Occupation/Current Position
Professor and Higher Education Consultant
Education
Georgetown University Bachelor of Arts in Government & Classics, University of Notre Dame Law School Juris Doctor, University of Phoenix Masters in Business Administration in E-commerce
Campaign Phone
5743449134
Candidate video
I am running for school board because South Bend’s future rests on ensuring every child has access to high-quality public schools. My top two priorities are increasing student achievement and attracting and retaining the best employees.
To do this, we must keep expanding our pre-k offerings to reach and strengthen students early on. Our curriculum must focus on areas that will help to improve the graduation rate and prepare students for accountability assessments such as IREAD-3, ILEARN, and the SAT.
Finally, the most important resource for any organization is its people. Our teachers and other educational professionals need proper support and tools to do their jobs. We must also work to continue increasing compensation for teachers, counselors, social workers, and other hourly employees.
Magnet programs are special instructional offerings at certain schools that appeal to individual families. It is important in education to meet students where they are. Offering several unique educational opportunities and programs that may not be available to students elsewhere helps drive enrollment. Magnet programs also allow families to place their children in schools that maximize their strengths, capabilities, and interests.
I would not advocate replacing the current magnet school model with a new one-size-fits-all educational model. Instead, I am committed to regularly evaluating all schools to determine their strengths and weaknesses. This approach ensures that programs and offerings are adjusted to match student and parent interests and supports programs that demonstrate effectiveness in driving student achievement.
The current board meets regularly and streams the meetings on the radio and online via a YouTube channel, satisfying the legal requirements for board meetings and access. However, there are always opportunities to be more transparent and to offer enhanced community access to the board.
One way to increase transparency and community access to board meetings is to allow online viewers to participate in the public input of board meetings. For example, the South Bend Common Council and the former Empowerment Zone board offer this option. Many community members have difficulty attending meetings in person and this would allow them to be involved. This would enhance public accessibility and ensure that all voices are heard. This would also drive greater transparency and engagement.
Schools must maintain order and demonstrate empathy toward students. Restorative justice practices can help address the underlying causes of negative student behavior. Additionally, schools should focus on encouraging good student behavior by recognizing positive actions rather than punishing poor behavior.
To address disparities in discipline, I suggest the following.
Finalize changes to the Code of Conduct after receiving further input from the Department of Justice.
Provide school staff with training in cultural competency and implicit bias.
Use data to identify and track disproportionate disciplinary actions.
Involve students and families in policy development to ensure diverse perspectives are considered.
Aim to create a more equitable and understanding approach to discipline.
The South Bend Community School Corporation increased its graduation rate by ten percent last year. This growth can be attributed to enhanced relationships with students and their families, ensuring that teachers had what they needed to maximize their efforts in the classroom, and using a strong curriculum that is supported by evidence-based practices.
To ensure continued improvement in the future, student instruction and support programs need to be based on evidence-based factors that effectively promote student achievement. The school system must also ensure that other student needs relating to their emotional and mental health are being met, as a deficiency in any of those areas can also cause a student to fall behind and not graduate, even if their academic prowess is sufficient to earn a diploma.
We must continue to grow and expand our pre-k educational offerings. This drives student enrollment and ensures that students get off to a good start in their educational careers.
To grow students' reading skills, I suggest the following.
Intervene early to identify and support struggling readers with targeted interventions.
Emphasize phonics, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension with a focus on the Science of Reading.
Reading materials should be engaging, diverse, varied, and culturally relevant.
Students should be encouraged to read with their family at home.
Provide teachers with ongoing training and proven tools to enhance instructional techniques and to stay current with best practices.
The focus on literacy should be in all core and elective subjects.
Funding inequality is the biggest barrier to enrollment growth. The greatest opportunity is community collaboration.
To increase student enrollment, I suggest the following.
We must ramp up our marketing efforts to ensure the public is fully aware of the many program offerings and opportunities at SBCSC.
This can be achieved by highlighting the success stories of our students, alumni, and families.
We should continue enhancing the magnet school offerings and programs while strengthening the traditional curriculum.
We can strengthen community ties by having a centralized and expanded CTE center that builds partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
We must be committed to our existing school buildings and facilities, invest in them to create a better learning environment, and avoid closing more schools in the future.
This criticism is fair if parents consistently feel they are not informed about school bus plans at the start of the school year. Families need to know how their children will get to school.
To address this, I suggest the following.
Once information about where students will attend school the following year is known, preliminary maps and schedules should be communicated before the end of the subsequent school year.
Updates via multiple channels, such as email, websites, and apps, can occur as needed throughout the summer. Then, the finalized bus schedules and route maps should be given at least thirty days before the start of school.
Surveys and focus groups should be conducted to gather feedback from parents about transportation issues and concerns, identify problems related to specific issues, and make necessary adjustments.
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Occupation/Current Position
Retired Educator
Education
BS; Masters; Administrative Certification
Candidate has not yet responded.
As a former product of the SBCSC, I went on to further my education by becoming a teacher. Having a strong passion for education and a commitment to serving teachers, students and the community, I believe that I can make a valuable contribution to the continuous success of our students and our schools. My first priority is to educational proficiency where all students are graduating at a level where they are prepared for a career choice. My second priority is the preservation of our public educational system. We have been bombarded with Charter Schools which is taking away from our public school system.
I am in favor of the magnet school concept. For me “magnet schools” mean providing students with greater opportunities to explore their interest in a career choice. It further prepares the students for the pace and rigor that they will encounter when they further their education/career. The one weakness that I find with the magnet programs is the “busing”. I believe that the magnet programs that are offered could best be served under one roof. Instead of closing Clay High School, turn Clay into a magnet school where all of the programs are housed at one school. Students could get all of their core subjects and their magnet subjects all in one building. Students would then be bused to Clay instead of all over the district, thus saving the corporation transportation issues and money. I believe that SBCSC should retain the magnet p
Based on what I have seen, the school board meetings seem to lack transparency to the public. Not everyone is informed about decisions that are made concerning our schools. It appears that the board makes decisions behind closed doors and the public is made to think that their input is needed before making a decision. Not all of the board members are aware to such decisions until it is presented at the meeting. I find that the board is divided because of not having all of the facts before hand. My example would be the contract that was made to use certain tennis courts on school properties. Every board member was not aware of this contract until it was time to vote on it. As a board member I will make sure that the board provides the public with the necessary information that will affect our stakeholders.
First the board needs to come to a consensus regarding the need to address the seriousness of student behavior in our schools and why they are acting out. The board must enforce the Student Code of Conduct to ensure the safety and education of all students and teachers. There needs to be mandatory parent involvement in our schools where parents become partners in their child’s education and behavior issues. We must also address the failure rate of the minority students at the elementary level which leads to behavior issues at middle and high school. By the time students are at the middle school level, they are frustrated because they can’t read so they act out. We must implement programs that have a history of making a difference with the more difficult students that will turn the students around.
This increase in graduation rate can be attributed to the efforts of the teachers, administrators, and counselors. However, my concern is what percent of our students are academically prepared for college or a vocational school? Are we just getting them graduated and ready for college and career or just getting them graduated to increase our rate? I would assess our students at the high school level to ensure that the students are on grade level in reading and math to make sure they are able to go to college if they desire or go into the work force with proficient skills in math and language arts.
In order to improve the reading skills of all of our students, SBCSC must invest in a research-based reading curriculum that meets the needs of our diverse student population. There needs to be smaller class sizes, particularly at the elementary level and ability-based grouping so that the students can experience success in reading. There also needs to be a reading specialist in every elementary school who can work with small groups of struggling students.
The SBCSC could increase the number of students who enroll in our schools by evaluating and improving our current curriculum/programs in the various schools. We could also look into programs that are being offered at the Charter Schools and see how/where it aligns with what we are offering. We need to research what is current in education and make changes in our schools where it applies for our diverse population. As a school corporation we must get competitive in our course selections and promoting our schools. Our biggest barriers for opportunities and growth comes from the lack of investing in our students and teachers. We must have programs and better salaries to draw the best and improve student performance.
I believe this is a fair statement. The SBCSC must do better with bus issues and communicating with the parents. The issues with bus drivers is universal, however SBCSC will need to do better with finding drivers who are committed to driving by doing extensive background checks related to previous employers and how long that person was on the job. I also believe parents are very mobile and they need to do better at communicating with transportation and the schools.
Occupation/Current Position
Intern - South Bend Schools | Youth & Family Coordinator - Indiana Parenting Institute of St. Joseph County (IPISJC)
Education
2022 Riley High School Graduate
Campaign Phone
574-383-6457
Candidate video
I am seeking a position on the South Bend Community School Corporation Board of Trustees because I firmly believe it is time for fresh perspectives and committed leadership to steer our schools. Our district is at a pivotal moment, where the choices we make today will significantly shape the future of our students, teachers, and community. As a dedicated public education professional, I’ve seen the impact of effective leadership and community involvement. If elected, my top priority will be ensuring every voice contributes to creating a supportive school system for all students. Another key priority will be closing the achievement gap by expanding out-of-school learning opportunities, especially in elementary schools, and directing funds to support students directly in the classroom.
The loss of the arts magnet at Clay High School raises critical questions about the role of magnet schools in our district. These schools offer specialized programs in areas like the arts, STEM, or language immersion, providing unique opportunities for students. The closure of Clay High's arts magnet highlights the need to reevaluate our magnet system, considering accessibility, sustainability, and impact on equity. We should involve all stakeholders—students, parents, teachers, and the community—in this transparent, data-driven review. I support creating specialized programs within neighborhood schools to offer focused education without requiring students to leave their home communities. Our decisions must prioritize what best serves our students, ensuring our educational models adapt to meet their evolving needs.
While the current board has made some progress in transparency, there is still room for enhancement. Recently, the board’s decision to limit public comment to just 45 minutes, allowing only 15 citizens to speak, has significantly restricted community input and eroded trust. To improve transparency, I will advocate for extending public comment periods. When I first ran for the school board in 2022, I committed to hosting annual town halls to engage with South Bend Schools stakeholders and provide detailed answers and clarity to ensure transparency in our public business.
Balancing order with empathy requires schools to adopt effective restorative practices that focus on understanding and resolving the root causes of behavior. Implementing proactive strategies like more diverse and stronger social-emotional learning and conflict resolution can help. Training staff in cultural competency and implicit bias is essential to ensure fair treatment for all students. To address disproportionate discipline, schools should analyze data to identify patterns and implement equitable policies. Engaging families and communities in the process can also help create a more supportive environment that values each student's unique background and needs.
One of the key factors behind the 10% increase in the graduation rate across South Bend Schools is their personalized approach, focusing on each student individually and tailoring support to their specific needs. It also reflects the hard work of our educators and students, as well as the successful implementation of targeted support programs. Enhanced academic resources, focused interventions, and community partnerships have driven this improvement. Additionally, specific programs like Ninth Hour (before & after school credit recovery) and Mini-Mester (a credit recovery initiative during designated calendar breaks) have significantly contributed to improving graduation rates. To continue this progress, I will advocate for ongoing investments in personalized learning, increased access to support, and diverse programs.
To address the low reading proficiency, especially with the new retention policy, we need a multi-faceted approach. First, enhance early literacy interventions by expanding reading support programs and professional development for teachers. Implement targeted reading instruction for struggling students and offer additional tutoring services. Strengthen partnerships with families by providing resources and workshops to support reading at home. Finally, evaluate and adjust our curriculum to ensure it meets diverse learning needs and integrates evidence-based practices. I believe taking these steps will help improve reading outcomes and support our students effectively.
To boost enrollment in South Bend's public schools, the school corporation should concentrate on several crucial areas. By intensifying outreach efforts to emphasize the benefits of public education and highlighting successful programs and student achievements, we can attract more families. Improving academic programs and expanding extracurricular activities will appeal to students seeking a comprehensive education. Key obstacles include perceptions of educational quality, limited awareness, and transportation challenges. Addressing these issues through targeted communication, quality enhancements, and improved logistical support can create more opportunities for growth and increase enrollment.
It's understandable and fair criticism that many parents have concerns about school bus plans, which can sometimes seem insufficient or poorly communicated, causing frustration. To tackle this issue, schools should focus on providing clear and timely information. This can be achieved by sharing detailed bus routes and schedules well before the start of the school year. Offering updates on any changes or delays through various channels, such as email, text messages, and school apps. Establishing a backend system for parents to express their concerns and suggestions, ensuring their feedback is taken into account. By addressing these areas, schools can improve parent satisfaction and facilitate smoother transportation planning.
Occupation/Current Position
Logistical Services/President
Education
Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration
Campaign Phone
5743154810
Candidate has not yet responded.
“I am running for the South Bend School Board because our community is in a state of emergency demanding immediate action and innovative approaches. My top priorities are first to ensure every child is reading at grade level by Implementing evidence-based early literacy programs that focus on phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension from kindergarten through third grade. This includes training teachers in the latest literacy instruction techniques and providing resources for parents to support reading at home. Secondly, in order to ensure effective disciplinary results, shifting from punitive disciplinary measures to restorative justice practices. This approach focuses on mediation and agreement rather than punishment. Helping students understand the impact of their actions and encouraging positive behavior.
Magnet schools play a crucial role in providing specialized education that caters to students’ unique interests and talents .However, the recent loss of the arts magnet at Clay High School highlights the need to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of these programs.
Magnet schools represent an opportunity for students to delve deeply into subjects they are passionate about. They can be a beacon of innovation and excellence, providing tailored educational experiences.
Yes, I believe the magnet school program should be thoroughly evaluated to identify its strengths and weaknesses. This evaluation should consider factors such as:
Student Outcomes: Assessing academic performance, graduation rates, and college readiness.
Equity and Access: Ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have equal access to magnet programs.
While our current board consistently provides public access to board meetings via in person zoom or YouTube live, I believe a greater level of transparency regarding budgeting, allocations and disbursements of taxpayer dollars. My plan is to hold regular district meetings with district leaders, community leaders within the district, principals and teachers to provide regular updates to the public. Publishing detailed minutes of each meeting, including decisions made, votes taken, and the rationale behind them would provide a clear record of the board’s actions and thought processes.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS): Adopting PBIS frameworks that promote positive behavior through proactive strategies. This includes setting clear expectations, teaching appropriate behaviors, and recognizing and rewarding positive actions.
Trauma-Informed Practices: Training teachers and staff in trauma-informed practices to recognize and respond to the effects of trauma on student behavior. Understanding the root causes of behavior can lead to more compassionate and effective interventions.
To address the disproportionate rates of detentions etc., we can take the following steps:
Data Analysis and Accountability: Regularly analyzing discipline data to identify disparities and hold schools accountable for addressing them. This includes setting goals for reducing disparities and monitoring progress.
As we focus on reading proficiency and literacy levels, graduation rates will continue to increase.
Here are some specific actions we can take:
Early Intervention Programs: Implementing early intervention programs that identify and support struggling readers from kindergarten onwards. This includes regular assessments to monitor progress and provide timely support.
Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction: Adopting evidence-based literacy programs that focus on phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Reading Specialists: Hiring reading specialists who can provide targeted support to students who are struggling. These specialists can work one-on-one or in small groups to address specific reading challenges.
Parental Involvement: Engaging parents in their children’s reading development by providing workshops, resources and training on how to support reading at home.
Professional Development: Providing ongoing professional development.
Improving School Quality:
Academic Programs: Introduce or expand specialized programs such as STEM, arts, and dual-language immersion to attract diverse student interests.
Teacher Quality: Invest in professional development to ensure high-quality teaching and learning experiences.
Barriers:
School Choice: Competition from charter schools, private schools, and neighboring districts can draw students away.
Negative Perceptions: Overcoming negative perceptions about the quality of education and safety.
Opportunities:
Building Trust: Strengthening relationships with the community can build trust and encourage families to choose public schools.
Higher Education Institutions: Collaborate with nearby colleges and universities for dual-enrollment programs and college readiness initiatives.
Technology Integration.
Effective communication of school bus plans is essential for ensuring that families are well-informed and can plan accordingly. Here are some strategies to improve this communication
Transportation Website: Create a dedicated section on the school district’s website for transportation information. This can include bus routes, schedules, safety guidelines, and real-time updates on delays or changes1.
Mobile Apps: Utilize mobile apps that provide real-time tracking of school buses. Parents can receive notifications about bus arrivals, delays, and any changes to routes.
Printed Materials: Distribute printed materials such as flyers and brochures with detailed bus plans at the beginning of the school year and whenever there are significant changes. These can be sent home with students or made available at school offices.
Occupation/Current Position
Retired Educator
Education
Associate Early Childhood Education, B. S. Organizational Management, M. S. Counseling and Human Service, K-12 Administration, Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) Doctoral Candidate in Education Ed.D), Completed course work transtion to teaching.
Candidate has not yet responded.
I am running for school board because I am deeply committed to the success of our students, teachers, staff, and the community as a whole. My primary goal is to ensure that every student is on a path to graduation, equipped with the education and skills necessary to lead successful lives. My experience as a teacher, counselor, director of guidance, principal designee, and at-large school board member has given me unique perspective on the needs of our district. I believe I am well-positioned to continue driving positive change. Developing a clear and actionable strategic plan is crucial for our district's success. I will focus on creating a strong mission that guides our efforts to improve student outcomes and ensures our resources are effectively aligned to achieve these goals. Literacy is a critical issue that we must address head-on.
I believe that the magnet school program should indeed be evaluated to identify its strengths and weaknesses. To me, magnet schools are specialized and designed to offer unique programs that attract a diverse student population and provide enhanced learning opportunities. Evaluating the program should focus on equity, access, and the impact on academic performance, ensuring that students are prepared for academic achievement and college or career readiness. whether to retain or replace magnet schools ultimately depend on the findings of the evaluation. The primary goal must always be to ensure that the educational model in place effectively meets the needs of all students.
I rate the current administration and the board's commitment to transparency as low. There has been a recurring concern from the community that they are not receiving timely or sufficient information regarding key issues, especially related to finances and other critical decisions. The lack of clear communication and limited public input in matters such as budget and finances has led to frustration and a sense that decisions are being made behind closed doors, with the public not being informed until after the fact. This is an area where significant improvement is needed. I am running for re-election because I believe our community deserves to be fully informed and involved. My commitment is to build a culture of transparency, foster trust, and ensure that the administration and the board's work is always open to the public.
As I run for school board, I am committed to ensuring that our district has the strong leadership necessary for the success of our students, teachers, and staff. Schools face the challenge of maintaining order and discipline while fostering an environment of empathy and understanding. Although we have restorative justice programs, cultural competency training, and Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS) in place, I believe we must continue to strengthen and expand these efforts to ensure they truly benefit our students and schools. I will advocate for, and ensure, strong leadership that is essential to continuously improving and effectively implementing these systems, creating an environment where order and discipline coexist with empathy and fairness ensuring the safety, growth, and success of every student.
As we move forward, I will continue to prioritize programs that have proven effective in increasing graduation rates. This includes expanding access to academic tutoring and mentorship opportunities, enhancing our college and career readiness programs, and ensuring that students who are facing challenges receive the support they need. To sustain and build upon this progress, it's important that we continue to monitor student data closely, identify areas where students may need extra support, and adapt our programs accordingly. My goal is to ensure that every student not only graduates, but leaves our schools prepared for success in their next steps, whether that's college, vocational training, or entering the workforce.
The low reading proficiency scores in our school district are deeply concerning, and we must take immediate, targeted action to improve students' reading skills. With the new state law requiring students who fail the IREAD-3 test to be held back, it is more important than ever that we focus on early intervention for students and equip our teachers with the tools and resources they need to help students succeed. As a school board member running for re-election, I am committed to improving literacy outcomes by support both our students and our teachers. We cannot afford to let our children fall behind in reading, and I will advocate for the necessary resources, professional development, and instructional strategies that ensure every teacher is empowered to help every child read proficiently and succeed in their educational journey.
To increase the number of students enrolling in our school district, we need to first address the root causes that are driving families away, including safety concerns, academic performance, and trust in our schools. As a candidate running for re-election, I believe that school corporation can take several steps to rebuild confidence to attract more students. Safety is top priority for families. We need to ensure that every student, teacher, and staff member feels safe in our schools. This means investing in our facilities and security systems, as well as fostering a supportive environment here students feel protected and valued. I will also advocate for more resources dedicated to mental health services to address underlying issues that may contribute to unsafe behavior. Boosting academic excellence, rebuilding trust with parents.
Yes, I believe this is a fair criticism. Parents rely on clear and accurate communication regarding school bus plans to ensure their children get to school safely and on time. When the transportation plans are inadequate or poorly communicated, it creates unnecessary stress for families, students, and school staff. We need to improve communication to make sure families receive bus route information well in advance, allowing them to plan ahead and ask questions if needed. As a school board member running for re-election, I am committed to ensuring that transportation is not a barrier to student success. By focusing on better communication, planning, and support, we can ensure that bus plans are reliable and meet the needs of our families.
