Why are you running for school board?
As a substitute teacher with Kelly Education Services, I’ve seen the challenges students, families, and educators face, including a recent school day marked by a bomb threat, fights, and a teacher being knocked over. As a parent, I’ve navigated a broken system, dealing with racism, discrimination, and academic struggles. These experiences drive my commitment to advocate for student safety, well-being, and educational success, ensuring every student has the support they need to thrive.
How will you use your experiences and background to approach your role as a member of the school board?
As a substitute teacher, parent, and community advocate, I’ve gained firsthand insight into the challenges our schools face. I’ve witnessed unsafe environments, limited resources, and the impact of a broken public school system on students and families. My work with the ACLU, One Purpose Food Pantry, and leadership development with Network Delaware has strengthened my ability to advocate for educational equity, student safety, and access to essential resources. I will lead with integrity and transparency, using these experiences to ensure every student has the support they need to thrive academically and personally.
Which do you believe is more important for achieving higher academic achievement: greater funding or better reforms? Briefly explain.
I believe better reforms are more important for achieving higher academic achievement. While funding is essential, it’s the way resources are allocated and the policies implemented that have a more direct impact on student outcomes. Better reforms can ensure that extra funding is used to support schools that need it the most. Reforms can address systemic issues, such as equity and access, that prevent students, particularly students of color, those with disabilities, and English language learners from reaching their full potential, making them crucial for long-term academic success.
Name 1 or 2 changes or policies you will support that will raise the academic achievement of all students in your district.
I would support making it mandatory for every educator to have a coach in the classroom at least twice a month during the school day. This would provide teachers with continuous professional development and direct support to improve teaching effectiveness. Additionally, I would advocate for allocating school funds based on the specific resources and support each child needs to excel, ensuring that every student receives the individualized attention and tools necessary for success.
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 more effective, we should implement clear behavioral expectations and restorative practices, reduce class sizes for individualized attention, and provide increased access to mental health support for students. Additionally, ongoing professional development for teachers in areas like classroom management and culturally responsive teaching. Allowing room for student-centered learning where student’s voices are heard will improve engagement and reduce disruptive behaviors.
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?
Regularly send mailers and emails to keep families informed about personal updates and school events. Host community meetings for parents without transportation. Reach out to parents to share positive student achievements, not just concerns. Offer house visits as an option for educators to build stronger connections with families.
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?
The school board should prioritize the safety and respect of all students. They should collaborate with legal experts to understand how to comply with the new rules while avoiding funding cuts and still supporting fairness and inclusion. Additionally, the board should reach out to Delaware state legislators to explore potential state funding options in case the district loses federal support.
More information
Janiene has also completed an ACLU survey. See her responses here.