The News-Herald

Election Questionnaire
Name: Connie Newyear Age: 66 Date of birth: 7/25/47

Date questionnaire completed: 9/09/2013 Office sought: W-E Board of Education Political party: N/A

Place of birth: Lancaster, PA

Home address: 38367 N. Beachview Rd., Willoughby, OH 44094 Length of residence in that community: 39 yrs. Campaign Web site: N/A Occupation: Retired Employer: N/A

Business address: ____________________________________ Elected office experience: 4 yrs. Member Willoughby-Eastlake Board of Education Non-elected office experience (boards, etc.): N/A Education (list degrees if applicable): BA Elementary Education Heidelberg University M.ED. School Psychology John Carroll University

Reading Endorsement (K-12) State Dept of Education Marital status: Single Name of spouse: Name and age of any children: Ellen Newyear Lash 38, Carl Newyear 33 Organizations: Delta Kappa Gamma (promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education), Lake County Retired Teachers Association, Ohio Retired Teachers Association SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED, WHAT ARE THREE SPECIFIC AREAS YOUD LIKE TO CHANGE, ADDRESS, IMPROVE OR FURTHER RESEARCH, AND HOW SPECIFICALLY WOULD YOU GO ABOUT IT? Since 2011 the district has reduced the annual budget by 12 million dollars in areas that will not directly impact our students. I will continue to work diligently with administration to maintain and improve fiscal responsibility without compromising student achievement. Second, there is a need to continue to develop more programs in which students are career- ready upon graduation. The newly formed committee of local business leaders will be an asset as far as providing direction as well as additional opportunities to prepare our students to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Third, based on my experience as a school psychologist, I fully understand the importance of developing further policies and district programs to deal with bullying and suicides. I will continue to work with administration to ensure there is a plan in place to address both these important issues throughout the district.

WHETHER FOR PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS OR FUTURE GOALS, WHY SHOULD VOTERS ELECT YOU? When I ran for office 4 years ago, I listed three major goals. They were as follow: Objectives: 1. Explore additional methods of acquiring funds that will directly benefit students including the organization of the district grant writing process. 2. Strive to make facility improvement a priority. 3. Expand communication between the schools and the public in order to foster a positive, constructive relationship. Over the past 4 years, we have applied for and received many more grants than in the past, most recently a grant from the state to automate the lunch system. The district is currently in the process of hiring a grant writer. Improvements have been made in almost every school building funded in part by energy saving techniques throughout the district. Numerous town hall meetings have been held to answer questions, respond to concerns, and update the community on events throughout the district. The website has been improved in order to keep residents informed and updated regarding the most current information. In addition, there are two citizens committees, one to examine facilities and make recommendations for the future and another comprised of local business leaders to contribute to the betterment of the schools. After numerous conversations with residents four years ago, I felt it important for the district to develop a policy to no longer allow an employee to retire and be rehired for the same position. This was accomplished within the last year.

Additional comments: I have spent 25 years involved with the W-E School District both as an educator and as a parent. I am passionate about maintaining my involvement through service which I hope will contribute to the districts continued success. In my unique role as a school psychologist, it was important that I always advocated for the needs of the child while also balancing the desires of parents, teachers and administrators.

That experience taught me the importance of maintaining my viewpoint while considering all perspectives to arrive at the best decision through compromise and communication. It is through many years of working in this capacity that I have developed a thorough understanding of the educational process as well as strong listening skills, integrity, and self-confidence. The strength of the Willoughby-Eastlake schools is what makes these communities such wonderful places to live and I would be proud and excited to be a part of their future. NOTE TO CANDIDATES: Please be aware that this will be used for publication, be complete and thorough.