Fighting for more funding on every level
I know that most school professionals set out to do their jobs to the best of their ability, every single day. However, with persistent public education funding cuts, staff can't provide high-quality education. According to niche.com, D7 currently has a C in Academics. Based on test scores (please interpret with caution) a 23% reading proficiency average and a 16% math proficiency average. To me, this means that everyone who supports public education (especially members on the school board) should be lobbying, staying in contact with state/local reps, and keeping abreast of legislation to get more funding for teaching resources so they can deliver a comprehensive and competitive educational curriculum. With adequate and accessible resources, we can help our students achieve higher test scores, and most importantly we can address the disparities that cause achievement gaps.
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​(Source): https://www.niche.com/k12/d/dearborn-heights-school-district-no-7-mi/academics/
Strong focus on community engagement
As I have mentioned before, equipping parents with factual and updated information on educational, mental health matters, in turn, helps them improve their quality of life. Parents, students, and staff should be given the ongoing opportunity to voice their concerns and work collaboratively with leadership to address them. Information should continue to be given at school board meetings and through the D7 District website. If elected I would work towards improving Q&A formats (e.g., timeframe in which a response to a question has to be given, a clear and rational system that dictates what type of questions can be asked/answered at meetings). I would be an advocate for the removal of the centralized method of communication and move towards a more decentralized system.
Mental health service accessibility
Anxiety and depression rates are increasing for specialty populations including the LGBTQ community, caregivers, students, veterans/active duty, people with chronic health, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Our youth and young adults are experiencing higher than normal rates of anxiety and depression more than any other population. Anxiety rates for this age group were around 80% of screened participants. 90% of screened participants in this age group were also experiencing symptoms of depression. Themes of grief loss and financial issues are mentioned in nearly 1 out of every 4 anxiety screenings in May of this year, with similar themes being found in depression screenings.
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This is what is showing up in D7 classrooms that is having a negative effect on teachers' ability to teach. Consequentially, it's hindering a child's capacity to learn.
If elected, this is the type of information I will vote to be shared at school board meetings that parents can 1. Notice these signs in their children and themselves. 2. If these signs of depression and anxiety are present, they are now able to inform the school social workers and counselors who are designated to help students manage symptoms throughout the school day. It gives everyone time to give and get preventive support around these matters. Early prevention and removal of mental health barriers ultimately lead to positive educational outcomes.
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(Source): https://nationalhealthcouncil.org/blog/mental-health-america-data-shows-impacts-of-covid-19-on-mental-health/
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Diversify the curriculum
Having a diversified curriculum has so many benefits for all D7 students which include the following;
- Better Prepare Students for a Global Economy.
- Build Confidence Later In Life
- Promote Empathy and Reduces Prejudice
- Improve Student Achievement
- Foster Creativity
As a board member, I would work with other board members to explore the benefits and implementation of a diversity committee, whose purpose would be to implement, monitor, and provide updated feedback on the effectiveness of the chosen diversified curriculum(s).