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Campaign Phone
5173586767
Facebook
ty.gray.16718
Before serving on the JPS Board of Education, I had served on many boards, including but not limited to the City of Jackson Youth Council, Young People of Purpose Youth Advisory Board, and Jackson Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee. The committees and organizations I have joined have prepared me with the skills it takes to lead, while also giving me the experience that comes with being a part of the youth community here in Jackson.
This is why I believe it’s so important to retain my voice on the Board. As a member of the Class of 2026, I know what students are experiencing, whether that be socially, emotionally, or educationally. I am a product of the system that this Board governs. Therefore, who better to help guide and improve this system?
My top objectives fall into three categories: youth advocacy, youth development, and alumni networking. I believe our students deserve a say in the policies that govern their day-to-day lives. I also believe it is the duty of our School Board to provide outlets for students to develop in many ways, whether through access to information on trades or higher education. Finally, alumni networking can provide students with valuable connections as they transition into the working world, helping set them up for success.
If school funding were to decrease today, my main priority would be to keep our school lunches free while also protecting teachers’ salaries. I believe, quite simply, that if we expect kids to be at school, we need to feed them.
As for protecting teacher pay, I believe we need to work on increasing it, not decreasing it. Teachers are the rock of our system and the key to our success. They deserve to be treated as such.
To ensure all students and families are welcomed, I’ll work to create an environment of understanding. I understand that we all come from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences that bring something unique to the district. To implement this, I want to create zero-tolerance policies for blatant disrespect toward one’s identity and culture. It’s important that, even in our chaotic world, our community knows they have a home in our district.
Social media and AI are impossible to stop, so I believe the next best thing is to embrace them. Let’s equip our students with the skills to navigate these platforms ethically and create expectations for their use. Both have practical applications that can better our society, but they also come with social and environmental implications. We must be mindful of how we use them and their effects on our environment and communities.
Campaign Phone
517-250-1021
Facebook
Elect Tabitha WIlliams for JPS School Board
As a lifelong Jackson resident, JPS alumna, and Board Trustee, I bring experience and leadership to this role. As a hotel General Manager, I developed skills in budgeting, staff leadership, crisis management, and problem-solving. I serve as Associate Director of Annual Giving and Community Service Labor Liaison with United Way for South Central Michigan, leading fundraising, community engagement, and partnerships supporting local families. I have served on the JPS bond committee, supported the 2025 $126 million bond program, and participated in strategic planning. I am also attending MASB Board Member Certification courses to continue learning and strengthen my effectiveness as a trustee. I bring a collaborative, student-centered approach focused on transparency and measurable results.
My top priorities are improving student achievement, strengthening literacy and math outcomes, and ensuring every student has the support needed to succeed. I will prioritize safe, welcoming schools where students feel supported and ready to learn, while ensuring educators have the tools and resources necessary to be successful. I also want to strengthen meaningful student and family voice in district decisions, improve attendance, and expand partnerships that address barriers to learning. Above all, I will focus on clear goals, measurable outcomes, and regular communication with the community so we can evaluate progress and make adjustments
If funding decreases, I would protect classroom instruction and programs that directly support student success. I would first identify efficiencies and reduce unnecessary costs before cutting essential services. Priorities would include special education, transportation, school safety, and critical student supports. I would pursue grants and partnerships to help fill funding gaps. Budget decisions should be transparent, sustainable, and focused on minimizing the impact on students.
I will work to ensure every student and family feels respected, heard, and included. This starts with clear communication and meaningful opportunities for families and students to share their perspectives. I will support consistent enforcement of anti-bullying and nondiscrimination policies while addressing barriers that prevent families from participating. Schools should build relationships with families and create a culture where every student knows they belong, are valued, and succeed.
The district should embrace technology while establishing clear expectations for responsible use. Students need digital citizenship education covering privacy, online safety, critical thinking, and responsible AI use. AI should have clear guardrails to protect academic integrity, student privacy, and independent thinking while allowing it to enhance learning. Staff also need guidance and training, with policies reviewed regularly as technology continues to evolve.
