I’ve connected with many of you and have truly appreciated hearing your perspectives, priorities, and experiences over the past couple months. I’ve been able to hear encouraging comments about our schools, our outstanding educators, and the unique strengths of our community. You’ve also shared with me opportunities and ideas for how we can enhance various aspects of the education experience for our students.
Regardless of the level of excellence for an organization, workplace, team, or in this case, a school district, there are always opportunities for improvement. As we learn more, we can continually improve the quality and experience of our schools.
As a candidate for Oakwood School Board, I commit to elevating your voice and working toward appropriate resolutions to ensure our schools are the best they can be. There are a variety of important issues facing our school district. Concerns such as communication, fiscal health, and inclusion for all learners are some of the core themes that have risen to the top.
We must enhance transparent and bi-directional communication between schools and the community, ensuring parents and guardians are collaborators in the decision-making progress.
Increasing opportunities for family engagement at schools, inviting families into the appropriate communication channels, and explaining the why behind school decisions are critical for healthy communication and collective understanding.
Maintaining fiscal health and wisely stewarding tax-payer dollars are foundational to advancing the district’s legacy of excellence.
It is important to stretch tax-payer dollars as far as possible, while simultaneously ensuring robust instruction and academic success. To successfully support the district’s budget and promote community buy-in, it is critical to continue communicating expenses, operational and facilities’ needs, future opportunities, and strategies for maintaining financial health.
Promoting inclusion by fostering a sense of safety, belonging and inclusion is essential for all learners to thrive.
This need is inclusive of our students who have a 504 Plan or are receiving some type of special education services, for instance; it is essential to provide the appropriate differentiation and accommodations to ensure equitable access to high-quality education. Full inclusion also promotes safety and belonging for students representing the rich tapestry of diversity within our schools – students of color, students with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), and students who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, just to name a few.
Ensuring a true sense of inclusion for learners of all identities, experiences, and varying needs requires an intentional application of evidence-based practices, collaborative efforts, and long-term commitment to effectively meet the diverse needs of our student body.
As you evaluate your options for whom to vote on November 7th, I certainly hope that my experience in education and commitment to meeting the needs of all learners resonate with you and will earn your vote. I am eager to elevate your voice and bring my expertise to the board.