Lisa Greenig runs as write-in candidate for Fairfield school board

Lisa Greenig is mounting a write-in campaign for the Fairfield Community School District Board of Directors.

Greenig is seeking to finish the term of Kelly Scott, who stepped down from the board in July and whose seat was temporarily filled by Frank Broz. If elected, Greenig would serve on the board for two years before the seat came up for election again. Because she is running a write-in campaign, her name will not appear on the ballot. The only candidate whose name will appear on the ballot for this seat is Deborah Williamson. The other seven candidates for Fairfield school board are seeking one of the four, four-year terms.

The Union sent a candidate questionnaire to Greenig, and here are her responses:

1. Why are you running for the Fairfield school board?

I am running for the school board because I care about this district, its students, and staff. As a retired teacher, I feel it is important to bring a teacher's perspective to some of the major decisions that will have to be made in the near future.

There is major work to be done to create a budget that looks for ways to cut costs without cutting student services.

2. What qualifications do you have that would make you a good school board member?

I have many qualifications that would make me a great board member. My past work experiences in accounting have prepared me for understanding the budget process.

While full-time teaching I represented teachers by serving as president or co-president of the association for more than eight years. During that time I attended most monthly board meetings, participating when necessary. I have served as a teacher representative on the insurance committee, handbook committee, mentor team, and Labor Management Committee (LMC). I have been part of the negotiations committee for many years. These experiences have given me a great amount of institutional knowledge.

I'm not afraid to ask difficult questions. I don't have all the answers to the issues facing FCSD, but I will listen to concerns and work with others to find the best possible outcomes.

3. In 2021, Fairfield voters rejected a $34 million bond vote to build a new middle school and make other improvements to the district. Do you think the district should attempt another bond vote for a new middle school? If so, what should the district do differently this time around to ensure the ballot measure passes?

I wish the bond would have passed in 2021. However, informational meetings weren't promoted very far in advance of the vote, and they were poorly attended.

I don't think the new board should rush into another bond vote. I think the board should look at the options presented and get more input from the community. I'm not convinced the past survey reflects what the community wants or needs.

We don't want to be short-sighted in our planning. Our enrollment may be down now, but it has the potential to grow.

I would love to see better facilities for our students. Schools around us have passed bonds. There is a sense of pride for the entire community when the facilities are top-notch.

When the time is right to consider another bond, there must be an emphasis on over-communicating the plan, and the needs that will be met for students, to the general public. No one wants taxes to increase, but we must be proactive for future generations.

4. An online survey of 669 Fairfield residents conducted by FEH Design earlier this year indicated that 70 percent of respondents wanted the district to downsize from four school buildings as a way to save money. Do you think the district should reduce its number of buildings, and if so, what do you want to see as the new configuration?

Many districts are combining facilities and redesigning what their campus looks like. All grades in one central area could help cut transportation costs. It could also help with parent pick-up schedules. I would be in favor of doing something similar. If there were fewer buildings, operating costs should go down. Newer buildings should require less energy costs and repairs.

5. Fairfield's enrollment has declined by about 200 students in the last 14 years. Last school year, 114 students open enrolled into the district, while 197 open enrolled out, for a net loss of 83 students. What, if anything, can the school board do to reverse the decline in enrollment, and encourage more families to enroll their children in the Fairfield school district?

Enrollment decline has been a concern that seems to have gotten progressively worse recently. It is critical that FCSD personally reach out to families who have left the district. Perhaps recent changes will encourage some to return? We must promote our community and schools in a positive light. We must share our success stories to attract new students. There is encouragement that new affordable housing may bring more employees and businesses to the area, which in turn, may bring more students.

6. What can the school board do to attract and retain quality teachers? And do you believe the district is doing a good job at retaining teachers, or does it need to improve on this front?

Attracting and retaining employees is a concern throughout the United States.

Perhaps part of attracting new staff to the district could include sharing some creative testimonials? Perhaps FCSD should send some of their high quality staff to job fairs? Excitement is contagious! We should take every possible opportunity to capitalize on it.

School employees are professionals and should be treated as such. Employees who feel supported and valued will continue to go above and beyond for their employers and students. The local school board must listen to staff's concerns. Board members need to be visible in the buildings and see first-hand what is happening during a typical day. Student discipline and safety issues must be addressed.

The current mentor program works with new teachers who are just beginning their careers. I would like to see FCSD expand the mentor program to include any employee new to Fairfield. I don't believe Fairfield has done a good job retaining highly qualified staff. Years ago, Fairfield was a destination district. Young teachers began their careers here and retired here. Recently FCSD has developed a trend of attracting teachers who stay for a couple of years and then they leave for bigger towns, more amenities, and higher salaries.

There are some big decisions to be made in the near future for the Fairfield Community School District. I am running as a write-in candidate to fill the two year vacancy on the board. I believe my background and experiences make me the best candidate to fill this position. Thank you for allowing me to respond to your survey questions.

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