Ferguson Seeks More Collaboration With County

Meghan Ferguson says she is an advocate by nature, and as a candidate running for the Lexington School Board, she seeks to be a voice for all students and teachers.

Ferguson and her husband have a daughter and a son at Waddell Elementary, and she credits her admiration of the school’s staff for inspiring her to run for office. “[My children] have had incredible teachers and staff educating and caring for them, and I want to give back by serving on the School Board,” she told The News-Gazette.

Ferguson grew up in Rockbridge County and graduated from Parry McCluer High School in Buena Vista before going on to the University of Virginia. She is currently working on a master’s degree through Mary Baldwin University. She has worked most of her career in higher education, at Mountain Gateway Community College and at Washington and Lee University, and she currently works as an academic support coordinator in the Miller Academic Center at Virginia Military Institute.

“Investing in our students, teachers and schools equates to investing in our community,” Ferguson said of the energy she wants to bring to the School Board. “I enjoy researching education-related policies and best practices, and I don’t hesitate to ask questions.

“Teacher, staff and student wellness and safety are paramount,” Ferguson said when asked about her highest priorities. “Investing in competitive salaries and sufficient staffing is an essential component to ensuring we meet the needs of our teachers and students.

“Utilizing parent and community volunteers can also alleviate some demands placed upon teachers and staff and contribute to a collaborative and welcoming atmosphere,” she added.

Ferguson believes that gathering relevant data is essential for coming up with high quality solutions. Asked what actions she’d like to take if elected, she explained, “I would conduct a salary study to ensure fair and competitive wages. I would develop a recruitment and retention plan based on teacher and staff survey feedback.”

She has found a model she would like to emulate in examining the district’s well-being. “The Impact Kentucky Working Conditions survey is one example of an anonymous survey that measures professional learning, feedback and coaching, school leadership, staffleadership relationships, school climate, resources, managing student behavior, educating all students and emotional well-being and belonging. We should employ a similar type of survey to make informed decisions,” she said.

One area Ferguson aims to address is the relationship between Lexington schools and Rockbridge County schools. With Rockbridge County High School the only high school option for most Lexington students, she believes more collaboration is needed than currently happens, and she hopes to help create a new position to serve this purpose.

“I would collaborate to establish an elected position for a Lexington city resident to serve on the Rockbridge County School Board,” she explained. “A Lexington city resident should serve on the county school board to weigh in on all matters related to the high school and overall district business, such as budget, school calendar and district policies and priorities.”

Ferguson has gained insight into the delicate work required of school officials by watching her children navigate school environments.

“As a parent of a child with complex medical needs, I’m acutely aware of the individualized needs of our students; we should be mindful to avoid a one-size-fits-all mentality,” she said. “In partnering with experts, parents and volunteers, our schools can prioritize a culture of health and wellness that establishes the best learning environment.”

Ferguson is optimistic about the potential of the Lexington School Board, now that the position is an elected one, rather than appointed by the city. “I felt it was the right time given that the position is now elected and the constituents have a direct say in who serves on the School Board,” she said. “I am excited about connecting with my fellow residents of Lexington regarding school matters.”