Repost: BSD Board Election Candidate: Dr. Aletha Ramsuer’s Reply to my questions

In an effort to give the BSD candidates more exposure for the answers I am reposting both

Here is Dr. Ramsuer reply in full:

Also, Here is her website:  http://aletharamseur.org/

Name: Dr. Aletha Ramseur
District: Brandywine
Date of birth: 03/18/1944
Residency (development and town): Talley Hill, Wilmington, DE
Education: PhD Education – Curriculum and Development University of Delaware
Occupation: Retired Teacher, Current: Parent/Student Advocate and Teacher Volunteer
Political experience: Appointed Brandywine School Board 2007
Family (married, single, children, etc.): Married, two children, three grandchildren

1. Why are you running for school board, and what are the top three things you’d like to accomplish during your term?
I am an educator with a critical understanding of the relationship between theory and practice, essential for evaluating candidates for Superintendent. I understand children’s desire to learn and teaching methods necessary to meet their individual needs evident in my work with parents of children with disabilities, one-on-one DSTP tutoring, and parenting gifted children. A Wilmington native and retired teacher with 30 years experience, I am uniquely qualified to ensure a teacher’s perspective is always considered.
Facilitate effective parental involvement by relating its significance, understanding home-life challenges that influence individual families and encouraging parents and school support staff to identify creative methods of participation.
Decrease the number of reported disciplinary incidents by requiring the existing social skills workshop which includes problem solving and verbal and non-verbal expression is required for all children.
Improve and standardize kindergarten readiness by further expanding the District’s pre-school program, marketing it more widely and encouraging enrollment.

2. What are your views on school vouchers? Do you feel that we should have a voucher program in BSD?
I am a believer in parental choice for schools but believe choices are available through Charter Schools, Magnet Schools (Cab Calloway, Math/Science Schools) and Specialized district programs (Gifted programs, International Baccalaureate Programs). I therefore do not think a vouchers program is warranted.

3. Realizing that this is not in BSD I would still like your perspective on this issue: Due you feel that the Charter School of Wilmington should pay rent? Why, or why not.
Charter Schools are funded by the state. Theoretically Wilmington Charter is a school within a school, housed in a district building thus rent is probably a non issue. On the other hand other charter schools must secure and pay for their facility therefore I believe Wilmington Charter should pay rent also.

4. What is your view on full financial transparency in BSD?
I believe full financial transparency is good because our tax dollars supports our education system and we have a right to know how those tax dollars are being spent.

5. Which party do you belong to?
I do not see how this information is needed to support my candidacy.

6. Do you believe in Evolution?
As a scientist, I believe in Evolution.

7. Do you feel Creationism has a place in BSD?
I strongly believe in the separation of Church and State, therefore I do not think there is a place for Creationism in BSD. When teaching Science and questions came up, I always referred students to their parents or religious advisors.