I will continue to work to help close the achievement gap in our district by making sure that each student gets the support they need to achieve. I believe that every child has a right to access educational resources and opportunities to prepare them for success. Unfortunately, the pandemic has further increased the achievement gap in our schools and there are many children that are still struggling academically as a result. Our district needs to ensure that students can thrive by setting a high standard of academic excellence through quality instruction and opportunities for all students.
The reality is that more and more students are exhibiting learning, behavioral and emotional problems and the pandemic has only exasperated this reality. Students across all demographics have suffered and we need to advocate for these students and provide comprehensive approaches to give each student what they need emotionally and academically so they can succeed. Our teachers and staff need the tools and resources to assess and help our students so they can feel safe and supported at school in order to work up to their individual potential. Providing comprehensive Mental Health and Special Education services help address barriers to learning and provide supports to students to help them achieve in school and life.
Equity and inclusion in education is about providing equal access to curriculum and programming for all students within an educational setting. I believe that it is a vital aspect of education since it provides all students with a fair and equal chance of succeeding in school. It not only relates to ethnicity or race, but also includes students with disabilities and with different sexual orientations or gender identities. I am proud to have been a part of implementing our districts Racial Equity Resolution and I will continue to advocate for Equity and Inclusion in our schools. I believe that when students feel safe, supported, seen and heard, they will be more successful academically, socially, and emotionally.
I believe that it is important to plan ahead and be fiscally responsible in order for a school district to be successful now and into the future. Our districts fund balance has grown substantially in the past four years that I have been on the School Board, and I am proud of the work we have done with our finances. Although the pandemic had a negative impact on our finances, we have made great strides since then and are planning ahead for our district’s growth, while still remaining fiscally responsible. I believe that we need to continue to work together as a district and as a community to ensure that our tax dollars are spent wisely and are benefiting our children’s education and well-being.
