Paula Meckley is running for the District 6 seat on the Hillsborough County School Board.

1. Why are you running for this office?

Two of my three children have graduated from our public schools and one is still attending. My college-age children were very prepared for their post-secondary experience. They received a good K-12 public school education under the guidance of good teachers and administrators. Was it perfect? No…but it was effective.

Though our family’s educational experience was positive, I understand that not everyone has a similar experience. I would like to work to ensure every feeder system offers the same opportunity.

I believe that a good public education is imperative to our community’s success. I have worked tirelessly over the last 17 years to support the efforts of public education and believe that every child can learn and deserves to be taught in an environment of caring, highly trained and supportive teachers.

I want all employees to understand that they play an important role that contributes to our students’ achievements. And better communicate with and educate parents on how important their role is as the first facilitators on their child’s learning journey.

2. Why do you think you are the best qualified candidate for the office?

My retail experience running a $10-million department with Maas Brothers contributes to my understanding of the running a large corporation.

However, I am most uniquely qualified and the ideal candidate due to my 17 years of exposure to how the district works through the many projects I have accomplished as a volunteer. My experience as a volunteer on behalf of our public schools has given me the opportunity to work directly with many different divisions within the district in a collaborative way to directly benefit students.

I understand how the system works and can hit the ground running to improve education for all students.

I am a discerning listener who can pull trend data from conversations, digest information, ask questions, then listen some more.

I seek out experts in the field; whether it be parents, community members or staff and collaborate on ideas. Clear, concise communication is key.

While it’s often not possible to please everyone all the time, by ensuring stakeholders have a voice, then all constituents have been heard.

I have a proven track record of accomplishing goals in our public schools by being a proactive, collaborative leader with good listening skills. I enjoy working on a team and understand that it takes the efforts of many to provide an environment that is conducive to learning for our students.

3. If you are elected, what will be your top priorities?

  1. Student academic growth on all levels of the learning spectrum: As a mother and a member of this community, I believe there is nothing more important than the education of our children. Every child can learn and deserves the opportunity to achieve.
  2. School safety: I am dedicated to continuing to work closely with our staff and the police/sheriff to make our schools safe, welcoming places where learning is the number one priority.
  3. Budget oversight: It is imperative that the public is secure in the fact that public money is being spent wisely and in the best interest of our students and this community.
  4. Teacher hiring and training: Ensure quality oversight of teacher hiring, training and curriculum adoption.
  5. Technology: We must lay out the financial plan that sustains the equipment that it takes to ensure our teachers and students are successful in this 21st century economy.