Vote Susan Donahue

     I’ve always loved school and learning. It’s unapologetically who I am– an educator–and now that I’ve retired, I feel compelled to continue promoting public education. With changes coming with state and federal policies, our school district will need creative problem solvers who will dig in and find ways to continue quality education for our students. That is what educators do.

     As a teacher for 37 years (32 in Longview), I learned a lot about how public schools work; as a school board director, I would work hard to help our district adapt to changes, fix what needs fixing, support our school staff, and bring all stakeholders to the table to champion our students and give them the knowledge and skills to be successful whatever their path may be.

     So many people are important in the process of educating the children of our community, but parents are their children's first teachers and it is my hope that they will continue to be involved in their children's education and in their children's schools. Schools are truly better places when parents are heard and valued. In my years of teaching, thoughtful conversations with parents about their children, curriculum, policies, etc. were always so eye-opening and so helpful. Parents should always feel comfortable asking questions, providing information and insight, and connecting with our schools.

     Fostering positive communication with not only parents, but also  teachers, support staff, administrators--everyone involved in the process--is a goal that I take seriously. I am a great listener and communicator and these skills are crucial for an effective school board. 

     In my teaching career, I taught a variety of high school subjects: Theater, English, PE, and CTE. The approach may be different, but what doesn’t change is that in addition to learning, students connect to a community. When students feel the community, they invest in their learning, do hard things, and their achievement climbs! 

     I will work hard for our students. Please vote for Susan Donahue for Longview School Board Director.