As people are getting ready for the DFL Endorsing Convention tomorrow, I want to introduce myself and ask for your support for the DFL endorsement for School Board. My name is Mary Jamin Maguire and I am already endorsed by the DFL Feminist Caucus, Stonewall DFL Caucus, AFL-CIO COPE, AFSCME Council 14, and the Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council; I have also been found "Acceptable" by the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers and Educational Assistants. I have the necessary skills, experience, committment, and enthusiasm to be an effective and responsive School Board member. I am committed to clear and consistent communication, and participatory democracy, with all stakeholders and at all levels. I will work to ensure strong programs for all students, and support for teachers and staff. I advocate a balanced approach to change, with creative and innovative solutions to challenges. And I am committed to effective behavior management strategies and safe, nurturing learning environments for all children in the Minneapolis Public Schools. I have been involved with the Minneapolis Public Schools since my daughter started kindergarten in 1986. I have been active in PTA, and served as President for 3 years; I was instrumental in starting one of the first Site Councils, and served as Chair for 2 years. I have also served on many committees and worked to pass the referendums. My daughter is gifted academically and thrived in the Minneapolis Public Schools; she received a Wallin Scholarship from South H.S. and is attending Sarah Lawrence College in N.Y. My son has struggled with academics, although he has other skills and talents (he was elected Class Clown 3 years in a row at Anwatin Middle School); he has also had bad luck with teachers (he had 5 subs in his 6th grade math class, and did not get a permanent teacher until April). He is currently attending Loring-Nicollet Alternative School and doing very well. So, I have a broad perspective as a parent of two very different children in the Minneapolis Public Schools; and I have experienced highs and lows in the quality of their education. Professionally, I have worked with children and families for 30 years. I am licensed as a Psychologist and Clinical Social Worker and my work history includes postions with 2 school districts (Special Needs Supervisor, School Age Childcare; Parent Educator, ECFE), and work in collbaorative programs with 3 other school districts (St. Joseph's Home for Children, Level 5 Program; Wilder Foundation, St. Paul; Oak Grove Level 5 Program, Mounds View). I have also written a curriculum for the MN Dept. of Children, Families and Learning for working with "Exceptional Children" in School Age Childcare programs. I have lived in Minneapolis since 1972. I am the Chair of the NRP Environmental Task Force, and have served on the NRP Steering Committee. I am a founding member and the first President of the Mississippi Corridor Neighborhood Coalition, and am appiotined by the Mayor to represent the citizens of Minneapolis on the Twin Cities Steering Committee, American Heritage River Initiative. I also served 2 terms as President of the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology, and have served on the board of the House Of Faith Nursery School since 1984. I would be happy to respond to any questions about my candidacy or concerns about the Minneapolis Public Schools. I look forward to seeing all of the delegates on Saturday, and would appreciate your support. Mary Jamin Maguire, Marshall Terrace Neighborhood [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
