Leslie Hogshead, Ferguson-Florissant School Board of Education Candidate

Leslie  Suzanne  Hogshead 

Age: 62  
Residence: Ferguson  
Occupation: Health Care Administrator  
Education: BA in Psych and Business from SIU-Edwardsville  
Family: Husband Ken of 42 years and a daughter Erin who is a teacher/missionary in Korea 
How many years lived in district? I have lived in the district since 1977 and lived in Ferguson since 1982  

Background

I have been an active member of the community since 1982. I help start McCluer PTSA, Project Graduation, Walnut Grove and Ferguson Middle Parent Organizations and have been involved in Ferguson as a member of the Park Board, Ferguson Swim Team Parents Organization and currently serve on the Personnel Board.  

Explain your reasons for running. I would like to be re­‐elected to the Board of Education because I truly care about ALL children. I am an advocate and voice for them, their parents, teachers and the community at large. I bring experience and history with me as well as knowledge in business operations. I have feel very strongly in a Safe, Fair and Equitable education for all and will continue to serve for those reasons. The students are the future of our country and I would like to help give them the best start possible.      

Questions

1. What do you currently see as the biggest issue facing the Ferguson-Florissant School District?  I feel we need the financial resources in our district to help each student achieve to their fullest potential. The finances in the district go hand in hand with small classrooms, equipment and resources needed to run facilities, staff salaries, and student achievement. With making a  $10 million adjustment to our budget for 2013, we must ensure it doesn't influence the education our students will receive. The bottom line is still caring for and educating each student in the Ferguson-Florissant School District.  
2.  How would you address the continuing uncertainty over state funding for schools? I would continue to encourage and help our legislators realize that without proper funding we cannot properly educate all children.      
3. In what area does the Ferguson-Florissant School District need to improve? Are you satisfied with the way the district has been operating? I feel as a Board of Education, we must hold ourselves accountable to the public that elects us. I feel the district can improve in communication and accountability to all stakeholders. We have talented staff that can educate our children, and we must raise the bar holding students, parents, staff and the board accountable for the achievement and safety of the students, while be fiscally responsible stewards of the tax payers money. We have an outstanding school district for ALL students and we must help the community realize what "hidden jewel" the Ferguson-Florissant School District is.
4. Assume you win the election. What single thing do you want to accomplish during your three years on the board? I would like to see the achievement bar for all students be raised while helping the community as a whole realize that the Ferguson-Florissant School District is something to be proud of and an educational system in which everyone should want to send their children to be educated. Together as a community, we must work together to raise all children for the future.