In addition, I currently have two grandsons in 8th (SJHS) and 10th (SHS) grades; and they too have been in the Stuttgart Schools since Kindergarten. I might add, that I consider all children I had the opportunity to help educate as part of my school children. Many still call me Deede.

Can you be fair to all children?

As a retired teacher and principal, I was fair as I strived to look at all the information provided as well as see situations from others' perspectives.  If elected to the board, I will be transparent and an intentional listener so that all voices are heard.

What strengths will you bring to the board, if elected?

One of the reasons I chose to seek a position is because I care deeply for our students, staff, and community.  My educational experiences make me uniquely qualified and provide exclusive insight into curriculum, laws and policies, student learning, code of ethics, and any challenges that are certain to arise.  I’ve been told by other current board members, that I’ll be a welcoming voice on the school board.

Can you set personal feelings aside and work for the district as a whole?

I can most certainly set any personal feelings aside. It is the job of board members to study issues and come prepared to discuss the valuable information that one gathered. School Boards may not always agree but after collaboration, I will always support the majority decision.

Why should voters elect you?

Humbly, I ask for zone 4 constituent's votes because I am the best candidate for the position.  My school experiences will be valuable to the board, district, and our community. I am committed, I have the time and energy to devote to our school district and I will intentionally listen to all! I am focused on a brighter future for our students, our staff, and for our community. I participated in the Stuttgart School Board forum. Those that participated demonstrated they cared enough about our district and our children to prepare and participate.  Better schools equal better communities. I respectfully request your vote!