Teachers are the backbone of our schools, and their success is directly linked to the success of our students. I will advocate for a district culture where educators are appropriately compensated and authentically supported by administration. My goal is to align our budget with our values, ensuring that those on the front lines of education have the resources and stability they need to thrive
As the previous General Counsel for the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, I know first-hand how important it is that students have access to college-level courses and vocational education during high school. My goal is to ensure that Center High School students have access to as many college prep classes and vocational education opportunities as possible. The district does a great job of providing these opportunities and I intend to ensure these opportunities are supported and expanded.
Small urban school districts frequently face complex fiscal challenges. As a member of the school board, I am committed to a rigorous annual review of the budget to ensure that every dollar spent aligns with our core educational priorities while maintaining long-term financial stability.
Research consistently demonstrates that pre-Kindergarten family engagement positively correlates to improved academic outcomes. It is my priority to improve outcomes for our students, so we must invest in them before they enter Kindergarten. I view the Yellowjacket Early Learning Center (YELC) as a critical priority, and I will work to ensure that every administrative and budgetary decision reinforces YELC’s stability and ability to serve the youngest students in the district.
Further, when I have the opportunity, I will also advocate for YELC and the Parents as Teachers program to members of the community to help engage more families in the programs.
I believe we must distinguish between equality and equity. As the saying goes, equality is giving every student the exact same pair of shoes and equity is giving every student a pair of shoes that actually fits them.
In a district as diverse as ours, an equality approach to funding and programming doesn’t work. It leaves too many children behind. My priority is to ensure the district focuses on equitable outcomes.
The district does a great job with the work it is doing at Center Academy for Success, where district staff are able to meet the students where they are and give them the tools and support to succeed. I will work to continue and expand these programs by intentionally directing our district’s resources to the schools and students that face the greatest challenges.
To succeed in school, students must feel safe. Too many students face bullying from their peers at school and online. The school district has a duty to protect students from bullying, just like it does to protect students from violence. This is an issue that is particularly personal to me.
As a board member, I will advocate for evidence-based anti-bullying policies with measurable outcomes. By establishing clear metrics, the board and staff can objectively evaluate effectiveness and remain agile in addressing the evolving needs of our students.
Further, I will advocate for using resources to provide quality mental health support for students facing bullying. The school district employs incredible social workers, and I want to ensure they have all the resources they need to help struggling students.
Artificial Intelligence will play a large role in the future of education, though exactly what that will look like remains to be seen. The School Board has a duty to ensure that Center students’ safety and privacy online remain protected, while also taking advantage of the opportunities afforded to us by this new tool.
