03/24/2024
Our PTA emailed these questions in lieu of doing their own forum this year. Just wanted to share my answers and help answer any questions you may have about me and where I stand!
1. Tell us about yourself.
2. Why did you decide to run for PH School Board? What is your platform? If running for reelection, why did you decide to run for re-election? What were your accomplishments during your first term and your platform this election?
3. What are your thoughts on Park Hill 2034 projects?
4. With the new Elementary school opening, the district will have to do some redistricting, what are your thoughts or ideas on how to do this well?
5. DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) has been an issue in our schools the last several years. What are your thoughts on DEIB being part of PH school culture and curriculum?
6. Mental Health of students is an ongoing concern, especially post Covid. What do you think the district's responsibility is for supporting student's mental health?
7. What differentiates you from the other candidates?
8. How can the board be accessible to members of the community and specific community groups?
9. This year at District Council, there has been a lot of talk about the District's cell phone policy and how it is implemented in each building. What are your thoughts on cell phone use during the school day?
10. What is one thing we haven't asked about that you would like us to know about yourself?
1. Hi, my name is Sadie Peterson and I'm a baker and a soccer mom. I once attended Park Hill South High School and raised 3 kids in this district as well. You will usually find me in my bakery or on the sidelines cheering my girls on at soccer. I am passionate, well spoken, steadfast in my beliefs, hard working, value the art of compromise and integrity.
2. When I saw that the other candidates shared the same views, I decided it was time to step up and lend a different perspective for the better of our students and community. We deserve to have a more diverse board representing our community. I am fighting for parent rights, accountability (especially with bullying) and facility improvements.
3. In short, beyond overdue and by the time we reach 2034, will we still be behind neighboring districts?
4. Redistricting needs to be done more responsibly and we have to make our elementary schools be on a DIRECT feeder pattern. Our small sections that currently go against this grain is not good for the students who go to middle school with practically strangers. This transition is hard enough without added stressors on these students.
5. While the original intention of DEIB is a wonderful concept, the implementation within our district has failed. It has been a part of our district for nearly a decade and has provided no tangible results and we need to funnel that part of the budget into other areas such as mental health, facility improvement and teacher needs.
6. Our district should be better prioritizing not only the students' mental health, but also our staff. In today's world, everyday life is harder than it used to be, and better support is necessary.
7. Because I am a mom first, not a politician. I understand politics, however, the partisan agendas are hurting our district and detracting from what we need. True unity takes compromise and empathy, which I have an abundance of both.
8. For one, we can be more involved in community events and be more visible. Maybe a possibility of more community forums so we can hear more from the community at large.
9. This really depends on the age and circumstances. In HS, parent/student communication is much more important throughout the day. Below HS level, I don't believe the distraction is necessary and the responsibility is too much for younger students to not abuse the privilege.
10. If elected, I will honor my stance and the wishes of the community at large. I will make sure our voice is heard by someone who has been in the trenches with fellow parents.
