Collectively, we’ve been through a lot in recent years: a global pandemic, a national reckoning with racism, redistricted school boundaries and a historic teacher’s strike. Trust needs to be rebuilt between our families, teachers and the district with earnest efforts to repair the hurt and harm that has been caused. I commit to doing this through proactive and responsive communication, a commitment to strong governance, equitable decision-making and academic excellence.

Strong Governance

I’m clear on the role of a school board director: a) we partner with our superintendent to ensure our policies are implemented with fidelity so our strategic goals for student outcomes are met, and b) we monitor and plan for the financial health of our district. An effective school board member understands their role to be one that listens to diverse constituent voices and considers the impact of decisions on the children we serve. As a board director, you can always count on me to be honest, transparent and act with integrity while working to build consensus across the board and district when faced with hard decisions.

Sustainable Future

MPS is cutting $110 million across our district for the next school year with no clear plan for the long-term sustainability of our schools. There's no doubt that school district finances are complex, but the reason we got here is because there has been a lack of leadership willing to make hard decisions that account for the reality that we have been spreading our resources too thin for too long. I know that in order to have a system of well-resourced schools where all kids are getting what they need, MPS needs to immediately reduce our spending to be financially sound. Asking the state to close the funding cross subsidies is an important long-term strategy, but we have to be able to demonstrate we are smart with the funding we have now.

Safe Schools

Every student’s physical and mental well-being is an integral part of their education. Our schools need to be places where they feel safe showing up as who they are. Our neighborhoods need to be places our children can thrive outside of the school day. I will build bridges with partners at the state, county and city level to ensure we’re all focused on the holistic needs of our students and their families and listen deeply to the community voices advocating for what they need.

Excellent Instruction

Schools should be places where children go to be curious and find their passions while receiving excellent instruction in core curriculum areas. My number one priority when elected to the board will be to advocate that resources be directed to urgently address reading achievement in MPS, aiming to drastically increase the proficiency levels for BIPOC students. Access to high-quality, evidence-based instruction that teaches kids how to read by 3rd grade is critical if we expect them to be successful later in school and in life. We also need equitable access to advanced coursework, STEM, Arts and CTE experiences because every student’s brilliance is uniquely their own. Integral to this vision are teachers that are supported, respected and empowered to do their best work. At the end of the day, we all need to be held accountable for the outcomes of our students.

Children are creative, wise and hopeful. As the adults in the room, we have to lead with the same kind of hope that a better future is possible because the children are counting on us. I believe that we can come together as a community to address our budget crisis, establish innovative long-term solutions, and support our students and teachers to create a culture of joy and abundance in every school.