1. What experience do you have that has prepared you to be on the School Board?
While I don’t think any one experience or profession prepares you to be a good school board candidate, there are certain qualities that are important. You need time, energy, and a passion to serve every child in the community along with the ability to ignore the noise so you can do what’s best for students and teachers. I have served for 4 years on the board and am proud of my record and the experience that I’ve gained while serving.What experience do you have that has prepared you to be on the School Board?
2. What do you think is the most pressing issue facing our school district right now?
Funding is the obvious answer, and we continue to fight at a federal and state level by advocating with our representatives. But more locally, ideological differences are a very pressing matter. Some Rs want God back in school and this idea of an “America First” curriculum, which is not in the best interest of most students. Public schools need to be free from religion and bias to maintain integrity.
3. Do you think schools should be maintained as sensitive locations for all students regardless of immigration status?
100% yes. All kids should feel safe in schools.
4. Do you believe all students should have access to public education, regardless of immigration status?
Absolutely. Federal and state laws are clear that all students, regardless of immigration status, are entitled to a free, public education. I personally believe that educating all children in the community is the duty of society and the right thing to do.
5. Do you think school discipline is best handled by the principal’s office and school staff or by police officers in schools?
School discipline is best handled by the principal’s office and school staff. There is good evidence that police officers don’t make schools safer, but rather black and brown children are more harshly punished. There is one police officer employed currently by WSD due to community demand, and I have mixed feelings about that.
6. Do you support sex education classes in our schools?
Yes, I believe teaching sex education is important so all students have an understanding of their own bodies and sexuality. Respecting other people and their bodies goes along with that, and while every parent can choose what they share with their child in accordance with their own beliefs, school should provide an unbiased, science-based curriculum with regards to health and sex.
7. Do you believe it is important to teach all people’s histories in schools, including those of African, Asian, Latine, Native American, and European descent?
Yes. Different perspectives teach empathy and critical thinking. Having an educated population who understand different perspectives makes society better.
