Becky Espy

Why are you running for the board of education? What are things you hope to accomplish if elected?

If elected I hope to gain support from the board members in launching a strategic planning session to gather the vision and goals of the community, teachers, staff, and students. Utilizing an outside professional, trained in facilitating, would benefit our district in identifying and implementing the goals and vision. I would also like to see the board and administration establish a method for consistent, streamlined communication for sports practices and other extracurricular events to parents.

What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?

My background in business and accounting along with my past experience as President and Vice President of Kenaitze Indian Primary School Board has prepared me for Watonga Public School Board. I have the knowledge to review the monthly, quarterly, and annual budgets of an organization the size of our district. When I worked at Central Peninsula Hospital as Financial Counselor, I was responsible for $2 million in accounts.

What issues do you believe your district needs to address in its academic program and offerings? What changes would you recommend?

The district recently reestablished the required Basic Instructional Committee, which is a great start to assisting our district in curriculum selection. Since we are utilizing Chromebooks for the majority of classes, the schools need to find comparable, up-to-date books in digital format. In addition to these necessities, I would like to see cultural studies implemented at a young age in our district. Coming from Alaska, all students participated in the Native Youth Olympics and selected several small courses to participate in. My kids were introduced to learning about elders in the community as young as preschool age. Teaching cultural studies and making it a part of everyone’s curriculum gave our students a respect for multiple cultures. I would be excited to see something similar to this in Watonga.

What do you think is the top issue facing the school district, and how would you address that?

Safety is our No. 1 priority in the schools. The district needs to re-establish the Safe Schools Committee to implement practices to minimize harassment and bullying within the district. The district should be proactive in these matters, rather than reactive. Established expectations from everyone in our schools will aid the staff in following through on rules and policies pertaining to the district. The district should have a well-established emergency plan on file with the local law enforcement agencies.

What can be done to improve student achievement and ensure everyone who graduates is college-ready, especially after a year of dealing with the consequences of COVID-19?

COVID affected the way we learn and has given teachers a challenge, changing their workload and requiring them to teach students virtually and in person at the same time. There are ways of assisting students to become collegeready without placing more of the burden on teachers. Math and reading are subjects that can’t be overlooked when preparing for college or when trying to achieve high test scores. A deficiency in math or reading can cause a lot of frustration to a new college student. One recommendation would be for the school to implement a student time, either during academic hours or after school to allow students who are proficient in math and reading concepts to help students who haven’t mastered them yet. Peer-to-peer tutoring doesn't add extra costs to the budget and requires minimal staff effort. This could further prevent the district from having to offer remedial classes. In some aspects, the COVID-19 pandemic has helped the students learn a portion of how college operates when enrolling in online classes. Students have already prepared themselves with the skills of logging in and utilizing technology on their Chromebooks. The students are already prepared to turn assignments in online rather than in person. Thanks to our staff, these students have already mastered some of the expectations college professors will ask.

What are your areas of concern regarding student achievement in your district?

Since the school report card is a tool used to measure how well the district is doing, I am concerned our report card is below the state average. I would put an emphasis on core subjects such as reading and math because students get lost when they are advanced to another level without mastering the previous. Mastering English/reading will help all students who pursue a college degree due to the college-level expectations.

What should your school district do to better prepare students as citizens?

A job shadow program with career exploration would be helpful in preparing our students as citizens. I would like to see seniors have a community service project with a local non-profit agency to gain experience and also to start out with something to add to their resumes for college applications. This also opens up the students to have a reference to use on a job application or even a mentor.

Why should you be elected to the board of education?

I should be elected because I want to serve the Watonga area, including administration, staff, teachers, and families. Students and families need a voice, and I am here to provide support and I have the skills to improve what is already being accomplished. If elected, I will work hard to improve every aspect of attending Watonga Schools as well as raising children in our community.

PROFILE:

Becky Espy is running for Seat 1 of the Watonga School Board.

She faces Dwight McGee in the April 6 election.

Currently, she is self­employed and owns three businesses – she owns and operates Watonga Wheat LLC and she assists her husband Rory Espy with R & R Outfitters.

Espy was born and raised on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. She attended high school there and immediately after graduation she attended the University of Alaska Anchorage. Espy moved to Watonga in 2014 with her husband and two daughters who now attend Watonga Middle School and Watonga High School.

Her primary business is global marketing with clients in several countries.

When she is not working she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.