Former school board member Mary Ann Schultz has decided to run again for the Oswego Board of Education because the district’s students are her top priority.

Schultz is vying for one of the three seats that are available in Tuesday’s election. She said she cares about the district’s schools and the community, noting she has been an active volunteer for 26 years. Schultz identified herself as an accountant. She has served on the district’s audit committee since its inception in January 2006.

“I believe that my passion for our district along with my financial experience and prior school-board experience will be an asset to the school board at this time,” she said. 
Schultz served on the board from 1998-2001 and was board president from 2000-2001.

One of Schultz’s goals is to end the negativity that she believes has run rampant among the current board members.  She believes that the Oswego City School District is an excellent district and wants elementary students to have the same opportunities her five children have had.

 “By highlighting our outstanding programs and dedicated staff, we should be able to attract new residents and more businesses to our community,” Schultz said. “We need to maintain our rich elective offerings at the high school to ensure that our students will remain competitive in the work force and college entrance.”

 The first issue Schultz would like to address if elected is the improvement of communications between the district and “all stakeholder groups.” She noted that she regularly speaks with students, parents, faculty and staff. “It is important for all board members to listen to the concerns raised by their constituents,” Schultz said.

 As for reconfiguration, Schultz said she has mixed feelings about what the configuration of the school district should be. She did note that she does not believe a two-year middle school best addresses the needs of the students.

 “Declining enrollment is a fact statewide, not just in our community,” Schultz said, noting that Oswego students deserve a safe environment to learn in. “However, if declining enrollment allows us the opportunity to absorb the district offices into our current buildings, then closing the education center and potentially another building would be fiscally responsible.”

 Schultz stated that unless the district’s demographics change dramatically, it would be irresponsible not to investigate various options to give students the best education possible.

 Even though Schultz did not name two specific candidates she would choose to run with, she did say, “Any candidate who puts our students first would be a candidate I’d like to work with.”

“We need to take pride in our students and their accomplishments,” Schultz said. “Working together is the only way we can build a strong community. We need to bring respect back to the students, district and board.”