Monticello School Board Recognition Month

     In honor of School Board Recognition Month in May, the Monticello Express will spotlight a different member of the Monticello Community School District Board of Education each week during the month.

     This week, get to know Board member Mandy Norton.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

     I have been married just shy of 20 years to my husband Billy. Together, we have two children: Riley, a junior, and Addison, in sixth grade. We also have a four-legged friend, Dozer.

     We enjoy camping, sports, and just relaxing when time allows.

How many years have you served on the board?

     Four years. I am finishing my first term.

What is the one thing you learned while on the board that you didn’t know before becoming a board member?

     I can’t list just one thing. I thought I knew a lot about the district and how things worked, but I was far from right. I really had no idea! I have learned a lot over my four years and still continue to learn each meeting. The biggest thing, I would say, is yes, the state helps fund public schools, but not nearly enough is allowed to be spent where it needs to go.

What advice would you give to a future board member?

     Listen, learn, ask questions, and patience.

When a student graduates from Monticello High School, what skills do you expect them to have?

     I hope they have a solid plan for the future. I feel it is the district’s responsibility to help prepare our kids to enter the college or career world and to have the knowledge/experience to help that transition be smooth. They should leave the high school with a good plan of what they want to pursue and know how to go forward with that plan, if it isn’t already set.

When thinking about the Monticello Community School District, what thoughts come to mind?

     It is home. The MCSD is where my parents, myself, and my husband graduated. It is where I am proud to send my kids to be educated and I hope some day my grandchildren will be here. It is a place that the staff, the students, and the community have groomed to be a place that people talk about and want to come to, whether it is just for a simple sports game or the big leap of moving their family. We should all be proud of the creative ideas and plans that have made the MCSD the school it is today.