Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The Anderson Observer is interviewing school board members in contested races who were willing to discuss why they might be a good candidate.
This interview is with Anna Leavitt, who is running for the Anderson School Dist. 4, Area 4 board.
Why are you running for the Anderson School District 4 board?
I am offering to serve as school board member for Anderson District 4 because I believe that strong public schools are the bedrock of a strong community. Public schools serve everyone who walks through their doors, helping to prepare them for adulthood. When our schools do that well, everyone in the community benefits.
What experience and/or education make you a good candidate for the board?
As a pediatrician for 30 years, my responsibility has been to make the best decision for the patient in front of me. That work has taught me to listen carefully, ask good questions, look at the evidence and collaborate with others to find the best path forward. I believe that mindset and those skills will help me serve the school board well.
What are the three most important responsibilities of a school board member?
The three most important responsibilities to me are supporting the shared vision of Anderson District 4 and the community, providing accountability, and communicating clearly with the community.
What are the three greatest challenges facing Anderson School District 4?
District 4 schools are strong. Our academic performance exceeds state averages, with a graduation rate of 90 percent, high teacher retention rates, and state report cards that are consistently above average. I think those strengths result from the small, family atmosphere of Anderson 4, which enables our schools to know and understand the needs of individual students and provide opportunities that suit their talents and interests. And I think that culture comes from the fact that all of us view our schools as a community asset and a shared endeavor.
Here are the three greatest challenges I see for our district:
Managing Growth: Anderson District 4 is experiencing rapid growth, which could make it more challenging to maintain the family atmosphere. We need to plan well for growth instead of simply reacting to it so that we can protect the environment that makes our schools so successful.
Maintaining Excellence: Maintaining our current high standards and improving further is not an easy task. Every member of our board needs to be focused on our goals for the future.
Funding Schools and Using Resources Responsibly: Education resources are finite, no matter the need. Managing limited funding in ways that create the greatest educational benefit is always a challenge.
Will you work toward and support the extension of the capital sales tax for schools? Why or why not?
Anderson 4 has used the proceeds from the capital sales tax initiative wisely and responsibly, targeting funding to maintain aging schools and upgrade facilities, exactly as promised. I support extending the capital sales tax for schools to maintain quality as the district grows, without increasing property taxes.
How would you meet the challenge of working with board members with whom you disagree?
My commitment will always be to listen carefully, with an open mind, to all sides; to present my own perspective based on the available evidence and expert advice; and to respect the majority decision.
Do you see the role of school board member as a proxy vote for those who elect you or as a public trust to do what’s best for the district no matter the political consequences?
My hope is that the people who vote for me do so because they believe I will do my best for the the students of this district, regardless of any other consideration, because that’s what I’ll do.
There has been talk of making school board elections, which are currently non-partisan, into partisan elections. Do you support this change? Why or why not?
I am strongly opposed to making school board elections partisan. I see no benefit to students or community, and I see great potential for division and dysfunction.
Our future depends, in large part, on how well we prepare students for theirs. Anything that distracts or interferes with that focus, hurts us all.
What else do voters need to know about you as a person?
I’ve been a member of this community for 30 years and have two children who attended Anderson 4 schools. I’m a retired pediatrician, active in my church and community. I enjoy tennis and my springer spaniels.
