Meet School Board Member Regina Neville, a Theater Executive Running for Re-election

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 Regina Neville, a current board member with experience serving as a managing director for theater companies.

Name: Regina Neville

Occupation: Education 

Which neighborhood do you live in? Viking Hills (aka Bredesen)

Website, Facebook page or other contact information: www.ReginaNeville.com

What unique perspective, experience or expertise would you bring to the school board? It's been an honor to serve on the Edina School Board for the past four years. This experience offers continuity in board leadership and committee insight. With a professional background in nonprofit management and teaching I've had the opportunity to work with organizations from more than one perspective. This experience has confirmed that partnerships and community support are essential to the future of education. 

What are the top challenges facing the Edina School Board? The Edina School Board needs to ensure that the achievement gap is closed, guide the flexibility of the district to adjust instruction for all learners, and maintain fiscal health. Our district needs to address the needs of all learners, which includes closing the achievement gap, meeting the needs of middle learners and engaging gifted students. Navigating the implementation of the secondary study and the research of the E-5 study offers an opportunity to adjust education to meet the needs of students in a 21st century world. Setting sound fiscal policy and a stable fund balance maintains the budget to accomplish our goals and to use our resources wisely. 

What role does a school board member play in helping raise academic achievement for all students and close the achievement gap? School board members are responsible for developing a vision for the district and for governing through policy. We have the opportunity to look out for the best interests of all students by partnering with families, educators and the community to establish sound goals. As a board we can approve funding for staffing needs to provide education specialists. The board can also guide the vision of education studies to lead the district as it adjusts to meet the needs of all learners.