Rhonda's Resume

Service on Committees/Task Forces involving schools:

1. Citizens’ Capital Budget Advisory Committee (CCBAC): 2005-2008
2. Governor Martin School Building Solutions Committee: 2006-2007
3. Charlotte Advocates for Education: Board of Directors 2005-2006
4. Partners for School Reform:  participant, attended Raleigh trips in 2004, ‘05 and ‘06.
5. Superintendents Standards Review Committee:  2006-2007
6. Huntersville School Advisory Committee: 2008 to present 

1. Girl Scout Council:  Volunteer Leader 1997 to date, currently working with a group of high school girls. Volunteer District Manager for 4 years, Board of Directors By-laws Review Committee.  Awards: Outstanding Volunteer for District,  Appreciation Pin for Outstanding Service to Council.
2. University City United Methodist Church:  Member 1991 to 2006.  Areas of service included:  Choir and Spirit Singers, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and age-level coordinator, Mission Committee Chair, Women's Shelter Team co-ordinator, Consignment Sale board, Children’s Choir director.
3. University City Women’s Group:  Member 1991-1999.  Served as Vice-President of Programs, Charity Fashion Show Chair for 3 years.
4. Carolina Foundation for Oral Health (Dedicated to providing dental care to the needy):  former Board member and Board Treasurer.
5. Lake Forest Church: 2007 to present.  Member of Meals Ministry, Bolivia Mission team 2007 and 2008.
6. Cub Scout volunteer- Day Camp nurse, Den helper.
7. 15 years of experience in medical device and pharmaceutical sales; ranging from Fortune 50 to Biotech start ups.
8. Registered Nurse since 1982; Currently an Emergency Department nurse at Presbyterian Hospital
9. Realtor at Keller Williams Realty Cornelius offering full real estate services   

Why I ran for School Board District 1

    I am a passionate supporter of public education in Mecklenburg County.  Even as a full-time working parent, I was able to spend many hours volunteering in my children’s CMS schools.  Six years ago I took a more public role as the founder and leader of Familes United for North Mecklenburg Education (F.U.M.E.). My goal with F.U.M.E. was to be a positive voice for change and to establish working relationships with CMS staff and the Board of Education to address the crisis of suburban overcrowding.  As the hands-on leader of F.U.M.E., I focused our advocacy on increasing parental involvement and volunteerism and harnessing the energy of parents to improve conditions in our schools.  We hosted magnet fairs, school tours, highlighted successful programs, and got involved on many committees to continue the work of F.U.M.E.

    In December 2003, the CMS Board of Education appointed me to the CCBAC (Citizen's Capital budget Advisory Committee). I  worked closely with county staff and CMS staff in the areas of school construction and capital funding.  During my first term on the CCBAC, the committee members recognized my efforts and selected me as  Vice-Chair in February 2005.   My experience on CCBAC has provided valuable experience working with financial staff on both sides of 3^rd Street to establish relationships and prepare me for the critical issues of budgets and funding.

    In 2006, I also had the honor of serving on the School Building Solutions Committee that was chaired by former Governor Jim Martin.  It was an opportunity to delve even deeper into school construction and capital funding issues and also collaborate with fellow members of the committee.  Later in 2006/2007, I was selected to serve on a new committee designed by Dr Peter Gorman to examine school construction standards and determine potential areas of cost savings.  The Superintendents Standards Review Committee went over floor plans and building standards with a fine tooth comb, with an eye for improving cost efficiency while maintaining the best facilities in the area.

    Currently I serve as an appointee to the town of Huntersville's School Advisory Committee.  This committee was formed in late 2007 to serve as a liaison between Huntersville and CMS.  

    It is my passion to work to improve our public schools.  I truly believe that public education is one of the true blessings of our democracy.  I have a demonstrated history of working with all points of view to find solutions and get results.  Over the years I have volunteered and served my community in many ways, but almost all relating to children.  It will be my great honor to serve District 1 on the Board of Education.