Beth Narverud is running for the District 3 seat on the Hernando County School Board.
1. Why are you running for this office?
During my time working with the Education Foundation, I discovered my passion for wanting to improve the education system in Hernando County.
As a liaison between educators, the school district, and the community, I was able to appreciate that a successful School District needs the collaboration and coordination of all three.
In order to improve education within Hernando County, I would need to take an even more active role.
As a parent, I want what is best for all children. As a business owner, I would like to see a better educated work force. As a community member, I believe we must strengthen our commitment to public education and ensure that we provide a high-quality education for our students in order for our community to flourish.
2. Why do you think you are the best qualified candidate for the office?
One important distinction is that I have dedicated many years to Hernando County Schools through my work with the Hernando County Education Foundation. As executive director of the foundation I have worked with every school in our county.
I am a local small business owner and have resided in Hernando County since 1987. I am a long time member of the Hernando County Chamber of Commerce and a graduate of their Leadership Hernando program.
I have been appointed by the Governor to the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco & Hernando Counties because my dedication to the education of children.
I am an active volunteer for Junior Achievement, an organization dedicated to educating students in grades K-12 about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs.
Having said that, I believe the most important distinction is that I am a parent of three children currently enrolled in Hernando County public schools.
The position of school board member is important for all of our children, our educators and our community. This is not a starting point for a political dynasty. It is about improving the Hernando County School System and I have the knowledge, relationships, and experience in our schools to accomplish that goal.
3. If you are elected, what will be your top priorities?
My top priority will always be to provide the best possible education for our students including, but not limited to, increasing access to technology. To do this, my initial focus will be on the fiscal responsibility and business sensible budgeting that puts students first.
First, we need better utilization of existing funds. By identifying cost savings we can redirect more funding into where it matters most, the classroom.
Second, we must look for innovative ways to improve services without increasing costs.
Third, we must align our budget priorities to create a conservative spending and expense reduction plan while preserving the needs of our students and our teachers.
There are many funding sources and support systems out there. We should work with our Education Foundation and other community organizations to help build a financial bridge with local businesses and the local private sector.
We must share our goals, define expectations, and have honest dialog about the challenges we face. Working with collaborative partnerships we can develop both short and long term solutions to overcome those challenges and achieve our goals.
To provide excellence in education, as your school board member I will work diligently to ensure we work together as a community and move forward, united, in support our schools.