Lake Forest School Board election: Meet the candidates
By Andrew Sharp
The Lake Forest School District election this year is for one at-large seat currently held by Phillip Thomas. Thomas was recently named police chief in Greenwood, and is not seeking reelection.
Election information
When: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 10
Where:
Frederica Fire Hall, 6 Front St., Frederica
Lake Forest North Elementary, 319 E. Main St., Felton
Lake Forest South Elementary, 301 Dorman St., Harrington
Lake Forest High School, 5407 Killens Pond Rd., Felton
We asked each candidate a few questions about why they want to be on the school board and what they feel are important issues in the district.
Dj Silicato
Why do you want to be on the school board?
I want the opportunity to get directly involved with the educational system and to do whatever it takes to make for a safer and more enjoyable atmosphere for staff and students alike. I have watched a change over the last 18 years as three of my daughters navigated their way through the Cape Henlopen system and now I have two young boys about to enter the Lake school system. This change has not been for the better. Educators struggle to gain respect and attention and students are exposed to adulthood far too early and the system is breaking and it seems as if parents, district staff, and students are all at their breaking point. A serious level of accountability for all involved needs to take place. Fair and consistent practices will create a better environment and the communication must become more transparent.
What experience do you have that you think would help you on the board?
I currently work within the hospitality/service industry, soon to complete my 33rd year, and am responsible for over 130 employees with very diverse backgrounds. I am a roll up the sleeves and do what it takes kind of person. I develop over 12 million in budgets annually, directly handle all payroll, write policy, and am the principal of my own food and beverage department, but do all of this while working arm in arm every week with my subordinates; I even wash dishes while in suit and tie whenever necessary. I show respect to gain respect and I don’t believe in the word “can’t,” one of the worst in the English language. I believe that when a group becomes a united front and when they actually listen to people instead of just hearing them, while maintaining an open mind to find resolve for issues and concerns, it makes for better progress.
What do you think are the most important issues in the district?
Students need to have a clear understanding of the expectations and be held accountable. Parents need to be forced into active involvement even if by constant scheduled communication. Educators need to feel acknowledged and supported. All need to be invested into the process and I hear over and over so many people say “It can’t be done,” (going) back to that nasty little word … can’t. Well I am not accepting that. I have a passion, a fire in my belly, and a dire need to make for better opportunities for my kids. I will fight for all involved at all times and not give up. It is that important to me.
Submitted photo
Why do you want to be on the school board?
Honestly, I am running for the Lake Forest School District School Board because I just am not ready to stop encouraging students and inspiring others to do more, be greater, and never give up. I grew up within the Lake Forest School District and found a lot of my truest passions and friendships within the walls of Lake Forest, and it is my desire to give way to the Lake Forest School District in any way possible. My love for the district and communities, my educational background, the work experience in and outside the district, and my genuine desire to ensure that Lake Forest School District continues to provide an equal and quality education is why I am running for the school board.
Although I have been away from the district in higher education at Wilmington University for the last 11 years, it has afforded me the opportunity to participate in many school districts in Delaware in K-12 schools to gain insight to compare and contrast their programs with the offerings at Lake Forest.
I believe it is important to serve on the board with pride in the district, energy to make a difference and without hidden agendas, and to look forward to future district expansions.
What experience do you have that you think would help you on the board?
In my years as a teacher and administrator, one of the greatest pieces of advice I was able to give my students was that there was no wrong way to get an education and pursue your dreams. I received my associate degree at Delaware Technical and Community College in my 20s, a bachelor’s degree in business education in my 30s, a master’s of education in school leadership from Wilmington University in my 40s and my educational doctorate in innovation and leadership from Wilmington University in my 50s.
I attended Lake Forest High School and graduated in 1972. My elementary and middle school education was at the Felton K-12 School prior to the consolidation that produced Lake Forest School District.
I will always be grateful for the opportunities and experience of my Spartan years as a student, parent, teacher, grandparent, and administrator. I would love the opportunity to again participate in the district’s mission and purpose to ensure the best possible educational experience for the district students and families. My roots run deep in the Lake Forest School District. Lake Forest Central Elementary is built on my grandfather’s land and my mom spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony. We dedicated a photo of the “homestead” to the district so future generations could appreciate the history of the land. After my late husband’s death, there was a scholarship at Lake Forest High School to help students further their education and to honor his memory. These are only a small portion of what I hope to give back to Lake Forest during my lifetime.
What do you think are the most important issues in the district?
One priority is the current teacher shortage. Multiple positions in the Lake Forest School District and almost every other school district in the state are currently not filled with certified teachers. Since the COVID pandemic, a huge amount of teachers have chosen not to return to the classroom by retiring or seeking employment in other fields. There are less teacher preparation candidates at the college level. My work with teacher preparation for the last 11 years helps me to understand the need to begin growing teachers early in their education. The district needs to be in a position to attract these applicants by having a competitive salary and benefits to attract the best candidates. We have historically been a district that hired and trained new teachers only to lose them to a higher paying district.
A second priority is to attract minority staff, teachers and administrators in the district. The school student population is close to 3,800 students (DOE statistics not provided for 2022). The state report card indicates that the percentage of non-white students is close to 38 percent. The percentage of staff, teachers and administrators should better reflect the population of the students. Concerted efforts should be made to hire minorities; however, it is imperative to hire highly qualified teachers who can connect with our students. Students need to be in buildings where some of the adults look like them.
A third priority would be to ensure that all of our staff and students have connectivity that will access online education when it is needed. Too many in the district do not have a strong enough connection to support programs such as Zoom. All staff and students should have equal access.
Jake Martinez
Did not respond.