Dina Ferrer

Candidate for Lorain City School Board of Education dinaferrer@yahoo.com 440-989-1178
Employment:
I have held positions of increasing responsibilities at Lorain County Community College since 1982. I am presently the Coordinator of the LCCC Learning Center in Lorain (LCCC's first community education outreach center).
Education:
Admiral King graduate 2 Associate degrees from LCCC, Psychology & Sociology B.A. in Liberal Studies from Cleveland State University Executive Program for Educational Leaders from Stanford Educational Leadership Institute M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction with Specialization in Technology from Cleveland State University
Community Involvement:
• Italian American War Veterans Ladies Auxiliary member • Lorain Rotary member Co-chair of STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) mentoring program from inception; working with the lower academically achieving students at both high schools assisting them in changing their attitudes, increasing their attendance, raising their grades and class participation • Direct Action for Central Lorain CDC board member • Lorain County Office on Aging board member • Co-coordinator of all 12 annual Hispanic Leadership Conferences • Early College High School board member • Coordination committee member of the annual Do The Right Thing Back to School Picnic since its inception; chair of volunteers • GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) volunteer mentor • Volunteer classroom reader • Lorain County Children Services Community Advisory Network member As a LCS board member I have attended and supported numerous school activities, sporting events, and teacher and student recognitions throughout the District. Not only am I part of several LCS Board committees, but am also active on LCCC committees. Numerous volunteer participation in local festivals and events.
Family:
Married to Michael Ferrer, Director of Employment and Youth Programming for the Lorain County Urban League. Between my husband and I, we have six children (all products of Lorain City Schools) and three grandchildren.
Why would you like to be elected?
I believe that getting a good education is extremely important. I believe our citizens deserve to live in a community that provides a quality education for our young people. My experience in education and on the Board will provide the leadership that it takes to lead the district through these difficult times. I will continue to discuss openly and honestly issues that face LCS and respect all opinions. My contacts and knowledge of the inner workings of the school system would enable me to continue advocating for the issues that mean most to the voters of this district. I am a proponent of change when change is necessary. I have and will continue to be an active community member who works in cooperation with others on the issues most important to the education of our children.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
To regain trust by facilitating open discussions between the community, administration, unions and board members. To provide better communication to the community and district staff. To improve the image and perception of LCS throughout the state. To provide high quality education and fine arts programs. To see that employees are respected and valued for their work. To encourage that employees are given a fair chance at promotions. To ensure the safety of students and staff. To evaluate existing programs and secure necessary funding for their continuance. To be accountable to the public. To enforce and augment disciplinary policies. To turn this district into a place where students want to attend. To eliminate the bottlenecks that prevent staff from moving into positions of greater responsibilities and compensation.
How do you think Internet technology will impact government services?
The Internet has already had an enormous impact not only in government, but in our everyday lives. It places important information at our fingertips and provides global communication opportunities. It can be used leisurely or professionally, publicly or privately. It can be cost-saving and time-efficient. The opportunities it provides to stay connected to people and information is endless.
What one bit of information do people not normally know about you?
I am the first person in my family to receive a college education, securing both my B.A. & M.Ed. during my tenure on the LCS Board. When I had more time, I enjoyed photography professionally and for pleasure.