Mary Wineberg: Olympic Runner Runs for School Board
Mary Wineberg
Class 4, Run
What is your Vision for Impact Statement?
As someone who ran for school board, my goal was to be a voice for the students, families, staff, and community of the Cincinnati Public Schools district. I wanted to ensure that the way communications were sent out was transparent, and brought families' trust back into this district. I wanted to ensure that all students receive an equitable education, one where their academics are robust, diversified, and include an inclusive curriculum that allows for students to thrive. I wanted to engage the community, be productive in my school board duties, and initiate change for a better public education system.
You are serving as a school board member. Tell us about it. What do you love about the work you’re doing?
I am currently serving in the second year of a four year term as an elected school board member of the Cincinnati Public School district board of education. I am able to live out my Vision for Impact Statement on a daily basis, whether it is aiding in policy decisions, governance of the superintendent, working with my colleagues on important decisions, or having the opportunity to be Chair of the Health & Safety Committee.
I find great pleasure in knowing that I can be a voice for those from the community and district by encouraging changes to occur. Every day is different, sometimes harder than others, but I remind myself of the reasons why I do what I do. Quite simply- it’s the kids, the students of this wonderful and amazing district that has so much potential.
Board life is one in which you want to make everyone happy, but you can’t always do just that. You have been elected to represent all constituents, and you have been elected to make some hard decisions. I am living my truth, not changing who I am, and I will stick to improving the outcomes of the district with my colleagues and the leadership of the superintendent. I want to be the best CPS Board Member that I can be; one who relates because of her background as a teacher and parent. And, one who wants to feel that when individuals reach out to me, that I am accessible and that they will be heard.
How has being a part of School Board School impacted your involvement in this work?
Being a part of this amazing program has allowed me to not only grow extensively, but it has allowed me to find my voice in another lane- the school board lane. As an Olympic Gold Medalist, I felt comfortable stepping onto the track to race. But when I started this program, I wasn’t necessarily comfortable at first because I felt that I didn’t know how to be a school board member. Well, that quickly took care of itself!
The ability to meet others in my class with similar passions, as well as the people who either served as presenters or are the leaders who ran School Board School, I am thankful for you all. You each helped to mold this new transition, and I will forever be grateful. I was able to expand my knowledge, gather new peer relationships, and learn how to advocate even more in this field of education. This impact is one in which I will never forget and cherish.
How have you used your School Board School training/learnings in your work?
I have used it daily, and even utilized my wonderful binder from the learning program when I first started out on the board. I used it to reference some things that we either discussed or I learned that I knew I had some amazing notes on. School Board School is a needed resource, and anyone who desires to represent their community or devote their passions in this magnitude needs to sign on, or even spread the word!
How have you tapped into the School Board School community, or how has our network supported you in your work?
I have had the opportunity to call on different folks from my class and even talk with others from previous classes. It is a network circle. I want to make sure that I utilize them, and also allow myself to be a resource if needed as well. I am thankful for the circle, and look to use it more in the remainder of my term on the school board, and in the future.
What impact are you (and/or your team) having?
The impact that I am having has been one of change. I have heard from many that my presence on the school board is appreciated and brings a different perspective. It brings newness, different views, and ideas that may have not been done before. My impact includes being visible, working hard, being respectful to all, staying true to my impact statement, and rising to the duty at all times. I am enjoying my new lane and look forward to the coming years!
How has being a part of School Board School impacted how you think about systems change and/or your role in it?
School Board School has positively impacted my ability to see that yes, indeed, the students of CPS deserve the best. Our families, staff, and entire district deserve the best. Although there are some systems that are in place to deter our focus, sometimes negative more than positive, it is my duty to stay informed, educated, and utilize my voice to improve or change these systems. I will not give up on this district!!
