Mary Dunn
Mary Dunn
Mary Dunn
100 4th Ave N #312
South St. Paul, MN 55075
Occupation: Account Manager-Banking Risk & Compliance
Share a little about your background.
I suppose I’m an example of a public education success story. I grew up in Pittsburgh PA, the granddaughter of a steel worker who along with my grandmother and a single mom, raised my brother and me. I appreciate the role that education plays in equalizing opportunity for all children. I want to be able to promise future classes in SSPPS that they will always have access to a strong, vibrant and progressive educational experience. I now have four grandchildren and three neices, in SSPPS. As they say, I’ve got skin in the game!
What qualifications or experiences do you have that make you a strong candidate for the School Board?
I’ve been in business to business sales for 30 plus years with the most recent 13 being spent managing large account relationships and contracts in the Banking Risk and Compliance software and support services industry. This role requires strategic planning, negotiation skills and to a certain extent, cost and margin analysis when determining contract terms. I am also the grandmother of four kids who attend SSPPS. I care very much about their education and how we are preparing them for their future.
What activities and organizations are you currently involved in?
- Active with grandchildren’s sports activities and often times, their driver
- Team manager for St Paul Blackhawks U15 2010 White Team
- Full time employee-Wolters Kluwer
Why is serving on the South St. Paul School Board important to you?
I believe in public service and that those who can, should step up and contribute. I know how important education was in my life. Every child should have access to that same kind of positive experience.
What is your vision for the future of education in South St. Paul?
I think about how quickly change comes these days, and how do we as school boards and educators, prepare students for futures that aren't even thought of yet. I see us looking at our current budget and developing a strategy that extends well into the future, considering all options for better alignment to the educational experience goals. I would be committed to: Efficient use of the budget and limiting the taxpayer burden. Letting teachers teach and clearing the way for that to happen. Appreciating the effectiveness of past school boards while looking forward through new eyes. I am willing to think creatively about problem solving and strategic planning.
What are your thoughts on how the district should address equity and inclusion?
We should address equity and inclusion with an absolute commitment to make our schools safe places for every child. We have to normalize individuality and how we embrace rather than fear difference.
What areas of concern do you have regarding the current state of South St. Paul Public Schools?
I am concerned about the distraction that mobile phones create and how we can effectively deal with that distraction in the classroom. This isn’t a problem that is unique to SSPPS but a conversation that many school boards are having at this time.
What specific suggestions do you have for improvement?
I am grateful for the work that has already been done by our past school boards. My goal is to do better. I want to look at our budgeted spending through the lens of good business practices. Are all resources being used in the best possible way? What would it take to get there? I also want to see strong support for athletic and club programming that is accessible to all. A child ‘s ability to participate is not always about money. So often, it’s time and access to getting to and from practices because two parents work shifts or multi jobs. Mostly though, I want to listen and start from where we are. I want to bring my business skills and vision to this role with the goal of sending well educated, well rounded and well prepared children out the doors of SSPPS at the end of their twelth year.
Provide a brief candidate statement.
I believe in public service and that those who can, should step up and contribute. I have 30 plus years of business experience to bring to the table including negotiation and strategic planning skills. My most valuable offering though is that of being a grandmother who cares deeply about the quality of education that my grandchildren are receiving in South St Paul Public Schools. We’re doing good but there is always room for better!