Desert Messenger

October 15, 2014 www.DesertMessenger.com 21 FALL FESTIVAL AND COMMUNITY ROUNDUP COMMUNITY ROUNDUP SIGN UP FORM TO CUT & MAIL Name or Organization ______________________________ I Would Like Vendor Table _____$20.00 (donation enclosed) Items I will Be Vending :_____________________________ ________________________________________________ I Would Like to be a Volunteer______ I Would Like to help/ Music or Entertainment ____ Name: __________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________ Mail to Maggie Ross, P.O. Box 3087, Quartzsite 85359 Bonnie Quintana QES School Board Dear Desert Messenger readers and Quartzsite District #4 Voters; my name is Bonnie Quintana soon to be Bon- nie Jackson. After being urged by lo- cal Ehrenberg Residents I've decided to run for one of the vacancies on the Quartzsite District School Board. I am the mother of four adult children with nine grandchildren, two are stu- dents at Ehrenberg Elementary School thus one of the reasons I feel it is my ob- ligation to support their education in our community. I understand that if entrust- ed with the responsibility of maintaining, developing and assisting in operating our two local schools my decisions will be long-lasting for our children, teachers and community. My intent is to establish a positive vision for the public education system in our community. I believe that positive communication should always be used; I am against ag- gressive behaviors and the use of a so- cial media to speak against others. Any use of electronic technology to speak negatively against others is un- acceptable; however technology can be used positively. We are examples to our children, grandchildren and stu- dents, we are to always remember they are like sponges and absorb everything we say and do. My mission is to support each and ev- ery child to the fullest of his or her po- tential and in providing a positive edu- cational experience. I understand in our times of social, economic and tech- nological turbulence, the responsibility of our local school board is now greater than ever. I am determined to meet this obligation and fulfi ll the mission of public education to our students. My plan of action is to share respon- sibilities and work with my fellow board members in a spirit of harmony and co- operation in spite of differences of opin- ion that arise; base my personal decision upon all available facts in each situation; to vote my honest conviction in every case, to abide by and uphold the major- ity decision of the board. Bear in mind under all circumstances the primary function of the board is to establish the policies by which the schools are to be administered, both that the administra- tion of the education program and the conduct of school business shall be left to the employed superintendent of the schools and her staff. And fi nally, strive step by step toward the ideal condi- tions for the most effective school board service to my community, in a spirit of teamwork and devotion to public edu- cation. Thank you for this opportunity to address the readers of Desert Mes- senger and the Voters of the Quartzsite School District. Irene Segura No Response Monica Timerblake QES School Board 1. Communication is essential. I've al- ways made time to listen to any parent, staff, or community member asking for my help. I'm available through email, text, phone, or Facebook. I'm also pres- ent at community and school functions. 2. I'm different from other candidates in experience and training. I spent three years attending school board meetings prior to being elected because it was important to me. In my last four years as a board member, I made training a priority so I could be effective for the communities I serve. Last October I was presented with a Masters in Boards- manship from the Arizona School Board Association. This summer, when the board voted 4-1 to stop reimburs- ing board members for training (even with a budget surplus), I continued to make training a priority. I spent $2500 personally because I made a commit- ment to work for change in our district. I believe our children and communities deserve better than "D" rated schools. Without educated board members who do more than just "nod their heads" when administration speaks, this will never happen. I have watched our dis- trict go from performing schools to D- rated schools. In December 2011 there was a 3-1 vote to extend the current administrator's contract and give her a $10,000 raise. I voted against this. In May 2014 the administrator asked the board for another raise. Again, I voted no. Unfortunately, it passed 3-1. Let me be clear; poor performance should nev- er be rewarded. Until we have a board that will hold administration account- able there can be no positive change. In each of the votes I mentioned, I was the dissenting vote. I stood alone. 3. My vision is to create a board that is attentive, action-oriented, and ac- countable. In every instance where a small school district made a massive turn-around, the relationship between the community, the board, and admin- istration was vital. Right now, I see a school board that shows up for meet- ings and that's all. My vision is for par- ents and community members to feel welcome at school board meetings. My vision is to see parents and board mem- bers welcomed into the school by ad- ministration. Contact with staff should be encouraged. My vision is a district where morale is good, where students and staff are excited to come to school. This starts at the top. The board has one employee, the superintendent. It is the board's job to hold her accountable for the performance of the district. 4. My plan is to continue to work for the best opportunities for our students. However, that is something I can't ac- complish alone. I have been the lone vote for accountability for the past 4 years. I have been the lone vote for pro- viding our children the education they deserve. This is not something that can be done alone. The vote is about the numbers. I am asking you to vote Hen- shaw, Jackson, Timberlake to ensure the change our district needs. LETTERS FROM PAGE 21 In Memoriam Shirley Sue Westfall Shirley Sue Westfall, a longtime resident of Pend- leton, Oregon, lost her battle with cancer Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, at OHSU in Portland, Ore., with her family by her side. She was born Dec. 30, 1947, in Salina, Kansas, to Adalee and Dorethy Hicks. She was raised and graduated in Ellsworth, Kan. She married Harry E. Westfall on Oct. 4, 1968, in Wilson, Kan. They lived in Hermiston for four years, then moved to Pendleton for the next 32 years. She worked at the state hospital for 10 1/2 years and at St. Anthony Hospital as a dietary aide. Shirley is survived by her husband Harry, son Stephen, granddaughter Nakayla, grandson Connar, and brothers Wil- liam and Robert Hicks. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, father and mother. She enjoyed traveling. She was a life member of Good Sam and be- longed to Paradise Sams of AZ/Weston, Blue Mountain of Pendleton and was a charter member of Columbia River Sams in Hermiston. Shirley and Harry have spent the last 12 winters in Quartzsite, Ariz. At her request there will be no service at this time. Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.

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