Neighborhood/area of residence
Walnut St.
Are you currently a school board member? (Y/N)
NO
How many school board meetings did you attend last year?
4-5
I’m a substitute teacher with Kelly Education Services in the Christina School District, where I’ve seen the challenges students, families, and educators face, giving me firsthand insight. As a parent, I’ve navigated a broken system with limited resources, which gives me a unique perspective. I’ve served as Vice President of the PTO, PTA Treasurer, and am currently the Delaware PTA Health Education Chair. I founded One Purpose Food Pantry to support Delaware families with food and health education. I also mentor students, work with Network Delaware for professional development, and serve as a Smart Justice Ambassador with the ACLU. These experiences have equipped me with the leadership and commitment to advocate for students and families.
School safety is the single most important issue facing Christina. I would Identify students who may be at risk of engaging in violent behavior early and provide them with appropriate support, such as counseling, mental health therapist or mentoring, to address underlying issues like bullying, trauma, or mental health challenges. Collaborate with parents, guardians, and community organizations to create a unified approach to addressing violence. Provide students with conflict resolution skills and social-emotional learning programs to help them manage disputes without resorting to violence. Instead of focusing solely on punishment, use restorative practices like conflict resolution and restorative circles to address underlying issues.
School boards should respond to community calls for removing curriculum topics, subjects, books, and programs by engaging in transparent and open conversations with parents, teachers, students, and experts to understand the specific issues brought up. They should ensure that the principles of diversity and inclusion are upheld and that students receive a well-rounded education that challenges them with critical thinking and prepares them for the real world.
I would ensure the district provides equitable access and meets the needs of all students by identifying their unique needs and allocating the necessary resources, including additional funding, to support them. I would also analyze data to identify disparities and plan specific interventions, ensuring all students receive the support they need to have every opportunity to succeed.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
No, the current funding system is not adequate. A new funding formula should be implemented that allocates resources based on student needs. Schools with higher numbers of high-needs students, such as English Language Learners, low-income students, and students with disabilities, should receive more funding. Data on each student should be used to determine the right amount of funding for each school, ensuring a fair and transparent distribution.
To facilitate the improvement of student achievement, I would increase professional development opportunities for teachers with coaching support and ensure each student receives holistic support tailored to their needs. I would provide tutoring services during and after school hours and promote peer-to-peer support. I would also encourage greater parent involvement in their child's education, promote student-centered learning, and enforce a "no cell phone" policy during class to minimize distractions. Additionally, I would increase the number of school counselors, mental health therapists, and psychologists, and improve the school lunch program by reducing processed foods and removing high-sugar drinks and snacks from the vending machines.
Neighborhood/area of residence
Trinity Vicinity, Wilmington
Are you currently a school board member? (Y/N)
No
How many school board meetings did you attend last year?
I have thoroughly researched past meetings and have a strong grasp of the issues
My experience and skills uniquely position me to be an effective school board member. My background in law, political science, and advocacy, combined with my personal experiences, has given me a strong foundation to address the challenges facing our education system.
My commitment to mentorship and advocacy began in 2000 with the 11-10-02 Foundation, where I worked to support and guide young people in Chicago's Cabrini Green neighborhood. Through this, I saw firsthand the power of mentorship in shaping a student’s confidence, opportunities, and success. This early work in mentorship fueled my passion for advocating for students who face barriers to education.
The single biggest issue facing our school district is governance. Right now, it is fractured, and the divisions among board members—often driven by alliances—are detrimental to the success of our schools. When decision-making becomes more about personal agendas than about what’s best for students, our entire community suffers.
My experience in law has equipped me with the skills to navigate complex discussions, mediate conflicts, and push for solutions that move us forward rather than keep us stuck in division. I don’t believe in governing by sides—I believe in governing by principle, by facts, and by a commitment to what is right for our students and families.
I oppose efforts to remove curriculum topics, books, and educational materials that provide a full and accurate understanding of the world. Censorship in education does not protect children—it limits them. Schools should be places where students learn to think critically, engage with diverse perspectives, and develop the skills necessary to navigate complex issues.
Restrictions often target subjects that address race, history, gender, and identity—topics that are essential for fostering informed, empathetic, and well-rounded individuals. As someone who grew up in a community where history was often incomplete or sanitized. Education should be about expanding minds not closing them.
Ensuring equitable access to education is a priority for me, and while I am just one person, I will give my all to make sure every student has the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Equity is not about giving every student the same thing—it’s about ensuring that each student gets what they need to thrive.
I am learning disabled, I grew up poor, and I have raised two Hispanic children alone. I also advocate for those who have been incarcerated and left behind by the system. Be assured, I get it on the most basic level.
Equity isn’t just a word to me—it’s something I’ve lived. I know what it means to struggle, and I know what it means to fight for a fair chance. I will give my all to make sure every student has that chance.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
Funding is not just inadequate—it’s antiquated. Our schools are operating under outdated funding models that fail to meet the evolving needs of students, teachers, and communities. Simply being a board member isn’t enough. I will advocate for reform at every level to modernize funding structures and ensure resources are distributed equitably. Additionally, I will work with community organizations and nonprofits to bridge gaps, provide support, and create opportunities for students and families. Every child deserves a fully funded, equitable education, and I will fight to make that a reality.
Delaware cannot compete on a broken system. If we want better results, we need better policies, better funding, and a better commitment to our students and educators.
Beyond funding, we must make our schools comprehensive places of learning that support the whole child. Academic success is directly tied to social, emotional, and physical well-being. We need more investment in mental health services, school counselors, nutrition programs, and after-school opportunities to remove barriers that prevent students from excelling.
As a school board member, I will fight for real investment, real reform, and real change so our students can compete—and succeed on a national level.
