Michele Dial – Candidate for Board of Commissioners – Biography
I was born and raised in a small town in Arkansas. I’m a rice farmer’s granddaughter and a small business owner’s granddaughter and daughter. Both my grandmother and mother were educators. From them I learned the value of a good education and the ability to always be able to take care of myself. During my high school days, I was on the swim team, a cheerleader, a member of DECA, and played in the marching and concert bands where I won numerous distinctions at competitions. I am a hunter, fisherwoman, bird watcher, horseback rider, boater, gardener, and lover of all God’s beautiful creations. I have always been a real people person working in retail, banking, as a tour guide, church committee leader, and Bible Study host. I am an avid reader and very artsy when it comes to making things and decorating. I am also a professional organizer, party planner, and special event coordinator.
I came to Memphis in 1985 to finish my Undergraduate degree, BSed at then Memphis State University. When I received my MEd, with a 4.0 GPA, it had become The University of Memphis. I took jobs with DeSoto County Schools, Shelby County Schools, and am currently a Bartlett City Schools employee. My teaching career spans 25 years, and I am in my 5th year as an Assistant Principal at Bon Lin Elementary.
During my tenure as a K-3 teacher, I took on every leadership opportunity presented and worked hard to distinguish myself and stand out as a leader. I earned the title of Master Teacher and Professional Learning Teacher Leader, founded LES Go Green Team, coordinated the WatchDog Dads group and spoke at the Lakeland Lions Club about our program. I chaired the LES Publicity Committee, graduated from the Aspiring Administrators Academy, and was chosen to be the Elementary liaison on the Power Standards Committee. I was the Director of Camp Invention for several years. I was invited by the City to sit on the LSS Transition Board, chaired the LSS Academic Polices committee, and was chosen by my peers to be on the LSS Principal Interview team when Principal Lockhart was hired.
I have a very agreeable friendly personality and a positive attitude about everything! I am a hard worker and all of my accomplishments show that I can and will do my best in every endeavor I pursue.
What is your vision for Lakeland over the next four years?
My vision is to see Lakeland continue to grow, prosper and be an all-inclusive welcoming community for families, even more-so than it is right now, where citizens feel proud to live and see as a place of beauty and high standards.
Goals:
*A complete state-of-the-art K – 12 school system where all receive the best educational opportunities possible. All City’s school systems draw residents. This is a necessary need in the very near future.
*Attract a healthy mix of businesses that will meet citizens’ needs by utilizing the talents and energies of the IDB and the Chamber of Commerce; especially utilizing the availability of space during the development of the Lake District. Increasing the tax base through sales tax revenue is crucial.
*Safe, beautiful, maintained parks and recreation programs to accommodate the variety of interests of our citizenry.
*Infrastructure preservation by performing routine and preventative maintenance. Utilizing cost-saving products and measures will continue to be a priority in the budget.
*Bring a substation to Lakeland by planning and coordinating with the Shelby County Sherriff. The safety and security of our citizens is of the utmost importance.
What is the major issue for Lakeland now and how do you address it?
The major issue in Lakeland is the divisive nature of our citizens. Facebook posts are our enemy because they have provided a platform for every comment posted to be dissected and twisted into negativity and fake news. I would rather be annoyingly positive and optimistic than destructively negative and hateful. Our world is spinning out of control with bitterness and entitlement. Our city doesn’t have to be, and we have the power to change it!
I propose a Volunteer Board be formed which will be made up of one representative from each area of the city. We will meet quarterly to discuss the needs of each area, which will in effect build trust in City leaders and staff that is sorely lacking. This board will have the facts and research for upcoming projects/ideas and realize the difficulty of decisions that have to be made, having a voice in making them.
Why are you the person needed to guide the City’s future? List your capabilities.
First and foremost, I am highly respected in our community for having positively impacted countless lives as an educator, leader and active member of our community. My character is indisputable, and my values are deeply rooted in my faith, as well as my conservative southern roots. I am open-minded; always actively seeking and listening to others’ input and studying and scrutinizing issues to be able to make informed decisions as to what is best for the greater good of all impacted. Having common sense, intelligence and the natural ability to clearly communicate has led me to being highly successful in my field and as a public figure representing our city.
Describe your involvement in the Lakeland community.
Taught at LES 14 years
Former BOC member
Parks and Rec Board liaison
Coordinated assistance for elderly Lakeland couple who lost their home to fire.
Participated in planning & working city functions (set up/clean up, emcee Fall Festival)
Attend sporting events, fishing rodeo, LAMP concerts, PTA events, BOC meetings, and interviews for new City Manager.
