Barbara Gentry

I am a life-long educator. I worked for 25 years as a middle school science teacher, 10 years as the Jordan science teacher specialist, 5 years as a high school assistant principal and curriculum specialist. I have also written end-of-year assessments and numerous lessons. I have lived in Sandy for 38 years and my husband and I have 5 children and 6 grandchildren. I enjoy many outdoor activities: skiing, hiking, horseback riding, biking, camping and dog walking. I am active in my church and participate on several board of directors for community organizations.

• Great teachers are the key to success for students. Supporting teachers, especially in their first few years serves a dual purpose. Students get a better educational experience and the teachers have the opportunity to grow into excellent teachers. Teaching is a hard profession, it challenges people physically, mentally, emotionally and very few people are really ready when they begin. Career teachers also need support to stay passionate about teaching. You need new ideas, techniques and training to make a classroom engaging for kids. Time for teachers to plan together, opportunities to watch great teachers teach and workshops all improve what happens in the classroom.
• It is increasingly important that students feel safe in their schools. School policies need to clearly define student behavior and reinforce rules on bullying and social media. Teachers are the key to identifying unsafe behaviors and alerting parents and administrators to problems. Teachers are also tasked with making their classrooms safe zones and enforcing school rules. Teachers need training and tools to do all this and teach lessons.
• Students need opportunities to engage in meaningful classroom experiences that challenge them. Rote learning of factual material has a smaller place in our rapidly moving society. Problem solving, creative pursuits, critical thinking and analysis are skills of the future.

I am passionate about public schools. I believe they are the foundation of our democracy and that they are being undermined in a variety of ways. Legislative battles about funding always leave Utah at the lowest end of the nation and other forms of schooling are supported, without evidence, that they are cost effective or perform better. Our public schools in Utah do a great job and should be rewarded and supported.

I heard Dr. Anthony Fauci speak at the Wasatch Speaker Series this year. I have enormous respect for the work he did during the pandemic. He trusted his professional knowledge, spoke his truth and did not waver when political forces were directed against him. He admits he may have misjudged some aspects of the pandemic but acknowleged that he acted on the available information that was available at the time.

American Nations by Collin Woodward.

Honesty, integrity, transparency and excellent work ethic are essential. Commitment to public service, good listening and communication skills are important.

As a 25 year veteran of middle school teaching, I am hard to rattle. Meaning: I have an even temperament and do not allow my emotions to dictate my words. As a science teacher, I love data and try to collect it before making decisions.

This office requires consistent attendance at school board meetings and school visits. Communication with parents, other board members and school administrator in a timely and appropriate manner.

I would like students to have opportunities that I did not. I received a good education in Utah schools but not a great one.

The broad jobs of a school board member are setting the direction of the district based on patron guidance, making sure effective structures are in place, and provide accountability and leadership to the community.
The bread and butter jobs are to attend meetings, make decisions, vote, analyze and collect information, manage data, communicate with the public, adopt and annual budget, hire and fire administrators, and visit schools.

Parents, teachers, students, administrators, custodians, coaches, secretaries, counselors, psychologists.

Listening to the diverse voices is the first step. Discussing, sharing and comparing the views expressed would be an important next step. Prioritizing needs based on fairness and equity, based on board consensus, is a final step.

Good teaching engages students in meaningful life experiences that cultivate hard work, resilience, lifelong learning, honesty, integrity, responsibility, service, respect, and personal growth.

I think Canyons School District should consider expanding its applied technology and career center.

Attend legislative sessions and lobby for proper funding as well as appropriately managing the funding the district does receive.

Safety in schools starts with alert teachers who address bullying when it happens in their classrooms. A general school climate that promotes anti-bullying is important but students must see bullies addressed immediately and appropriately in classes.

Good communication can alert administration and parents when students exhibit mental health issues. The mental health issues of faculty and staff are addressed through mental health programs offered by district insurance.

Children have moments of joy, challenge and accomplishment in their school day.

Canyons School District did an excellent job with the pandemic. My grandchildren missed a minimum of school and the community had few health issues that I was aware of. The online support was as good as it could be, given the short amount of time and experience of district employees with this style of learning.

Prompt responses to communications from parents is required. Prompt action, if possible, to requests as well.

Government needs absolute transparency. An individual in a school board position needs a good understanding of the actual finances to honestly share and help others understand the implications and impact of various policy decisions.