Randi Schamerhorn Gleason, a long-time Vernon Parish community advocate and former teacher at Leesville High School, has announced her candidacy for the office of Vernon Parish School Board for District 1.
Graduating first in her collegiate class, Gleason received her undergraduate degree in journalism and public relations from Northwestern State University. She and her husband, Darold Gleason, returned home to Vernon Parish to live, work, and continue making a difference in their local community, she said. The couple is also active members of East Leesville Baptist Church. Randi is the daughter of Rodney and Tammy Schamerhorn.
“Our educational system has always been very important to me," said Gleason. "My husband, mother, and many family members and friends are teachers and support personnel in our school system and have dedicated their lives to this essential profession. As a former teacher myself, I am very familiar of the challenges we face in education with our new generation of students. Now, more than ever, with a changing economy, emerging technology, and a competitive workforce – all Vernon Parish children need to be effectively prepared to step into the jobs of tomorrow. It is imperative for a school board member to be proactive in making necessary changes when needed. I am prepared to completely fulfill the obligations and responsibilities while serving as your school board member.”
Gleason will focus her campaign on the ABCs of school success: Achievement, Budget, and Community, she said.
“I look forward to working with the Vernon Parish community in meeting the needs of all students, including the needs of high achievers, better focusing our resources on quality instruction, and striving to always be good stewards of our Vernon Parish dollars,” she added, explaining that she believes today's teachers should be commended for serving an ever-increasing role, as not only educators, but having more social responsibilities to their students as the family structure has changed in recent decades.
Gleason has served in a number of community leadership roles, including her extensive work with the local 4-H organization. In addition, she has received many awards for her service to the community, including the 2008 Vernon Parish Centennial Award and the 2006 National Heroes of Hope Award for her volunteer work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. A member of the Louisiana Cattleman's Association, Gleason also serves as a Senior Director for Mary Kay and has earned numerous awards for her business's success, including the organization's top honor in 2008, recognizing her ability to teach, mentor, and inspire others to achieve excellence.
“I would greatly appreciate your vote and support in the upcoming election for the District 1 seat for the Vernon Parish School Board," she said. "I believe that serving on the Vernon Parish School Board requires more than simply giving back with our time. This policy-making board plays a crucial role in the future of our school system and the many teachers, support personnel, and students it represents. When given the opportunity to serve you, I will be a school board member who will work diligently to gain accountability, extensively research consequences for every action taken, and will maintain my heartfelt dedication for our students and teachers.”