ABOUT THE ISSUES
Relationships fail without trust. We may not always agree, but we can work together through disagreements when trust is present. I will work to build and maintain trust with stakeholders of all levels. We are truly better together, and listening to differing opinions with an open mind is the pathway to the most effective solutions to problems.
PRESSING ISSUES FOR SPS
Supporting our Teachers
Our teachers are our most valuable asset. We must go above and beyond to provide them the necessary support so they can focus on their primary duty of Instruction. Support means many things - good pay, properly staffed buildings and adequately supplied classrooms, administration intervention for problematic behaviors and time and knowledge to be able to adhere to IEP/504s just to name a few. The district must focus on improving morale and find creative ways to combat the numbers of teachers leaving. This includes developing stronger volunteer and community participation paths where possible to lighten the load.
Supporting Collaboration
Suffolk continues to grow at a rapid pace. It is imperative city leaders set aside appropriate funding for the infrastructure needs to support the growing student population. It is also past time to work with the city to repurpose the old Driver Elementary School.
Supporting Greater Transparency
Without transparency, there is no trust. We must encourage public engagement and involvement in the district. Our school district is charged with the important task of building our future leaders. We must lead by example to be successful in this endeavor. As leaders at all levels, we must say what we mean, do as we say and not do or say things in private we are unwilling to repeat in public. As a board member, I recognize it will be impossible to please all people all the time, but I promise to listen to those willing to engage with an open mind and to always make choices I believe to be in the best interest of the students and staff effected by the issues at hand.
Supporting Accountability
Accountability is needed at all levels from parents, staff, board members, students and community members. We must foster an environment where raising concerns is encouraged in order to find solutions to legitimate problems, rather than an environment where retribution is feared. We must support a culture of continuous improvement. We must take credit for not only our successes, but also our failures. We must recognize we are all supposed to be on the same team.