Meet School Board Candidate Gayle Castro, a 'Household CEO'

In just a few short months, Edina voters will be able to weigh in on four open seats on the school board.

The election will be held Nov. 5. All school board seats are at-large, meaning the entire school district will be able to vote for each seat.

Nine people—seven newcomers and two current board members—are vying for the seats.

Early each week, Patch is running a profile of one of the candidates. 

Today, meet Gayle Castro, a mother of two with a background in sales and business strategy.

Occupation: Household CEO

Which neighborhood do you live in? Highlands Neighborhood

Website, Facebook page or other contact information: www.gaylecastro.blogspot.com, gzcastro@yahoo.com

What unique perspective, experience or expertise would you bring to the school board?

As the mother of two elementary aged children I am deeply vested in the continued success of the Edina Public School system. My background in sales and business strategy allows me the ability to be effective in long term planning and goal setting while working to ensure that current goals are being achieved.

What are the top challenges facing the Edina School Board?

1. Ensuring that the curriculum, specifically technology based learning, stays on pace with global demands in the workplace while balancing that (the use of technology) to ensure that our students do not become too technology dependent (can still effectively communicate in more traditional ways).

2. Student / staff safety. Be it building safety, school bus safety, or student data (gathering / distribution).  This is a hot topic and to balance the increased need of more safety vs. the wants of parents is an evolving challenge. 

What role does a school board member play in helping raise academic achievement for all students and close the achievement gap? 

I believe that the role a school board member would play is to first acknowledge that there is an achievement gap.  This knowledge then allows the member to better listen to input of those with direct knowledge of how best to close that.  With that information the board can put into place policy to drive to the desired outcome.  As to raising academic achievement for all students; the board will play a direct role by ensuring that Edina Public Schools continue to attract and keep top educators and staff.  Only with motivated and dedicated teachers whom are focused on results, can be assured of meeting the achievement goals.