Diane Finnestead, Candidate For Parkway School Board

Biographical Information

• Name, Age, Address: Diane Finnestead, 43, 805 Sherwick Terrace, Manchester, MO 63021
• Occupation: Educator, Administrator, Adjunct Professor
• Education: Parkway (Hanna Woods, South Middle and South High) graduate; BM- Bachelor of Music, Music Education and Voice Performance, University of North Texas; MAT- Masters in the Art of Teaching, Special Education, Webster University; Ed. S. – Education Specialist, School Leadership, Webster University; Post-graduate Summer Fellow- Northwestern University Bienen School of Music
• Family: Sister- Parkway Art Teacher, Niece- Fifth grader at Oakbrook, Brother, Sister and myself- Parkway South graduates
• Years lived in the Parkway School District: Age 3-18 and the past 6 years this July, 2013

Brief Background

With a career in business and a career in education, Diane is able to see and understand the viewpoint of the stakeholders in education today. Her community involvement has been influenced mostly from her love and dedication to the Arts, outdoor education, character education and special education. As an Administrator, Diane has been able to increase the participation of businesses and not-for-profit organizations in the educational process either to provide needed resources or expand volunteer opportunities. These numerous ongoing community partnerships model a spirit of doing the right thing and paying it forward.

Reasons for Running

Diane’s professional background in business and education partnered with her first hand K-12 Parkway experience as a student, has made her realize that as we move forward as a district, we must focus on increasing transparency when decision making, cultivate resources to expand revenue streams and provide students with an education that competes in a global market.

Questions:

• What qualifies you to be a Parkway School Board member?

You know that St. Louis question, “Where did you go to High School?” Well, I get that one a lot and always proudly answer, “Parkway South.” Then, it’s followed by a pause, an approving nod and the proclamation, “Wow, that’s a GOOD school and district.” 

Because I am a former student who was inspired by outstanding educators in this district to become an educator where the same story holds true for my sister and my brother, I know the passion, drive and talent within the teaching staff and administration that existed then and exists now. I realize the high compliment of being recognized as a “GOOD” school reflects on combined efforts and collective talent of the district and community. As a board member, I will be able to use my knowledge and skills in the field of education and business to carry on the tradition of academic excellence for Parkway graduates so when they’re asked the famous St. Louis question, they will receive the same nod of approval and recognition towards the quality of their own education.

• Do you feel Parkway Schools are as reasonably safe as they can be in the wake of the Newtown school shooting? What is the most important thing you would like to see the district do differently with respect to school security moving forward?

As with all schools in America, what happened in Newtown has influenced the state of safety for every school within every school district across the country. Parkway is no exception. Currently, the NEA has proposed a comprehensive plan that involves professional development for teachers and increasing mental health services and awareness.  Prior to this proposal, Parkway began promoting the methodology of character education. Due to this district-wide initiative, the improved well-being of every student becomes the outcome where a safer school culture has been created. The Parkway district can continue to support the efforts of NEA, continue to increase safety awareness, expand the character education program to empower students and teachers and do everything else in their power to make sure our students are safe at all times.

• Identify the most significant area where you disagreed with the majority decision made by the Board of Education over the past two years and tell us why?

In recent propositions, funding appeared to be allotted for certain items yet allocated for other items. Since this time, Parkway has valued the practice of Town Hall meetings and community representation on Project Parkway; a district-wide educational plan involving shared decisions for implementation. These practices support the need to continue expanding transparency with all decision making to promote positive involvement and ongoing communication.

• Is there a program or area of the school district budget that should be more closely scrutinized when it comes to evaluating possible budget cuts in future years?

Parkway has a long history of attracting and employing the best and brightest teachers. I would continue to encourage teachers involvement and leadership when it comes to difficult topics when making decisions about budget cuts and attrition. Difficult situations need creative minds to offer solutions and expand the scope of mutually agreeable options.

• Do you support the merger of continuing education classes and programs with the Rockwood School district?

Yes, this sounds good in theory. It makes sense to partner with Rockwood to increase funding, share marketing costs and facilities as well as add a wider array of classes that maximize attendance and participation. However, proposing a plan where the finances are equitable, accountable, and agreeable amongst both districts might take some time for a merger like this to be implemented seamlessly.

• What do you desire to change in Parkway?

It is my strongest desire that students will continue to grow as learners and lead Missouri towards the national recognition as a “Top Ten” state in Common Core by 2020. To achieve this goal, I am confident Parkway’s respected curriculum will emphasize gaining 21st century skills and provide students the preparation needed to compete and succeed in a global market. Parkway will continue their growth in the areas of professional learning communities where student data, collective knowledge and discussion provide an expedient response to the needs of schools and students. Ongoing professional development for teachers and staff in the areas of assessment, student engagement, technology, deductive reasoning, interdisciplinary learning, and the development of higher level thinking skills extending from Early Childhood education through graduation will also be essential instructional building blocks distinguishing Parkway students well into the future.

With recent Federal budget cuts in education of 3 Bill, the world of education is changing; Common core will be here 2014-2015. The core beliefs of Parkway don’t need to change yet Parkway’s pressing need to shift matches America’s need to prepare our students for the Common Core and for a future that is unknown. With her experience in education and Common Core expertise, Diane is passionate in assisting Parkway in making thoughtful, collaborative decisions that will allow both teachers and students to lead the way towards continued success well beyond the goal of 2020.