Position/philosophy statement
Every child deserves a champion who believes in them and supports their success. Together, we are responsible for being champions for children by using our unique gifts and talents to meet their collective needs.
Current Occupation
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, shift_ed
Age (optional)
41
Campaign Phone
(336)338-8403
I have spent my entire 24-year career working with children and families. I have served as a classroom teacher at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and led the YMCA’s youth development department across two counties, including rural and suburban communities. I led the Guilford County Child Advocacy Network, advocating for school nurses, school safety, free student meals, and fair pay for teachers and classified staff. Today, I serve as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Shift Education, leading a countywide initiative with the school district and more than 30 community partners to improve student outcomes. I will use my collaborative mindset and vast experience to advocate for students and families on the school board.
The primary role of the board is to support the district in improving student outcomes while advocating for the needs of students, schools, and the district as a whole. That means holding district leadership accountable for responsible use of resources and strong student achievement. It also means advocating for fair pay, safe working conditions, and the support our teachers, school support personnel, and classified staff need to do their jobs well. The board must also advocate at the county and state levels for the funding and resources our schools need. Just as important, the board must listen to families and the community, ensure their voices are heard, and make sure they have a "seat at the table" when decisions are made.
The most critical need in our district is closing the achievement gap between students of color and their white peers. Addressing this requires prioritizing funding for the schools and students with the greatest needs, using data to drive informed and equitable decisions. We must also address the social determinants of learning that impact student success, including access to food, health care, mental health supports, and safe learning environments. Strong school and community partnerships are essential, especially in an underfunded district. By making it easier for trusted, reliable partners to support students and families, we reduce the burden on teachers and schools so educators can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning.
To recruit and retain qualified teachers, we must start with competitive pay and supportive working conditions. Teachers deserve to be respected as the professionals they are and compensated for the additional education and training they pursue to better serve students. It is also important that teachers have a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their schools and classrooms, including budget and policy decisions. Finally, we must ensure teachers feel safe and supported at school. When expectations are clear, and accountability is shared with students and caregivers, teachers are better able to focus on what they do best: teaching and supporting student success.
Pre-K is essential to a child’s success, and I’ve seen that firsthand. Both of my children attended Pre-K, and it gave them the confidence and foundation they needed to start kindergarten ready to learn. I am a strong supporter of universal Pre-K and believe we should work toward access across our state. I am also a proud product of Head Start. Growing up in poverty, Head Start gave me the strong start I needed to succeed. Research shows that when children have a strong start, they are more likely to succeed in school and in life. We must support families from birth by leveraging community resources and organizations, such as Ready for School, Ready for Life, alongside high-quality, universal Pre-K to ensure every child has a strong start.
I am running because I truly believe every child deserves a champion who believes in them and shows up for them. For the past 24 years, I have worked alongside children, families, and educators, and I have seen what is possible when students are supported and communities work together. I understand the challenges our schools face, including ongoing funding limitations. I am committed to advocating for resources and working to fill gaps where funding falls short. I will do this by building strong partnerships, listening to families and educators, and leveraging community support to meet student needs. My heart is with our children, and my focus will always be on creating schools where every child feels supported and valued. I bring experience, collaboration, and a deep commitment to student success.
Current Occupation
Account Manager
Campaign Phone
2523474660
I am a mom of a recent graduate of Guilford County Schools and I am a former teacher. As a former teacher, I understand the importance of getting back to basics and removing the distractions from what we send our kids to school for: to get an education.
The school board is there to support the school system, and the board needs more representation of those who actually understand what the schools should be doing and has training in these areas. Basic child and adolescent growth and development need to be factored in with making decision decisions for what happens in the schools.
I think this is a great question to ask, but I would also say that what’s required to answer this question is a knowledge of the budget that is not known until one is sitting on the school board.
I would start with understanding through visits or surveys what is attracting new teachers, what is keeping current teachers, and what is causing teachers to leave. I would then work with those answers and understand what is within and outside of my control as a school board member to make an appropriate decision on this.
Pre-kindergarten programs should be available, but not mandatory.
Candidate has not yet responded.
