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Schools

School Board Candidate Deb Etienne: 'I Believe in Richfield'

Deb Etienne is running for her first term on the Richfield School Board.

Editor's Note: Public School District School Board, Patch will be featuring interviews with candidates before the Nov. 8, 2011 election.

Deb Etienne has lived in Richfield for 25 years and is running for her first term on the Richfield School Board.

Richfield Patch: Why did you decide to run for the Richfield School Board?

Deb Etienne: I believe in public education and I believe in Richfield. Having been a resident of Richfield for the past 25 years, I truly love the diversity of our community and the close, “small town” feel we have. After spending the last 16 years involved in my children’s schools and volunteering with parent teacher organizations and athletic booster groups, I feel that becoming a school board member is the best way I can stay involved and use my extensive experience to ensure that every voice in Richfield is heard.

Richfield Patch: What do you see as your particular qualifications for serving on the Richfield School Board?

Etienne: I feel that I bring a unique perspective and combination of experiences that very few have. I am a 25-year resident of Richfield, and I am also married to a Richfield teacher and coach. I have had two children graduate from . I have been involved in parent/teacher support organizations at , RIS and Richfield High School. I have served as an officer on many Athletic Booster Boards. Over the years, I have been heavily involved in our athletic program, at all levels, as a parent and booster board member.  I have had children involved in fine arts, band and choir programs. Because of this, I bring unique knowledge and experience in these areas that other candidates do not. Because of this I have had the chance to see the district from many perspectives.

[In addition], I have over 30 years of corporate business management experience, with Kmart Corp., Fairview Hospitals and, most recently, with Delta/Northwest Airlines. I feel that my work history is very similar to being on the Richfield School Board. A good majority of my job is to listen to, and get feedback from, several different stakeholders and then bring all of their thoughts/opinions/wishes together to make the best decision for the situation.

Richfield Patch: What do you think are the major issues facing the district in the coming years?

Etienne: I believe that we have four main issues that we need to remain focused on to continue giving the tremendous education that we do for our students in Richfield.

First, I believe that continuing to stay focused on attracting and retaining our students in Richfield to our public schools is absolutely critical. ...

Second, is to continue to be very resourceful in the use of the limited state funds that our school district receives. It is a shame our state funding has been reduced so much in the last five to seven years and therefore we have to be very responsible in how we use our money to offer the very best we can for our students. ...

Third, we need to continue working hard on closing the achievement gap and at the same time make sure that all of our students, at all academic levels, have the opportunity to show growth in their own personal education. ...

And lastly, we must continue to offer a quality and competitive after-school program. I believe these areas are athletics, fine arts, band, choir, other groups/organizations and clubs. This is important because these areas offer tremendous educational value and, along with academics, are the main reason why families chose a school district.

Richfield Patch: What are a few things voters should know about you?

Etienne: Voters should know that I have a strong passion for the children of Richfield. Over the years, I have had the chance to get to know and work with children and parents from many diverse families from Richfield. I am a good listener and an effective communicator ... I also believe that it is very important that students get involved in our after-school programs so they can get a well-rounded education.  

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