Debbie Christiansen: Candidate, San Juan School Board, District 3

It has been an honor to serve the citizens of San Juan County as a member of the San Juan School District Board of Education. I would like the opportunity to continue filling this position.
While serving as a school board member I have felt a keen obligation to represent the views, wishes, and moral fiber of the constituents I represent. I also recognize that once on the board it is my duty and responsibility to make decisions based on facts, studies, and policies which are for the good of the entire school district.
We have seen polarized government in our county and I have done my best to not divide the work of the board by community. The work of the board is diverse and I feel I have a solid understanding of school finance, educational programs, extracurricular needs, fine arts in education, and vocational education. It is important that public officials represent their constituents with dignity, being respectful of all who present themselves before these officials. I have tried my best to be open-minded and receptive to all persons who have addressed me, whether or not we share the same point of view. I am approachable, friendly, and compassionate and have always tried to serve with these qualities.
Any member of the San Juan School District Board of Education has a fiduciary responsibility to this district and I feel that I have fulfilled that responsibility. Currently San Juan School District is one of few districts in our state which is debt free. We have adopted over the past several years a “pay-as-you-go” policy. We have designed a building program which keeps us debt free, provides for ongoing maintenance and replacement but does not leave our aging buildings a problem for the next generation of tax payers. Benjamin Franklin stated in 1749, “The good Education of Youth has been esteemed by Wise Men in all Ages, as the surest Foundation of the Happiness both of private families and of Common-wealths. Almost all Governments have therefore made it a principal Object of their Attention to establish and endow with proper Revenues, such Seminaries of learning, as might supply the succeeding Age with Men (and women) qualified to serve the Publick with Honour to themselves, and to their Country.”
I am committed to high quality education in San Juan County. There is disparity in San Juan County and education is the great equalizer for our society. I have and will continue to be dedicated to striking a balance of living within our means, safeguarding public funds while not short-changing the students in our county.
My fundamental beliefs include; the family is the most important unit in society. Religious institutions are the second most important in society. Schools are the third most important institutions in our nation. Public schools are not “big government” when left to local control by duly elected non-partisan community members. There should be less involvement of the federal government in public education. When a child has an excellent teacher; regardless of their abilities, home environment or race; they can achieve at high levels. Every school district employee should be held accountable for their performance regardless of years of employment.
San Juan County has been our family’s home for over 30 years. My children received a sound education here. The school district, county and communities have given much to me and my family over the years and it is my desire to “give back” to these entities through school board service.