Longtime business professional and former Pleasant Valley district substitute teacher, PTO president, and school volunteer Laura Jecker has declared her candidacy for Pleasant Valley School Board.

A resident since 2006, Jecker is a concerned taxpayer and parent of four, two of which attend the district.She is seeking a seat on the school board to bring new ideas and a fresh "get it done" attitude to the board.She is a consistent board meeting attendee and participant. She has serious concerns regarding treatment of staff, where money is being spent, and line item budget items.She is not afraid to ask the tough questions and dig for more information when needed. She feels the current curriculum and special education program offerings need to be reviewed and addressed to be sure all the students are getting the best quality education.Jecker wants to balance the needs of the teachers and students while keeping a sharp eye on the unnecessary expenditures that burden the taxpayers.She wants to end the "rubber stamping" currently an issue with many members. Jecker is not one of the "good old boys." She knows the public has had enough and it's time for a change.Jecker has a bachelor's degree in business marketing, business management, and a master's degree in elementary education. As a school board member, Jecker will bring a keen business sense, her more than 25 years of marketing, management and public relations experience, plus her six years of teaching experience.Jecker knows that an effective school board member should contribute their individual talents while collaborating and working as a team with other board members.Jecker looks to encourage other board members to address issues head-on and get them resolved in a timely manner. Jecker believes many issues are ignored or put on hold. The people have had enough and feels it's time for a change. She promotes an open forum for community, staff, students and administration to communicate comfortably. Jecker wants all to feel comfortable attending and addressing the board members and not fear retaliation for speaking up.The primary is May 16.