Kristin M. Geis, candidate for Mascoutah 19 School Board
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Name: Kristin M. Geis
Political party (if applicable): Independent
Age as of April 6, 2021: 46
Campaign website or social media page: facebook.com/kgeismascoutahboe
Office seeking: School Board Member Mascoutah CUSD 19
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Previous offices sought: School Board Member
Occupation: Occupational Therapist, School Based
Education: Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: Since moving to the area with my family in February 2008, I have been heavily involved in the Mascoutah School District. Involvement includes the following: voting in local and national elections, volunteering at the school, member and officer of the MES PTO, volunteering with local youth sports organizations (i.e. Mascoutah Little Indians, Team Mascoutah, etc.), AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association), St. Clare Catholic Church PSR volunteer, Mascoutah Athletic Boosters, and Mascoutah Band Boosters. During my tenure as a Mascoutah BOE member, I have participated in multiple committees as well as the BASSC Governing Board Representative.
Why are you running? During my BOE member tenure, I have strived to establish a good rapport with members of our district and have learned how to lead and promote growth; encouraging respect and integrity district-wide. With educators as parents and my experience working in the school setting as an Occupational Therapist for 22 years, I became involved in MSD19 when our family moved to the area over 13 years ago. Having three children in MSD19, one recently graduated, I have a vested interest in our schools and future of MSD19. Over the past 13 years, I chaired multiple positions in the MES PTO and I served on the PTO board for three years: vice president one year and president two years. Through my experiences as a school-based Occupational Therapist, I have utilized my knowledge in a BOE role within committees related to professional development and goal development. Over the past 13 years, I have been an active volunteer in our schools, attended BOE meetings, etc. I have inquired with administration/BOE regarding class size, technology, related services costs, curriculum and more. Before running for School Board in 2017, I felt that my voice was heard to push for change; and change is what happened. That is when I decided to do more as a parent, a resident/taxpayer, and as a partner with our teachers and administration. I decided that I wanted to run for School Board in the 2017 consolidated elections. My desire and drive to continue to serve our district and community has only become stronger over the past four years. I am thankful for the continued support from my community and I hope to continue my position as a MSD19 BOE member.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? In these changing times, there are many items, positive and negative, that are contributing to the success of our students. Our districts mission is engaging every student, every day, in quality learning opportunities. In this day and age, that looks different for all students and I feel that Student success and Teacher support are one of the main issues we are currently focused on. Student achievement, Curriculum, Social-Emotional Support, and Culture have been areas of concentration, along with the addition of students that have needed additional support during the current changes in learning environments (i.e. remote learning, hybrid learning, in-person learning with a shortened day, etc.) due to current events. I have actively been on the Policy Committee, Goal Committee, BASSC Governing Board Rep., PD Task Force Committee, and Personnel Task Force Committee. I would continue my involvement with these and additional committees, including conversations with administrators, teachers, staff, and parents for the good of our student’s success. I will continue to encourage the continued growth in the collaboration and comradery of our teachers, staff and administration as they work together for improvement and growth for our students. I will continue to inquire with Special education and Social Work/Supports as these areas are within my area of expertise and near and dear to my heart that ALL students succeed.
Another top issue has been continued growth in our district population and how we will continue to address the need for additional classrooms, school buildings age, etc. We continue to address these within the five-year capital project plans, within building committee, and shared with the board. The district has been cognizant of the community, taxes and district needs each budget year; continuing my duties as a steward of our community for our district.
Why should people vote for you? I feel that over the last four years, I have proven to be a strong candidate; willing to ask the needed yet sometimes uncomfortable questions and to help our district move forward and grow as changes occur at the county, state and federal levels. My continued vision is to be a voice for my own children, their peers, my friends, neighbors and fellow parents, our teachers and fellow peers, and for the most beneficial and practical use of our funding, budget and staff within our school buildings as well as use and equality between our schools. I will continue to encourage positive culture, integrity and growth throughout our district. I strive for the opportunity to continue my contributions to our district and utilize my knowledge and passion for our students, teachers, administration, staff and schools. Thank you in advance for your support and I hope to get your vote on April 6.
This story was originally published February 24, 2021 at 4:24 PM.