I am thrilled to formally announce my candidacy for School Board member District 2 of Silver Consolidated School District, for the 2017-2020 term. As a resident of the Grant County community for over 30 years, I have been a part of this community and it's schools for many years. I have seen SCSD at its best and at its worst and I look forward to continuing to be a part of the positive changes that has already begun in the SCSD.

A strong public school district is imperative, not only to all the students we serve, but the entire community. The Silver Consolidated School District has a long history of educational excellence which we need to restore. As a 2002 graduate of Silver High School; I received a quality education that prepared me well for college. I now hold a Bachelor's of Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting, as well as a Master's of Business Administration, both from Western New Mexico University, thanks in large part to the fine caliber of teachers and staff at Silver High, as well as La Plata Middle School and Jose Barrios Elementary. I would like very much to see that same opportunity is given to each and every student.

As your school board member I will advocate for the best interest of the students first. All decisions I make will be with the best interests of the students at the forefront in the decision making process. Another very important role the school board has to fulfill is district financial management. With my education, professional career and prior board experience you can count on me to keep a close eye on the financial happenings of our district. Because I have a vested interest in Silver Consolidated Schools, as a long standing citizen in the community, businesswoman, and the mother of three children in our district, I have a strong desire to see our schools back to their greatness and am eager to serve with current and newly-elected board members to get us there.

If elected as your board member I invite you to bring questions and concerns to me, I will meet you with transparency and honesty, and I will bring your concerns to the entire board and superintendent for further consideration. It is our job to deliver a standard of education that will allow the youth in our community to succeed. Likewise it is our job to maintain conservative fiscal management of district funds and we should be held accountable to do so. I am asking you, my constituents, for your support and vote February 7th, 2017.

For more information or to pledge your support, I can be reached via email at ashleylaws02@gmail.com.

Sincerely -
Ashley Montenegro CPA, MBA