By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
DIANE OLSON - and her husband Dean have one daughter, Dee Ann Kuster (Chris); three sons, Deric (Michele), Dustin (Melissa), Devin (Megan), and six grandchildren living in the district. Olson is a retired Geneseo Middle School English teacher and farmwife. She is a graduate of Geneseo High School; earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Illinois State University, a Master’s Degree in Education and Leadership from St. Xavier University.
When asked about her political experience, Olson said, “I have a passion for Education, not politics. My only political experience is being elected to the Geneseo School Board two previous four-year terms.”
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR SCHOOL BOARD? - “Education has always been a top priority in my life. I retired from teaching English at Geneseo Middle School in 2013 and knew right then I wanted to continue contributing to the Geneseo School District. I have served on the Geneseo Board of Education sine 2015 and learned a great deal about the internal structure of a school system, the importance of setting goals, striving to reach them, and the importance of good communication with all facets. I would like to continue using this knowledge as the entire board works together for our students, staff, and tax payers.”
WHAT ARE THE CHIEF ISSUES FACING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THEM? – “There are always chief issues facing any school district, each as important as another…Safety has become a nationwide issue and will continue to be at the top of importance. This last year administration attended numerous Training sessions, and then passed this training on to all faculty through a teacher in-service. All rooms have interior door locks, security cameras are updated, and the district continues to employ a School Resource Officer. Safety issues will be foremost in our planning as we move ahead.
Clear communication has received complaints in the past. The board initiated a new website and mobile app this year. A communications director was hired to keep information up to date and out to the public. For the future I would like to see some parent forums established where ideas from the community are presented, brainstormed, and given to the board for further development.
As progress picks up this spring, Career and Tech Education, is getting the importance it so deserves. I am happy to have been part of this project. The building is still set to be ready for classes fall of ’23. In the future I would like to see further career development in the areas of agriculture and family and consumer science. Agriculture is the backbone of the county and offers so many possible careers. “We need to open up this spectrum to our students.
Last but certainly not of least importance is the shortage of qualified teaching candidates.
Boards of education must make it a top priority to provide overall-working conditions that attract and retrain the best teachers.
I would like to point out that the board of education sets direction and generates approaches for various issues, but administration is key to carrying them out, and may I say, ‘Doing an excellent job’.”.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS – “Everyone would like to forget the pandemic, but it certainly brought changes to the educational system. I would like to note though that the Geneseo School System hit post-pandemic running. Math interventionists were ready to work with those who struggled through remote learning. Reading specialists did the same, and counselors were trained and on board for social emotional adjustments. All staff went over and beyond during this difficult time. It was a time of great learning for teachers, administrators, and board members as well. A top priority is to bring all students up to educational standards and above.
Last, no school system functions without a great deal of money. As taxpayers of a fairly large family farm, Dean and I know the crunch of paying property taxes. I’m proud to say that the Geneseo School tax portion of property taxes will not be showing a percentage increase this year. As a board member I will work with the rest of the board to continue making wise financial decisions with our taxpayers in mind.
I am proud to currently represent all constituents of the Geneseo School District on the Board of Education with an open mind and heart. May I continue to do so!”
Tomorrow, we’ll interview Nolan Paxton.