Real connection.
A couple weeks ago I threw a campaign launch! Thanks to all who attended to show your support for public education and having me represent District 6 for the USD 259 School Board! I was so encouraged by the turnout of neighbors from across the city, friends, parents, community advocates, WPS STAFF and STUDENTS!!
It was exceptionally humid that day, and thankfully we had treats provided by neighbors along with some amazing paletas donated from Paleteria La Reyna (at 2925 N Arkansas)! Kids made seed bombs to plant at home (because gardening is one of the best metaphors for education) provided by An Otter in Oz, decorated the sidewalks and played with bubbles and yard games. Attendees got to listen to a WPS teacher, WPS para, and community member speak about why this election is so important before I grabbed the microphone and sang Whitney Houston’s Greatest Love of All. Totally kidding on that last part. I do “believe the children are our future” and we should “teach them well and let them lead the way, “ but I do NOT sing into microphones.
Jokes aside, this is what it’s about—connection and finding ways to get together and share ideas and encourage students and staff. I believe that the more we build out ways to engage parents, admin, students and all stakeholders, the stronger we can make our public education system! We have to hear from the people in the classrooms and buildings.
As a board member I want to prioritize in-person communication. I think it’s very important for the elected board members to meet directly with parents, constiuents, teachers/staff, and students directly. Don’t hesitate to CONNECT with me.
I look forward to seeing how Site Councils and PTSOs are working at schools in the district and which schools have high or low participation, and how we can address the needs of those families to make connection easier. Funds for childcare are available for some schools- are they utilized?
But connection is not just about being physically present. I’ve attended many listening sessions, curriculum nights, strategic plannning and bond sessions, but frequently leave feeling like my voice wasn’t heard or that the decisions were already made and the meeting was merely to check a box- community feedback done. If we want families to participate and give of their precious time in the evenings, it has to matter! We want to find ways to educate discuss how about District-level decisions truly play out at the student level and just as importantly, the school board members need to hear the nitty gritty about what parents and caregivers and students care about.
I want to be realistic about my capabilities as one board member for all of District 6. While I look forward meeting with as many groups and individuals as possible, I also want to set us up for success. I am going to give my all- that’s just how I do it- but it does no good to create a system where the only way you feel heard at the board level is to meet directly with me. There are many ways for parents to give meaningful feedback and participate in district decisions, but I gotta say, it’s hard to find out what those are unless you’re asked to be on a committee. We can improve on this. I see a way that we can build a better network of communication and identify parents and caregivers at each school to be steady points of contact for sharing current stressors and successes.
At the school level, most schools have student groups, councils and meetings to let student leaders bring up their concerns. Developing students’ agency in their education is necessary and fun! Kids are amazing at identifying some of the solutions that grownups miss. And it’s more than just asking for a gaga ball pit for their playground (which some of my kids’ classmates suggested and thankfully the school was able to find funds for it). As a board member, I hope to attend some of these meetings and see student leaders in action.
One avenue that I’m unaware of is a district-wide school group meeting. As a part of my kids’ school Parent Teacher Organization, some of my fellow PTO members and I have thought about gathering representatives from all PTO, PTA, and Booster clubs together to trade ideas, connect parents and share in efforts. I can imagine how dynamic this district would be when these groups of parent/caregiver/staff leaders gather and learn about the other schools and their unique offerings, connect with resources and become a collective force for advocating for public schools.
I’m supportive of the new efforts to coordinate between our City Council, County Commission and WPS. I think it’s a great example of the importance of getting people together in the same room. Now we need to dig in on the barriers that keep more parents from engaging with the district.
As a school board member, I look foward to continuing to reach out and make connections across district 6 and the broader community so that I can have your voices, values and insight at hand and in my ear as I advocate for students and staff.
If you have a gathering, meeting, PTO event, neighborhood association or other group event that you’d like to invite me to so I can hear your thoughts and introduce myself, please reach out!