Julie Jackson (Utah)

I grew up in Granite School District and loved it so much that I am raising my children in the same community. It was in Granite schools that I got to do things like learn Calculus (thank you Mr. Barton!), perform in Concerto Night (thank you Mr. Ashton!), and play on the soccer team (thank you Coach Chris!). I got to perform in a play I helped write (thank you Mrs. Chatwin!) and I made a pretty legit bridge out of popsicle sticks for physics (thank you Mr. Reddie!) These experiences made me love school.

When I became be a teacher, I taught at Horizonte Instruction and Training Center, the Alternative High School for SLC District, which changed my life. The students there face challenges I couldn't even imagine. Few of them were on grade level in reading or math and all of them were angry about it. I felt it too. Students in my classroom discovered that they could learn and succeed. I got to watch it happen.

While I LOVED helping my students pull themselves out of difficult holes, I couldn't help feeling the need to prevent kids from falling into the hole in the first place. Our District leaders work really hard to prevent the digging of holes! I think the key is to make sure decision makers are weighing options together with major stakeholders, especially teachers, students, and parents.

Education is more than a career to me. It is part of my identity. As a member of the Granite School Board I'll put that passion to work for the benefit of all our kids.

• I am a teacher and understand how policy and financial decisions affect classrooms.
• I grew up in this community and understand the strengths and needs of our students.
• I spend meaningful time in schools and listen to teachers, students, and parents.

1. RESPOND TO COVID WITH UNITY AND INNOVATION: With hefty budget cuts coming that will affect our most vulnerable kids and the serious business of getting kids back up to speed this fall, it is crucial that we involve all stakeholders in the process and innovate to find long-term solutions.

2. ENCOURAGE LOCAL CONTROL: Our district is so large that it's hard to meet everyone's needs. I'd like to help create a culture, a policy, and a vision that encourages more local control so in the midst of being large, we can also meet the needs of individual kids, schools and communities.

3. CONNECT DOLLARS TO CLASSROOMS: Our district is so large and it is hard to make sure we understand how every dollar affects our kids. The only way to make this connection is by listening to students, parents, and teachers. The best way I can do this is by attending PTA and Community Council Meetings, being involved in all kinds of Community events, and eating lunch in faculty rooms and cafeterias.

4. ATTRACT AND KEEP GREAT TEACHERS: To make our district great for students, we have to make it great for teachers! The most important way to do this is to listen to them. Listen when they are frustrated with a new District program. Listen when they tell us how frustrating it is that they can't find a substitute when they are sick. Listen when they see solutions and have ideas. Listen when they share their struggles to balance school and family.