Carlyn A. Barton

Background

Profession: Certified Teacher

Educational background: I worked in banking while earning my General Business degree. In 2008 I returned to college earning my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Reading from Whitworth University.

How many years as a Bonner County resident: 38-plus years

Marital status: Married

Family: 2 daughters

Questions

1. In the first 100 days I will implement my long term goals for the district. I want fiscal responsibility which will include continuing the audit phases. I want to create a positive building and district culture, this will include visiting the principal administration and working on a whole district plan of action. I will promote anti-bullying education, my hope is to incorporate this step into the culture shift plan. I want to retain teachers with a whole district culture shift in addition to the 4 day school week. By retaining and completing professional development our teachers will better be able to increase our students’ academic scores. And no matter what else takes place, I will make students the center of my decisions.
2. It is important that we unify so we can focus on the health of our district. First we need to complete the audit and become financially transparent to all patrons. Second, we need to rectify WBCSD operational deficiencies and comply with the Idaho State Board of Education. Third, we need to bring integrity back to our school board. When we complete these 3 most significant steps we will be able to start mending the division of our district.
3. • Completing the audit will clarify that no fraudulent or embezzlement took place. It will allow us to focus on our budget and the shortfall from the state. • Currently our Superintendent is not certified to continue to be in that role. We need to part ways and hire an interim Superintendent and start posting for a certified candidate. We need to fulfill our operational deficiencies within our Special Department. • Finally, we as a board need to work together to unify the district and put our students first!
4. It is my job to listen and follow directions. I respond to emails from the community members, students and employees of the district as soon as possible.
5. I believe the West Bonner County School Board has been more focused recently on a political agenda instead of putting our students and employees first. A large majority of our community has spoken and we need to refocus on “WHY” we are on this board.
6. The most critical issue we are facing is to reunify the massive division and political agenda that has been the focus for several of the past few months.
7. Our teachers still do not have an up to date contract for the 2023/2024 school year. This issue is a huge problem. Our teachers are the heart of the district and without them we have no district. We can not focus on anything else: culture, academics, progress, curriculum and even being compliant with Idaho State.
8. I will try to reunify the district and support our community by listening to their concerns, advocate for our students and finally support our staff.
9. We love our community. We try to shop, eat and support local events. We explore our local lakes, rivers and mountains.
10. Spare time? If I have any extra time it is spent with my family or supporting my girls extracurricular activities.
11. Our Junior High School is a drain on our financial resources. I was in favor of looking at alternative measures for the near future. Our community changed the way I look at this historical monument. They banned together to find alternative financial help to save and preserve it for our future generations.
12. Everything I do is for my family. They are my biggest supporters.
13. Integrity! Integrity defined is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
14. Why do you want to be on the West Bonner County School Board? I am invested in the future of our district. I attended Idaho Hill Elementary, Priest River Jr High and a proud graduate of Priest River Lamanna High. We have two amazing girls, both are actively involved in sports and academic leaders in the district. I have worked in the district as a speech tech, high school volleyball coach. I currently coach a youth volleyball and soccer teams for the district. I strongly feel our next generation should be given the highest opportunities to be successful by providing a well-rounded academic education. I feel with the hardships, dealing through my education, parent of children in the district, and a teacher in another district I bring a unique value to the school board.
15. We are a conservative community, therefore I will not support CRT or woke education in our schools. I will not support masking our children or teachers against their will. I am invested in being fiscally responsible and transparent with patrons' tax dollars. Vote for me on November 7th and let’s make West Bonner County School District Great Again!