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 Debbie McDermott.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

     I’ve lived in Monticello for almost 40 years. My husband Denny and I raised three wonderful kids and now enjoy three wonderful grandkids, two in the MCSD and one at LinnMar. I’m happy to say the “grands” have put us back in the auditoriums, gyms, and ballfields.

     I’ve been a nurse for 40 years and have enjoyed many aspects of nursing, some great co-workers, and meaningful patient/resident relationships.

     I enjoy every minute with my family members, working, bike riding, learning something new every day, good company, sunshine, and a really good laugh. I’m over winters!!

How many years have you served on the board?

     Nine months. I was appointed to replace Bud Johnson who resigned from the board in August.

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

     How fortunate we are to have Brian Jaeger as superintendent. No kidding! I was not able to tour the new middle school until I was on the board. I am so grateful to the people who put energy into making our school system safe, beautiful, and more convenient for parents, students, and staff.

What advice would you give to a future board member?

     Everyone has good ideas. Be willing to share your good ideas and hear others’ points of view. Be open minded and try to keep students’ and staff welfare at the center of spirited debates and decision-making.

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

     I hope they have the skills to enjoy and learn from every chapter in their lives, whether it’s joining the workforce, military commitments, or college bound. I hope they have the skills to know their own unique worth, and how much they mean to their families, friends, and community. I hope they continually sharpen their skills at sharing their talents and kindness generously with the world around them.

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

     I always enjoy hearing my kids reminisce about their years spent at MCSD – some I like to hear as a parent, and some I wish they wouldn’t tell me.  I spent two years as a paraprofessional at Shannon Elementary. My respect for the staff is immense. I watched the teachers work with the kids and I was amazed at their talent, kindness, ability to teach, sacrifices they made, and how much the kids meant to them.

     I learned firsthand the importance of meeting the needs of kids on the autism spectrum and ADHD. I observed how teachers care for and helped students who were falling behind for lots of different reasons. I was humbled when I saw teachers ask parents to consider medication for ADHD that I used to think was convenient for the teachers and now know that some students can learn better and feel good about themselves when they can keep up in the classroom. The school system serves our youth who are our future. School needs to be a safe haven and supportive of all students.