School Board Member Susan Valdes Visits Westchase Schools on First Day

Hillsborough School Board Member Susan Valdes is currently in her second term on the district's 7-member board.

As a graduate of Leto High School, and mom to three graduates of Hillsborough schools, Valdes holds district school matters close to her heart.

Valdes paid visits to and schools today as students and faculty adjusted to first day rigors. School Board member MaryEllen Elia visited Walker Middle School in Odessa today.

Patch caught up Valdes to discuss the school year ahead:

Patch: What would you say is the district's biggest challenge this year?

Valdes: Class size. The man hours needed to ensure we're in compliance is a huge undertaking.

Patch: Why is it important to visits the schools personally?

Valdes: You get a pulse of what's actually happening. You get to see first hand if our policies are right.

Patch: What will you take on as your personal agenda this year?

Valdes: I'm a firm believer in having policies and procedures to follow. I know our schools run under site based management, but there needs to be a unified system of policies across the board (especially when it comes to spending.) I think of it from a business stand point...it's just the right thing to do.