Pam Turos for Euclid Schools
Thank you to The Euclid Observer, where this Q&A was originally published in a series featuring all candidates for the upcoming, November 2, local elections. The answers below are my own, unedited responses to The Euclid Observer candidate questionnaire.
What issues do you believe Euclid Schools needs to address in its academic program and offerings? What changes would you recommend?
Euclid Schools already have strong academic programs and offerings, with many highly qualified teachers, an amazing Early Learning Village and unique career programs. What our schools and students need is a deeper connection to the community and forward-thinking, innovative Board of Education policies developed with the demographics of our community in mind. I am an advocate for cultural competency standards in our policy making, for budgets and curriculum that support mental and emotional needs of our students, and setting high expectations for students and staff collectively. I will advocate for increased communication and transparency so Euclid residents know how their tax dollars are being spent in our schools.
What should Euclid Schools do to better prepare students as citizens?
Good citizens know that they are a part of something larger than themselves. They have a sense of pride in their community and they feel seen, respected and valued. In order for Euclid students to feel that sense of belonging and connection, we need stronger ties between our community and our schools. It is very hard, as a parent, to hear residents talk down about our schools and students. On the school board, it will be my goal to make sure the community knows more about all of the amazing things going on in our schools and that we have honest conversations about our challenges.
How does a school board balance the need to provide a quality education with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden?
I have been involved in statewide efforts to change Ohio’s school funding model. Few people understand that our state’s complex property-tax based funding model and vouchers cause financial harm to public schools, without holding private and charter schools to the same standards. I am an advocate for school choice — my children have attended both public and private schools — but not at the expense of our public schools. Recent state level changes (Fair School Funding Plan, passed July 2021) should put us in an improved position, at least for the next two years, and hopefully improving for up to 6 years. It is my hope these state-level changes will alleviate the need for additional local taxes.
What changes should be made on the state and local level regarding public education? In addition to our flawed funding model (see the question above) Ohio’s standardized testing and school rating systems cause disproportionate negative impact for communities like Euclid. Also, we need stronger investment in early childhood education, statewide. The time period between 2-6 years is so critical, and it should be a fun explosion of learning for every single child.
What is your vision for education in this community? I envision a day when our schools are a source of pride for the community. I want every Euclid family to consider Euclid Schools a quality option for their children’s education. Thriving communities have a sense of interconnection and embrace their differences— and I think it’s time for Euclid to be a community of choice for families seeking a diverse, affordable community to call home.
What is your favorite book? What is your favorite movie? The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Black Stallion (1979)