As a member of the District 7 School Board, my goal would be to address the diverse needs of our students by focusing on equity, inclusion, and tailored support for every child. I believe we must identify achievement gaps and work to eliminate disparities in access to resources, technology, and advanced programs, ensuring that all students have the tools they need to succeed. It’s essential to foster a culture of inclusivity by celebrating diversity in culture, language, and abilities while promoting curricula and teaching practices that reflect and respect the unique makeup of our district. Supporting English Language Learners is another priority, and I would advocate for expanding language assistance programs, hiring bilingual staff, and providing teacher training to better serve these students. Addressing the mental health and social-emotional needs of students is also critical, which means investing in counselors, social workers, and programs that teach resilience and conflict resolution skills. I am committed to creating diverse pathways for success, whether through college readiness programs, vocational training, or STEM and arts initiatives. For students with disabilities, I want to ensure that Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans are followed with fidelity and that teachers receive the training they need to provide effective, inclusive instruction. Building strong partnerships with families and the community is vital to addressing the needs of our students. I would work to improve communication with families by offering materials in multiple languages and collaborating with local organizations to connect students and families with additional resources. Data would play a key role in my approach, as I believe it’s important to regularly assess student performance and engagement to guide decisions about programs and resources.

If elected to the District 7 School Board, my top three priorities would focus on improving student success, supporting educators, and fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment. First, I would prioritize ensuring that every student has the tools and resources they need to succeed academically and personally. This includes closing achievement gaps, expanding access to advanced academic programs, and providing diverse career pathways such as college readiness, vocational training, and STEM opportunities. I would also work to enhance social-emotional and mental health support by investing in counselors, psychologists, and programs that address students’ well-being. Second, I would focus on supporting our educators, who are the backbone of our schools. This means advocating for competitive salaries to attract and retain talented teachers, providing ongoing professional development, and ensuring they have the resources and technology necessary to meet the diverse needs of their students. When we invest in our teachers, we invest directly in the success of our students. Finally, I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all students feel valued and supported. I would advocate for anti-bullying initiatives, restorative justice practices, and policies that promote equity and inclusion for every child, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances. By addressing safety, inclusion, and a positive school culture, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive. These priorities are rooted in my belief that a strong school district is the foundation of a strong community, and I am dedicated to working collaboratively with families, educators, and stakeholders to achieve these goals.

The best and most cost-effective way to support teachers and staff in the school district is to focus on meaningful investments that empower educators, foster professional growth, and create a positive working environment without overburdening budgets. First, I would prioritize providing ongoing, high-quality professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of teachers and staff. This includes workshops, mentorship programs, and access to online training resources that focus on effective teaching strategies, classroom management, and addressing diverse student needs. Leveraging local partnerships, grants, and in-house expertise can help reduce costs while still providing valuable training opportunities. Second, I would work to ensure teachers and staff have the tools and resources they need to succeed in the classroom. This includes maintaining open communication to understand their challenges, addressing issues like outdated technology or insufficient supplies, and reallocating existing funds to focus on classroom needs. Streamlining purchasing processes and negotiating bulk discounts for materials can make this effort more cost-effective. Finally, I would advocate for creating a supportive work environment that fosters retention and morale. This includes recognizing and celebrating teachers’ and staff members' contributions, implementing mentorship programs for new educators, and promoting wellness initiatives to support their mental and physical health. Additionally, improving communication between staff and administration can help address concerns early and collaboratively, reducing turnover and associated costs.

The best way to ensure financial responsibility for the school district is to focus on transparency, efficient resource allocation, and strategic long-term planning to maximize the impact of every dollar spent. First, I would prioritize transparency in the budgeting process. This includes presenting clear, detailed reports to the community, outlining how funds are allocated, and ensuring stakeholders understand the district’s financial priorities. Regularly hosting budget workshops or public forums can foster trust, provide opportunities for input, and help align spending with community values and needs. Second, I would advocate for efficient resource allocation by focusing on investments that directly benefit students and classrooms. This means regularly evaluating programs and initiatives to determine their effectiveness and redirecting funds from underperforming areas to high-impact priorities such as teacher support, technology, and student services. Partnering with local businesses, nonprofits, and state or federal grant programs can also provide additional funding without increasing the burden on taxpayers. Finally, I would emphasize strategic long-term financial planning to ensure the district remains financially stable. This includes maintaining healthy reserve funds, planning for future capital projects like facility maintenance or upgrades, and addressing issues such as rising operational costs proactively. By conducting regular audits and exploring cost-saving measures, like energy-efficient upgrades or shared services agreements with other districts, we can reduce expenses while maintaining high-quality education.

I believe the best way to engage parents and the community in decision-making for the school district is to foster open, transparent, and consistent communication while creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration. I would prioritize holding regular town hall meetings, workshops, and forums where parents and community members can share their concerns, ask questions, and provide input on key decisions. It’s important to meet people where they are by offering multiple ways to participate, whether in person, virtually, or through surveys and feedback forms. Building trust starts with transparency, so I would ensure that the district clearly communicates plans, goals, and financial decisions, making information easily accessible through newsletters, social media, and the district’s website. I would also advocate for creating parent and community advisory groups to serve as a bridge between stakeholders and the school board, providing ongoing feedback and diverse perspectives. Finally, I would focus on building strong relationships with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders to create partnerships that support our schools and students. By actively listening to parents and the community and involving them in the decision-making process, we can build a stronger, more connected district that reflects the values and priorities of the families it serves.

I believe the best way to integrate technology and prepare students for future careers is to focus on providing equitable access to modern tools, teaching digital literacy, and aligning educational programs with the skills needed in a rapidly evolving workforce. First, we must ensure that all students have access to up-to-date technology, including devices, reliable internet, and software that supports their learning. This means investing in classroom technology and offering resources for students to use at home, so no child is left behind due to financial barriers. Second, I would prioritize teaching digital literacy and critical thinking skills to help students navigate and succeed in a technology-driven world. This includes incorporating coding, data analysis, and digital communication into the curriculum, while also teaching students about internet safety, responsible technology use, and media literacy. Finally, I would advocate for expanding career-focused programs that align with future job market demands. By integrating STEM education, trade programs, and internships into our schools, we can prepare students for careers in fields like engineering, healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Partnering with local businesses and industries to provide hands-on learning opportunities will give students the real-world experience they need to thrive after graduation.

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