We should ask ourselves, “What would be most helpful for students? ”

Dana Homesley helping serve water to the students at the LES PTA Fun Run for Boosterthon.

If elected my top 3 goals would be:

First, improving two-way communication between the board and the people they represent. Emails and calls deserve a response.

Second, improving compensation and reviewing vacancies and turnover regularly. How often do teachers cover classes for other teachers? How often do bus drivers run double routes? How competitive is our pay for substitutes and support staff?

Third, closing out projects from the 2018 bond referendum before we ask taxpayers for $900M+ for maintenance and new schools. Let’s finish what we started.

The board is moving forward with a new building plan while those unfinished projects still remain. Board member McKenzie Flashnick has questioned this many times but the can keeps getting kicked down the road with no real answers.

Communication, Transparency, & Responsiveness:

Across our community and among district staff, I consistently hear the same concerns: transparency, staffing shortages, and responsible spending. I share those concerns too.

School board members have a responsibility to represent and respond to the people they serve: parents, students, teachers, staff, business owners, and our community. That should be the standard. People deserve to be heard, and they deserve leaders who listen and act.

I will continue to advocate for:

• Strong, consistent representation of parents, teachers, staff, and the community

• Timely and respectful communication with constituents

• Clear, transparent board communication and decision-making

Staffing, Retention & School Support:

At the March 24, 2026 board meeting, there was discussion about the substitute shortage. When substitutes are unavailable, teachers are often expected to cover additional classrooms, which can lead to combined classes and even more strain on staff.

If we want to solve these shortages, we need to offer more competitive pay for substitutes.

The same concern applies to bus drivers and other critical support staff. The board should receive regular reports regarding vacancies and staff turnover.

• Better substitute pay

• Competitive compensation for bus drivers and support staff

• Regular vacancy reporting

• Stronger support for the employees who keep schools functioning every day

If we want our students to thrive, we must invest in the well-being of those who serve them daily. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Dana Homesley helping to serve students and families at the LES PTA hosted Bingo Night

Dana Homesley at the LES PTA hosted Bingo Night walking around with Les the Wildcat to greet students and families.

Fiscal Accountability & Protecting Classrooms:

Based on the facilities study recently presented to the board, there are $950M+ needs across the district.

Before asking taxpayers to vote for another bond referendum, we must first address the unfinished promises and budget issues from the previous bond.

Fiscal responsibility means honoring prior bond commitments, controlling spending, and making sure classroom instruction remains the priority.

Staying Informed. Staying Involved.

For the last five years, I have committed to staying informed and keeping the community informed by attending almost every board meeting in person, including special-called meetings, committee meetings, and workshops. When I am unable to attend in person, I am watching the livestream.

This kind of involvement matters because the community deserves board members who are paying attention, asking questions, and communicating clearly about the work of the district.

Experience & Involvement:

Our Community deserves transparency, accountability, and leadership that listens.

That is the leadership I will bring to the Lexington One School Board.

Dana Homesley at the table with Board members during the March 10 Board of Trustees Budget and Facilities Study Workshop. She’s ready to hit the ground running!