Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

Dorchester County Board of Education District 1

DUTIES: The Board of Education is responsible for the supervision of the public schools, including the selection of a Superintendent, approval of the annual budget, and establishing general policies governing the school system.BASE SALARY: $3,200 annual salary. TERM: Four years, limited to three consecutive terms.HOW ELECTED: Board members are elected from councilmanic districts.

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    Brandy Dawson Cumberland
    (N)

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    Michael D. Diaz, Sr.
    (N)

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    Lucas A. Thorpe
    (N)

Biographical Information

QUALIFICATIONS: What has inspired you to become a candidate for this office? How does your background and knowledge prepare you for the duties of this office?

PARENTAL INPUT: How would you address concerns about specific books or instructional materials in the schools?

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS: What programs and policies, if any, do you propose or support to help our schools address the ongoing concerns around student mental health?

OPPORTUNITY GAP: How would you ensure that all students have equitable access to resources, challenging courses, and effective teachers and administrators?

TEACHERS: What strategies would you support to attract and retain effective teachers and administrators?

I was approached about becoming a candidate due to numerous concerns including transparency. As a life-long resident of my district, and with four children of my own, I was passionate about saving our schools, especially our rural schools. I have studied and implemented quality initiative projects through my nursing doctoral studies. I am serious about safe, evidence-based, and data-driven solutions while remembering the uniqueness of our large school district and rural areas.
I encourage parental input regarding instructional materials and resources. Parental involvement is critical to change within our school system. Books and materials should be age-appropriate, serve an educational purpose, and not seek to promote controversy.
I aim to establish and reform policies to promote a safe environment for students. As a mental health professional, I witness and treat adults daily who are chronically impacted by childhood trauma. Community involvement, funding for extracurricular activities, mental health awareness, and increased availability of counselors are all integral parts I would like to see increased.
Creating a learning environment that attracts and retains quality teachers and administrators is the foundation of equitable access for all students. The staff and community must be empowered to express concern over barriers they see a student face. For instance, if a student desires to participate in a club or higher level of learning, and the teacher or a fellow parent is aware of a transportation barrier that the child faces, we need anonymous outreach avenues and resources for the student.
Aside from a competitive benefit package, we need safe schools for our teachers. This is a tremendous concern presently in our schools. Additionally, teachers and administrators must be supported by their superiors and board.

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Passionate about educational excellence, my background as ALL4LOVE's co-founder and executive director, coupled with academic achievements and community service, uniquely qualifies me. I bring dedication, transparency, and hands-on experience to advocate for positive change and prioritize students' needs on the Board of Education. With a youthful spirit, I'm committed to redefining educational leadership, bridging the gap between students and decisions.
I prioritize open dialogue, actively seeking and valuing parental concerns. Establishing a transparent review process involving parents, educators, and administrators ensures a collaborative approach, addressing concerns while upholding educational standards. Let's ensure a curriculum that reflects our community's values and fosters diverse perspectives.
Leveraging my experience with ALL4LOVE, I propose robust mental health initiatives within schools. By integrating mentorship programs, mental health awareness campaigns, and fostering partnerships with local professionals, we can address the ongoing teen mental health crisis. Together, we prioritize the well-being of our students.
Prioritizing educational equity, I advocate for targeted resource allocation, mentorship programs, and professional development to bridge the opportunity gap. With inclusive policies and community engagement, we can ensure every student has access to quality education, challenging courses, and skilled educators. Let's level the playing field together.
To enhance teacher diversity, I advocate for diverse recruiting initiatives and scholarships for aspiring educators from our school system. Revamping the Teacher Academy Program at DCTC will provide hands-on experience. By investing in these strategies, we ensure a rich and inclusive pool of educators, fostering a dynamic learning environment.