Why are you running for school board?
I am running for the open Smyrna school board position to assist with the education of our children, to provide transparency, and accountability.
How will you use your experiences and background to approach your role as a member of the school board?
I will use my leadership skills to help improve the ability of the school board to meet the needs of the parents, the students, and the teacher.
Which do you believe is more important for achieving higher academic achievement: greater funding or better reforms? Briefly explain.
Better reforms to bring the school districts into the 21st century.
Name 1 or 2 changes or policies you will support that will raise the academic achievement of all students in your district.
One policy change that can improve the academic level of students is to implement smaller class sizes. Research shows that smaller classes allow for more individualized attention, increased student engagement, and improved academic performance.
Additionally, providing professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance their instructional strategies and adapt to diverse learning needs can also significantly impact student achievement.
What changes should be made at schools to make the classroom a more effective environment for maximizing learning and instruction (teaching)?
To make classrooms safer and improve the learning environment, schools can consider implementing the following changes:
1. Enhancing school security measures, such as installing security cameras, implementing visitor check-in systems, and conducting regular safety drills.
2. Creating a positive and inclusive classroom culture through social-emotional learning programs, anti-bullying initiatives, and conflict resolution training.
3. Providing adequate resources and support for students with diverse learning needs to ensure all students feel valued and supported.
4. Promoting open communication between teachers, students, and parents to address any concerns and foster a sense of community within the school.
Many educators say that not all parents are engaged enough with their children's education.
How can the school board create policies that help forge a closer relationship and involvement among parents, their children and educators?
One effective way the school board can change policies to encourage parent participation is by implementing flexible meeting times and formats. By offering virtual attendance options, evening meetings, and translated materials, we can accommodate a wider range of parents’ schedules and needs.
Additionally, creating advisory committees composed of parents to provide feedback on proposed policies ensures that their voices are heard and valued in the decision-making process. Ultimately, by fostering a more welcoming and inclusive environment, the school board can empower parents to actively engage in shaping the future of our educational system..
Recent federal executive orders for K-12 schools prohibit schools from promoting gender and radical ideologies. Another order prohibits boys from girls' sports and restrooms. Schools that don't comply could risk federal funds.
How do you believe the school board should respond to these orders?
Those decisions about curriculum and gender policies are best left to state and local governments, unless, of course, it involves basic civil rights issues. We still have much to learn about gender identity and have to carefully adopt humane and inclusive policies along the way; but the current furor over that issue is overblown and ill informed. Also, what some call “radical” ideologies are just what is outside their own views of history and beliefs about human nature. We can never legislate our beliefs on others.