Melany Glossa says her experience with the U.S. Forest Service would be a benefit to School District 55 as a member of the board.
Glossa, 43, is one of five running for position five, an at-large seat, including incumbent Diane Gerson, Billie Weber, Travis Luttmer and Larry Angland.
“I thought it would be a good way to give back to the community,” said Glossa, who is serving as Sweet Home district ranger. She has three children, one attending school in the district. She said she doesn’t have a lot of time to devote to a variety of activities, so she asked herself what activity she would be good at. She decided that would be the School Board.
She has a lot of experience working with budgets and a background bringing different opinions to the table, she said. Forest Service actions and issues come under scrutiny, and in her position she has to look at issues with different people bringing a wide variety of opinions and solutions to the table.
“The biggest challenge I see has to do with the budget, taking care of the needs we have as well as seizing opportunities,” she said. “I do it every day. I think this would be an extension of that.
“I think the School Board does a really good job. From the time I’ve been here and my experience, I think they do a great job. I don’t think I’d come in and do things different from what they’re doing.”
When it comes to figuring out how to manage the budget, she wants to offer what she knows, she said, to support the School District and the Charter School.
“I think we’ve got great teachers,” she said. “I’d like to help retain them.”
Glossa is married to John Glossa. They have three children, Bella, 5; Milo, 3; and Coco, 1. Glossa has been Sweet Home district ranger for nearly two years.