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Kiefer: Student achievement is about rigor, innovation, not just tests

Kristen Michelle Kiefer has spent a year and a half on the Manassas City School Board. 
 
The Board appointed her in February 2015 after Ilka Chavez stepped down. She is runing to keep her seat on the Board, and city voters will head to the polls on November 8.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Keifer and call candidates seeking a seat on the Manassas City School Board. Her responses are below: 

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PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?

Kiefer: Envisioning and shaping the future for student achievement, ensuring safe, nurturing learning environments and workplace, and communicating with key stakeholders.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Kiefer: Envision & Shape the Future for Student Achievement
• Make every school a strong center of learning for students to reach their full potential
• Fight to make sure achievement is about rigor, innovation & hands-on experiences, not just tests
• Equip students with real world skills and critical thinking needed to thrive ensure safe, nurturing learning

Environment & Workplace
• Continue positive changes in class structure to provide more supervision during class transitions

• Promote Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) to 'course correct' early on
• Ensure re-entry plans are constructive for the student but also demands accountability on their part
 
Communicate with Key Stakeholders
• Connect with parents, teachers & community members through open, courageous conversations
• Increase awareness of the multiple mechanisms to stay informed and become involved in the division
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Kiefer
: "At the center of the universe is a loving heart that continues to beat and that wants the best for every person. Anything we can do to help foster the intellect and spirit and emotional growth of our fellow human beings…that is our job. Those of us who have this particular vision must continue against all odds. Life is for service." - Fred Rogers

For me, this quotation resonates as I think about the attributes I feel a School Board member needs to possess: selflessness in thinking about all students, passion for the mission of the improvement of our children holistically, and commitment to be in the service of others. For me, the job description is NOT a politician (even though it's an elected office). Instead, I view it as being a public servant committed to the mission of preparing our children for their futures through good governance, sound stewardship of resources and strong, cascading leadership at all levels of the division.

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