Laura Alerding
Profession: Owner Creative Promotions at Work, LLC 2004 -
Contact
https://www.facebook.com/LauraAlerding-for-Noblesville-School-Board-113779687143457
AlerdingForSchoolBoard@gmail.com
Community Involvement:
Assigned Precinct Committeeman Hamilton County 2016-2020, Elected Precinct Committeeman 2020.
Co-Chair Noblesville GOP Club 2018- Present,
Hamilton County Republican Women’s Club, elected Treasurer (term) 2020-2022.
Volunteer Nickel Plate Arts, Riverview Hospital Gala, Hamilton County GOP 4-H Fair volunteer 2018, 2019.
Years as a Noblesville Resident: 2/2016-Present Previously a resident on the Northside of Indianapolis with frequent visits to Noblesville for shopping, dining, and events. Grew up in Indianapolis attended IPS, K-12.
Let us get to know you and your strengths and experience:
What from your civic leadership, education, and professional experience has prepared you for this role?
Civic leadership has opened opportunities to meet and get to know Noblesville leaders and elected officials who are working to make Noblesville successful economically, a family community for all as well as a safe destination community. My professional experiences include working with Fortune 500 businesses as well as Sole Proprietors. Each client has a marketing goal, timeline, and a budget to work within and I present options that best fit their objectives. Educationally, the final classes in college that I took were on-line and I understand the advantages and disadvantages of this method of learning.
Why are you interested in serving on the School Board and what strengths will you bring?
I am interested in serving on the Noblesville School Board to help bridge communications between schools, parents, and the community at large. I believe with better communication, parents will be more aware of their children’s daily learning and the community can be more aware of the budget/costs to run a school district. Whether or not we currently have children in the schools, we are a community and school education affect the future of the city for all of us. A few years ago, I reduced my business hours to devote to community activity and will have a greater amount of time to focus on board duties.
What are the top 3 priorities you look to address as a school board member?
1. Quality. The School District is currently rated A and I will focus on continuing a high ranking. While we are not ranked in the top 10 in the state, it should be an objective. By achieving the highest rankings, Noblesville will be a destination city bringing the added benefit of potentially higher property values alongside the educational advantages to the students and benefitting workforce development and businesses. 2. Transparency. Parents and the community want to know how the budget is spent. Most of the budget goes toward teachers’ contracts, but there is room to watch over and analyze how the remainder is spent and to determine cost savings opportunities. The school is the largest employer in the city; therefore, the community has reason to need transparency. Also, transparency for parents to know more about what their children are learning. 3. Safety. Since May 2018 there have been 50 specific safety measures implemented in Noblesville Schools according to Superintendent Niedermeyer. This program is coordinated with the Noblesville Police Department. My objective is to have regular reviews of the program and ask for ideas on new measures that should be considered to constantly upgrade and improve the Safety and Security policies.
How will you represent all voices in our community?
All voices need to be heard. As written in the Declaration of Independence, “All Men are Created Equal”. Board members should attend PTO meetings to hear from parents and teachers. The board should be visible at school functions which brings another opportunity to hear from the public/parents. Perhaps the board could sit in on classes to know how state standards are being implemented. Develop a pathway of communication with teachers, parents and community that works for everyone.
Noblesville Schools has invested significantly in social, emotional, and mental health services. What is your view on the continued focus on the ‘whole child’?
I believe there is a need for mental health services/professional counselors in schools. Students in Noblesville schools have had much to contend with since May 2018 and lately with Covid-19. Having a professional mental health provider available to students is needed. All students should be treated equally and fairly, and bullying should be eliminated. When I was a youngster, we lived by the “Golden Rule” which in summary means don’t do to someone else, what you don’t want done to you. I would like to study the significant investment Noblesville Schools has put into Social Emotional Learning and do some further research to determine its value.
There has been recent debate on how our nation’s history is presented and taught in our schools. What is your view on teaching a more comprehensive and complete depiction of our nation’s history?
Our nation’s history should be taught in an un-biased and comprehensive approach. I recently spoke with a parent that simply wants the facts and not the potential bias. He said, “I want them (his children) to learn our nation’s history including the good, bad and ugly without bias”. I would want all students to pass a Civics class prior to high school graduation to learn about our founding fathers, the branches of government, Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and the Electoral College, etc.
How would you rate the Noblesville Schools response to COVID-19? What if anything, would you change?
Noblesville school’s response to COVID-19 has been very acceptable. Like all schools in Indiana, all schools closed in March followed by e-learning to finish out the school year. According to Dr. Niedermeyer, 90% of the parents wanted their children to return to the classroom this fall. She further shared that with-in a short timeframe the school created six different on-line and in-person hybrid instructional models. They developed a 32-page return to school plan in July. Elementary students attend every day while middle and high schools have a hybrid of on-line and in-class routine. They take every precaution with masks, class size, bus routines, etc. Well done! The only thing differently I would suggest is for the elementary students to wear face shields. Children at this age still learn by facial expressions and it is important for them to see their teacher’s and peer’s faces. So, I would have investigated possible shields that could work for young children. I also would look at data to see if it is possible for middle school students to be in the classroom 5 days a week. School safety has been a heightened focus for Noblesville.
Do you support the current plans and programs to ensure the safety of our students and faculty? What, if anything would you change?
Safety is included in my top 3 priorities as a School Board member. Dr. Niedermeyer shared with us that Noblesville schools implemented 50 specific safety measures since May 2018. This is in partnership with the Noblesville Police Department. Noblesville utilizes NIMS, National Incident Management System which coordinates communications in an incident. There are frequent meetings among police and Sherriff’s departments along with yearly training. While we do not know specific details of the safety plan, some of the recommendations that have been published include elimination of portable classrooms, added resource officers, enhanced facility structures, increased tools for lockdown, barricading products, surveillance equipment, parking lot access control, advanced technology for communications and counseling staff/mental health supports. I would meet regularly with safety professionals/officials to determine if new procedure should also be included in the safety program.
The State Legislature plays a significant role in education. What legislative support or relief would benefit Noblesville Schools?
What do you see as the School Board’s role in influencing legislation? The cost of preventing COVID-19 in schools is extensive and expensive. One of the ways that the State Legislature plays a role in education by passing legislation in the 2021 session to provide Noblesville Schools with $5.5 Million to cover these costs. I believe the School Board plays a role in influencing legislation that makes sense, that is good for students and that the state can budget for. As a Noblesville resident, what about the Noblesville Schools makes you the most proud? I am most proud about the energy and devotion to the Noblesville Schools. The Noblesville High School “Millers” set an example of student loyalty. It is this loyalty that is shown throughout Noblesville and it paints a picture that says, “We are Proud of our Schools and Students".
Profession: Owner Creative Promotions at Work, LLC 2004 -
Contact
https://www.facebook.com/LauraAlerding-for-Noblesville-School-Board-113779687143457
AlerdingForSchoolBoard@gmail.com
Community Involvement:
Assigned Precinct Committeeman Hamilton County 2016-2020, Elected Precinct Committeeman 2020.
Co-Chair Noblesville GOP Club 2018- Present,
Hamilton County Republican Women’s Club, elected Treasurer (term) 2020-2022.
Volunteer Nickel Plate Arts, Riverview Hospital Gala, Hamilton County GOP 4-H Fair volunteer 2018, 2019.
Years as a Noblesville Resident: 2/2016-Present Previously a resident on the Northside of Indianapolis with frequent visits to Noblesville for shopping, dining, and events. Grew up in Indianapolis attended IPS, K-12.
Let us get to know you and your strengths and experience:
What from your civic leadership, education, and professional experience has prepared you for this role?
Civic leadership has opened opportunities to meet and get to know Noblesville leaders and elected officials who are working to make Noblesville successful economically, a family community for all as well as a safe destination community. My professional experiences include working with Fortune 500 businesses as well as Sole Proprietors. Each client has a marketing goal, timeline, and a budget to work within and I present options that best fit their objectives. Educationally, the final classes in college that I took were on-line and I understand the advantages and disadvantages of this method of learning.
Why are you interested in serving on the School Board and what strengths will you bring?
I am interested in serving on the Noblesville School Board to help bridge communications between schools, parents, and the community at large. I believe with better communication, parents will be more aware of their children’s daily learning and the community can be more aware of the budget/costs to run a school district. Whether or not we currently have children in the schools, we are a community and school education affect the future of the city for all of us. A few years ago, I reduced my business hours to devote to community activity and will have a greater amount of time to focus on board duties.
What are the top 3 priorities you look to address as a school board member?
1. Quality. The School District is currently rated A and I will focus on continuing a high ranking. While we are not ranked in the top 10 in the state, it should be an objective. By achieving the highest rankings, Noblesville will be a destination city bringing the added benefit of potentially higher property values alongside the educational advantages to the students and benefitting workforce development and businesses. 2. Transparency. Parents and the community want to know how the budget is spent. Most of the budget goes toward teachers’ contracts, but there is room to watch over and analyze how the remainder is spent and to determine cost savings opportunities. The school is the largest employer in the city; therefore, the community has reason to need transparency. Also, transparency for parents to know more about what their children are learning. 3. Safety. Since May 2018 there have been 50 specific safety measures implemented in Noblesville Schools according to Superintendent Niedermeyer. This program is coordinated with the Noblesville Police Department. My objective is to have regular reviews of the program and ask for ideas on new measures that should be considered to constantly upgrade and improve the Safety and Security policies.
How will you represent all voices in our community?
All voices need to be heard. As written in the Declaration of Independence, “All Men are Created Equal”. Board members should attend PTO meetings to hear from parents and teachers. The board should be visible at school functions which brings another opportunity to hear from the public/parents. Perhaps the board could sit in on classes to know how state standards are being implemented. Develop a pathway of communication with teachers, parents and community that works for everyone.
Noblesville Schools has invested significantly in social, emotional, and mental health services. What is your view on the continued focus on the ‘whole child’?
I believe there is a need for mental health services/professional counselors in schools. Students in Noblesville schools have had much to contend with since May 2018 and lately with Covid-19. Having a professional mental health provider available to students is needed. All students should be treated equally and fairly, and bullying should be eliminated. When I was a youngster, we lived by the “Golden Rule” which in summary means don’t do to someone else, what you don’t want done to you. I would like to study the significant investment Noblesville Schools has put into Social Emotional Learning and do some further research to determine its value.
There has been recent debate on how our nation’s history is presented and taught in our schools. What is your view on teaching a more comprehensive and complete depiction of our nation’s history?
Our nation’s history should be taught in an un-biased and comprehensive approach. I recently spoke with a parent that simply wants the facts and not the potential bias. He said, “I want them (his children) to learn our nation’s history including the good, bad and ugly without bias”. I would want all students to pass a Civics class prior to high school graduation to learn about our founding fathers, the branches of government, Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and the Electoral College, etc.
How would you rate the Noblesville Schools response to COVID-19? What if anything, would you change?
Noblesville school’s response to COVID-19 has been very acceptable. Like all schools in Indiana, all schools closed in March followed by e-learning to finish out the school year. According to Dr. Niedermeyer, 90% of the parents wanted their children to return to the classroom this fall. She further shared that with-in a short timeframe the school created six different on-line and in-person hybrid instructional models. They developed a 32-page return to school plan in July. Elementary students attend every day while middle and high schools have a hybrid of on-line and in-class routine. They take every precaution with masks, class size, bus routines, etc. Well done! The only thing differently I would suggest is for the elementary students to wear face shields. Children at this age still learn by facial expressions and it is important for them to see their teacher’s and peer’s faces. So, I would have investigated possible shields that could work for young children. I also would look at data to see if it is possible for middle school students to be in the classroom 5 days a week. School safety has been a heightened focus for Noblesville.
Do you support the current plans and programs to ensure the safety of our students and faculty? What, if anything would you change?
Safety is included in my top 3 priorities as a School Board member. Dr. Niedermeyer shared with us that Noblesville schools implemented 50 specific safety measures since May 2018. This is in partnership with the Noblesville Police Department. Noblesville utilizes NIMS, National Incident Management System which coordinates communications in an incident. There are frequent meetings among police and Sherriff’s departments along with yearly training. While we do not know specific details of the safety plan, some of the recommendations that have been published include elimination of portable classrooms, added resource officers, enhanced facility structures, increased tools for lockdown, barricading products, surveillance equipment, parking lot access control, advanced technology for communications and counseling staff/mental health supports. I would meet regularly with safety professionals/officials to determine if new procedure should also be included in the safety program.
The State Legislature plays a significant role in education. What legislative support or relief would benefit Noblesville Schools?
What do you see as the School Board’s role in influencing legislation? The cost of preventing COVID-19 in schools is extensive and expensive. One of the ways that the State Legislature plays a role in education by passing legislation in the 2021 session to provide Noblesville Schools with $5.5 Million to cover these costs. I believe the School Board plays a role in influencing legislation that makes sense, that is good for students and that the state can budget for. As a Noblesville resident, what about the Noblesville Schools makes you the most proud? I am most proud about the energy and devotion to the Noblesville Schools. The Noblesville High School “Millers” set an example of student loyalty. It is this loyalty that is shown throughout Noblesville and it paints a picture that says, “We are Proud of our Schools and Students".
