Candidate: Allison Fosdick

Tell us about your high school experience. What clubs or activities were you involved in?

I got involved right away in high school because my junior high split between two high schools and most of my friends went to the other one. I tried out for the fall play and was cast, and that started my theatre journey throughout all of high school. I directed two shows and served on the board as well. I was elected to student government during my freshman year and served each year. I was able to attend district and state conferences and loved being involved in planning activities for my classmates. I wrote occasionally for the newspaper. I took as many Humanities classes as I could and really enjoyed French and English. A unique detail about my high school experience is that I graduated in three years, at the end of my junior year. I took two English classes last year, so I would have four years for college, and my choir director let me join the choir class during my lunch hour since I didn’t have room in my schedule.

As of March 5, Metea Valley had the highest number of positive COVID-19 cases in the school district. How would you help reduce the transmission and keep students safe?

Well, I think following state and local health department guidelines about how and when to bring students back is an important place to start. Wearing masks, using hand sanitizer, and encouraging students to follow these practices even outside of school is key too. I know everyone is feeling isolated and anxious to get back to normal, but the more we ignore or downplay the things we know help keep the virus spread low, the sooner we can get there!

There has been discussion in the district about culturally responsive pedagogy. What steps should the district take to achieve equitable outcomes for all of its students?

I think the district needs to focus on equitable opportunities instead of just equitable outcomes. The district goal is to inspire each student to reach their greatest potential, and those outcomes won’t all be identical. What looks like success for one student won’t necessarily be the same for another, so I think we should focus on making sure that all of our students have access to whatever resources we can provide to help them realize that potential. I think culturally responsive teaching is important, and I’m proud that teachers in our district already practice this. A welcoming, respectful, inclusive classroom and school environment is the breeding ground for curiosity, diversity, appreciation, and celebration of the many different people who comprise our outstanding community.

What are the district’s biggest strengths and the biggest weaknesses?

Our district’s biggest strengths include its commitment to equity and making sure each student has the opportunity to achieve, our diversity, our amazing and talented teachers and staff, and our involved families. As a district, I think we can strive for clearer communication and collaboration between administration/leadership and students/families. I think we’re not taking full advantage of the creativity of our community to problem solve, and I’d love to see us find more opportunities to work together in that way.

What is your vision for high school students?

My vision for high school students is for you to take these four years to learn about the world and learn about yourselves. Find an activity you enjoy, not simply one you pick because it looks good on a college app. I know there’s a huge amount of pressure on high school students to be high achievers, and that’s not inherently bad, but I’d love for our high schoolers to realize that there is more than one path to success, more than one path to a good life, and I hope your time in high school exposes you to some of those paths so that you can decide for yourself which you choose later on.

What makes you different from all the other candidates?

First, I grew up here. I’ve seen this community grow and change and develop into what it is today. That experience helps me keep changes in perspective. Second, I’m an educator. As a college professor who teaches freshmen, I have a unique window into what our students need to succeed post-graduation. I’m also a parent of kids who have been in every grade in 204. My oldest daughter is a district grad, my son is a sophomore, and we also have sixth and fourth-grade daughters. I’ve been through all of the years and learned at least a little about the concerns of students and parents at each grade. The combination of knowing our community, an educator’s perspective, and the experience of going through all of the districts, is what makes me different from all the other candidates, and I believe especially suited for the role of a school board member.