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Shelley Schultz, Mid Dell School Board vice president, says COVID parent organizing led her to run
Summary
Shelley Schultz, vice president of the Mid Dell School Board (Ward 4), says she ran after leading a parent group during COVID that worked with district leaders to return students to classrooms; she describes continuing work on bond projects and encouraging civic participation.
Shelley Schultz, vice president of the Mid Dell School Board representing Ward 4, said she decided to run after helping organize parents during the COVID-19 pandemic to press the district to safely return students to in-person learning. "We put together a parent group that really had meaningful conversations with the district, and we got our kids back in school," Schultz said.
Schultz described that organizing as the turning point that prompted her to seek office in 2024. She said the experience of meeting directly with administrators and then relaying information back to parent groups convinced her that serving on the board would let her represent families she knew and trusted. "I ran and I won, and I was shocked," she said.
On the challenges of board service, Schultz told hosts she was surprised by how many residents overestimate the board's authority. "People actually think we have more power than what we do," she said, adding that school finance remains complex and that she continues to ask questions to learn the budget. She urged citizens to consider committee work or running for office to better understand how district decisions are made.
