core concerns:

Reading comprehension is declining. Study after study shows that reading comprehension across all age groups is declining. This is a problem for students of all ages because it affects their ability to think critically, communicate effectively, engage their imaginations, develop empathy, and participate fully in public life.

Use of AI in particular causes reading comprehension to atrophy. While some technology in the classroom is necessary, the focus needs to remain on teaching students how to find information and develop critical thinking skills themselves. The continued focus on standardized testing robs all students of the opportunity to learn to enjoy reading for its own sake.

I remember watching Reading Rainbow as a kid; Lavar Burton would take us all over the world and different times as he shared his love of books and reading. While not every kid who watched Reading Rainbow turned into an avid reader, the way Burton shared reading as a thing of wonder showed that books could expand our imagination and our understanding of ourselves and the world.

Collaboration plan: No AI in the classroom policy. Reading and comprehension methodology review to see how our students are best being served. Consider bringing back the early 1990s “Stop, Drop, and Read” 15 minutes of intense reading practice in the elementary schools.

Civic Comprehension: Civic comprehension is directly affected by reading comprehension. Our US American society requires a high degree of personal understanding of process and bureaucracy (red tape). If a person doesn't do their own research, they will have little idea what decisions are being made on their behalf. It is critical that students learn how to determine the difference between propaganda, media, and historical data so they can draw their own conclusions about events.

While our schools already have civics class, there is a limit to what students can experience in that format. Increased opportunities to put those lessons into practice is crucial. Civics is something we do: we vote, support political candidates, talk to council members and legislators, and a lot of other not-exciting and unglamorous work.

I'd like to see students doing civics in real time. Children of all ages are acutely aware of the power imbalance between them and adults. A student school board or senate would involve students directly in the running of their schools thereby engaging skills of negotiation, compromise, and advocacy while learning about how systems of power function and how to function within them.

Collaboration plan: Student school council to connect student body with the School Board for better representation. Propose a Bill Project. Study globalization and non-US-based government systems at age-appropriate levels.

Student Agency & Advocacy: One of the roles of schools is to prepare students to be part of civic and public life. It is important that students be better understand when their agency has been compromised, and the different methods they can use to advocate for themselves. Out in the world they may need to justify a decision, resolve a conflict, facilitate understanding, or even protect themselves. These are critical communication skills students will need to navigate complex situations in a diverse society.

In particular, while sexual health education for our students has spent a lot of time focusing on trafficking and an opt-out consent model (think “no-means-no”), turning the lens to a more opt-in consent model (think “enthusiastic yes”) will help our students feel better prepared for the challenges they’ll face in life, but also to advocate for themselves should something go awry.

Collaboration plan: Comprehensive sexual health education, with an added focus on queer sexual health and consent. Communication skills building. Culturally-responsive teaching model. Propose a Bill Project and Student School Board to skill-build and help students learn adult skills and confidence.

Representation and inclusion matter! As a transgender and non-binary person, this is deeply important to me. We have a serious problem: Black, brown, Indigenous, immigrant, queer, disabled, women, and trans* people are watching their civil rights be stripped away from them by federal and state government officials. It is more important than ever that representation from these groups remain in public life. I am running as an openly queer, transgender, and neurodivergent person. I want the queer and transgender and non-binary kids out there to know that I see you. I want other marginalized groups to know that I value your lived experience and what that tells us about how our schools are functioning. I hope that as a member of school board we can collaborate on ways for your students to feel meaningfully supported, safe, and feel they belong in our school community and the school system more broadly.

Collaboration plan: Culturally-responsive teaching model. I would also like to work with other schools and organizations (such as VSDB) to create thoughtfully-inclusive programming to our schools.

And so much more! Contact me to discuss what you want out of our school system so we can work together.