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I am a mom to 3 current IPS students, as well as a former public school teacher (BA in Elementary Ed. K-6; specialization in reading & ESL certification). More recently, I’ve worked for local nonprofits, learning & communicating about Indy’s history, needs, and assets. I’m running for school board because Indianapolis needs strong & compassionate leadership from commissioners who understand families’ experiences in our district & our hopes for a successful, stable, student-focused future.
Teacher recruitment and retention begins with strong salaries and compensation, but it doesn’t end there. IPS should collaborate with our multiple local universities to create a teacher talent pipeline, as well as capitalize on alumni networks. But above all, we must stabilize the district with regards to finance and governance; no one wants to work in an institution that is being systematically dismantled by state and local governments. Teachers are deserving of our respect and full support.
IPS must prioritize students’ holistic development. For example, district partnerships with Shalom Healthcare and Eskenazi make health care more accessible to Indy families and contribute directly to student readiness for learning. Meanwhile, the IPS board has a particular responsibility to advocate at the statehouse for legislation that makes all our families safe and well-resourced. This includes gun reform, housing, immigration policy, access to mental health care, etc.
I am particularly concerned about equity as IPS makes budget cuts. Nationwide, cuts often harm communities of color and our most vulnerable student populations. We can not and must not cause more harm or disruption to these communities, and I will work hard to ensure budget decisions are made with equity in mind. Concurrently, I will ensure that we communicate clearly about what cuts are being made and why, so that our community is confident in IPS’s prudent financial stewardship.
I’m not here to criticize charter school families & teachers. Some charters (e.g. Hope Academy) meet the needs of particular students in ways the district can’t. However, our local reality is unsustainable. I support a moratorium on new charters within IPS until funding & enrollment are stable. As a special education parent, I know many charter schools can’t provide the services many SPED students need; we must ensure a stable, fully-funded public school system for our most vulnerable students.
No.
