Marnie Wells, Salem School Board Candidate

Marnie Wells

Age (as of Election Day)

69

Position sought (including ward or district number if applicable)

Salem School Board

Party Affiliation

Bipartisan position/Republican

Family

I’ve lived in Salem for 50 years. My 12 children all attended salem high school. I have 36 grandchildren 16 who live in town.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Associates Degree

Occupation

I have been a wife, mother, grandmother as well as being active in Church and community affairs. I counsel a wide range of people concerning parenting, marriage and life situations.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I’m not currently in office and have not run before

Campaign website

None

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have time and I’m concerned about the conditions of our town’s families and students. I believe we’ve gone off course and am concerned that the current board is not open to other people’s opinions or ideas.
Our society is filled with anxiety and fear and our schools need to be a safe and stable place for academics to be taught. I want what is BEST for our students educationally using what has been tried by research. Schools are to teach reading, writing etc and we must be aware that our responsibility is to equip our students to be the next generation.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I believe it’s the family. Our building and fields can be state of the art but if our young people are struggling with lack of proficiencies in academics along with anxiety and depression we need to look at it.
I would like to be a liaison between the family unit, teachers and Board, listening and reporting back for change

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Again I want to be a liaison between teachers, students, parents and the Board.
People NEED to be listened to AND HEARD.
People are more important than school buildings and fields. While we are extremely fortunate to have access to these, if our children are not learning we have wasted our time and the tax payers money.
It’s time to “tighten ship”

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

They have become fully inclusive. Each member has been on the board 10-35 years and make it know they like it “ just the way they have it”. It’s time for CHANGE.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Parents are the ultimate authority over their children.
Schools are to teach ACADEMICS ie: reading, writing, math, history and the sciences. I support academic teaching based on students needs and proven research

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Raising 12 socially and mentally responsible children who are entrepreneurs, business owners and assets to our community . I am known by many people and I am the same person at home as I would be on the job!

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Keep focused on Who and what are important and STAY THE COURSE.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I’m a listener and welcome friendly dialogue