My name: Aagje Christina Barber
My age: 52
My family: John Barber, husband, married 33 years; Tina Barber, daughter, Smoky Hill High School graduate 1999; Jason Barber, son (SHHS) graduate 2002; Megan Barber, married to Jason, graduated SHHS 2002.
Education: 1980 Professional Educational Diagnostician Certification, State of Texas; 1979 Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech Pathology, ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association); 1978 Master of Arts, Speech Pathology and Audiology, University of Houston; 1976 Bachelor of Arts, Speech Pathology and Audiology, University of Houston
What I do:
Occupation and Work Experience
Piano teacher Home studio Current
Early Childhood Curriculum Coordinator First United Methodist Church
Bartlesville, Oklahoma 1992-1995
Preschool Teacher First United Methodist Church
Bartlesville, Oklahoma 1989-1992
Educational Diagnostician Aldine Independent School District
Aldine, Texas 1979-1981
Speech Pathologist Aldine Independent School District
Aldine, Texas 1978-1979
Special Education Teacher New Caney Independent School District
New Caney, Texas 1977-1978
My favorite place in town to hang out: Cherry Creek State Park riding my bicycle or walking my dogs off leash.
What I like most about living here:The people in our community. They are friendly, hardworking, and committed to providing the best possible education for our children.
My interests and hobbies: Skiing, hiking, cycling, swimming, gardening, reading, playing the piano
My favorite thing to cook: Heart healthy meals for my family with lots of fresh vegetables and fruits. Chocolate desserts.
People who inspired me (and how): Dr. Maarten van Swaay, my father, taught me to always do my homework, to be honest, and to be fair. My dad holds me to the highest ethical standards. To this day, he encourages me to read and often recommends books to me.
Dr. Mary Jarvis, former principal of Smoky Hill High School and Cherokee Trail High School, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to her students. Dr. Jarvis models high expectations for all students. Her passion for public education is an inspiration to me.
Mrs. Wendy DeBell, former Board President, mentored me when I was first appointed to the Board of Education in June of 2000. Board members are expected to know and understand a tremendous amount of information. Wendy is a role model in our community and for me personally.
How I have contributed to the community: I have served on the Cherry Creek Schools Board of Education for 7 years, two as Board President. Prior to serving on the Board of Education, I volunteered in the Cherry Creek Schools.
Volunteer Experience in CCSD
Parent Information Network representative LaredoMiddle and Smoky Hill High School
Parents' Council representative Smoky Hill High School
PTCO Executive Board Smoky Hill High School
PTCO President Smoky Hill High School
Student Mentor - Laredo Middle School
The biggest issues facing CCSD now:
1. Closing the achievement gap, while simultaneously raising the achievement level of all students.
2. Preparing all students with the knowledge, creativity, and innovative talent they will need to successfully compete in a global economy.
3. Providing a safe and secure environment for our students.
4. Recruiting and retaining inspirational teachers.
5. Building and maintaining educational facilities.
Why I am running:
I believe it is my responsibility to provide stability and continuity for the Cherry Creek School District. The knowledge I have gained from seven years experience will help future board members understand the values and culture of Cherry Creek.
Editor's note: YourHub.com is seeking candidate profiles for the upcoming November election. If you are running for the APS or CCSD school board, contact Julius Vaughns at 303-954-2967 to submit your own profile or click here to post it online. All profiles will be run in the print edition in late September or October.