Both candidates running in the Nov. 7, 2023, general election for Ferndale School District, District Director: 3 — Nancy Button (nonpartisan) and Toni Jefferson (nonpartisan) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Here are the candidates’ responses to the question: What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Button:
- “Students’ academic success is my primary goal. Test scores show that less than half of all Ferndale students meet basic expectations in English, math and science.
- Fiscal responsibility with taxpayers’ funds is paramount. Ferndale residents are currently paying the highest property taxes ever, and 60% go to fund our public schools. They and our students deserve better results for their investment.
- Transparency with parents and the public about what is being taught in the schools is important to build trust.”
Jefferson:
- “I wholeheartedly support the ‘You Belong’ campaign. In order for our youth to be able to focus and learn, they need to feel safe and secure. Creating a safe learning space is foundational to the success in becoming lifelong learners
- Another one of my goals is to build bridges within our community. By facilitating meaningful connection between students, families, and educators, families can trust that [their] children are in an environment that supports them.
- Be accessible to the community members of the district to hear concerns and make board recommendations in response. Continue to monitor fiscal activities of the district, identify opportunities to improve transparency to the various stakeholders of the district and make board recommendations for corrections as needed.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
Additional reading: