Challengers: Rasheeda Campbell
Why do you want to serve on the school board, and what qualifications do you bring to the role?
During the time my children were enrolled in school. I was very involved with the Southern PTA and Gunning Bedford PTA, the Parent Advisory Council, supporting three district referendums, participating on the community marketing team. Currently, I serve on the Financial Oversight Committee. I have a passion for education and serving our community. I have supported teachers in the classrooms and our administrators. I would like to extend this to serving on the school board. As an entrepreneur and financial planner, I bring the experience in stewardship, accountability and long-term planning. I want to partner with the leadership and offer thoughtful insight and help the district continue with its upward trajectory.
What specific changes would you want to bring to how the school board currently operates?
I would not look at making changes at this time. My goal is to be collaborative and bring additional insight. Our current board does a great job of keeping students and staff first. Our 5-year strategic plan was approved. I would like to take time to assess before suggesting changes.
What specific action is required to address student achievement gaps and support underserved populations (students with disabilities, English language learners, and those from low-income families)?
Colonial has been engaged in the Delaware Early Literacy Playbook program with the DDOE for three years. This program has progressed well for the elementary students, and they will expand it to the secondary schools. This is one of the focuses in our 5 years strategic plan. Continuing with this program will help to decrease the student achievement gaps.
What specific changes should be made at schools to make the classroom a safer and more effective environment for maximizing learning and instruction (teaching)?
Colonial has done tremendous work in this area. We created secure entries at all the schools and add resource officers were appropriate. An area we can continue work on is social and emotional wellness. We have implemented several wellness programs with yoga mediation for the students along with implementing spaces for the staff. This is one of the pillars for our strategic plan. We have a good foundation to build upon.
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?
I would like to create a safe space for parent engagement with the board outside of the board meetings. One idea, a quarterly chat with a board member at the various schools. The board is open to meet with parents who have questions at any time. It could be beneficial to schedule a formal time.
I believe our district does a good job with engaging parents at the individual schools. They host events that are family centered and other support programs.
How do you plan to address chronic absenteeism and student retention, especially in early grades and high school?
I believe that the progress in the Early Literacy Playbook will help with chronic absenteeism and student retention. If we can get students engaged early when they enter school this will help reduce these issues. Students who feel a part of the school and see success in their classes tend to want to stay in school. Additionally, addressing social and emotional wellness challenges can add it the reduction of these challenges. Our strategic plan has a pillar dedicated to Wellness.
School districts oversee multi-million dollar budgets, supported by taxpayers. What steps will you propose to ensure that the money is being spent wisely and efficiently on student instruction?
I currently serve on the Colonial Financial Oversight Committee. We review the district budgets and spending each month. If possible, I would continue with my position. After serving on the committee for over 10 years, I have witnessed the money being spent appropriately on student instruction.
What is your stance on standardized testing, and how would you ensure that assessments support student learning rather than drive instruction (“teach to the test”)?
Standardized testing can play a useful role in education, but it should be used as a tool for measuring rather than the primary driver for instruction. I believe that assessments should provide meaningful data about learning while still giving teachers the flexibility to teach critical thinking, creativity and problem solving. A balanced approach is needed to ensure that assessments support learning rather than control instruction.