How would you ensure the district is financially sustainable? What do you think are the most important steps for MPS to take to respond to the existing budget deficit?

Ensuring financial sustainability in Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) involves a multi-faceted approach focusing on both short-term and long-term strategies. Here are some key steps I believe is necessary to address the budget deficit and promote financial stability over the next few years:

Here are a few specific steps I believe we need to focus on within MPS:

• Reevaluate Program Spending: Ensure that all programs are evaluated for effectiveness and alignment with district goals. Programs that are not yielding desired outcomes should be restructured or discontinued.
• Optimize Staffing: Review staffing models to ensure they are efficient and aligned with student needs. This might include adjusting class sizes or reassigning staff based on expertise and demand.
• Invest in Professional Development: Provide targeted professional development for staff to improve instructional quality and student outcomes, which can enhance the district’s reputation and attract more students.
• Community Partnerships: Strengthen partnerships with community organizations to support student services and extracurricular activities, potentially offsetting some costs.
• Facility Management: Optimize the use of school facilities to reduce maintenance costs and consider consolidating underutilized properties.

By taking these steps, We(MPS) can work towards a more sustainable financial future while continuing to provide high-quality education to its students.

Enrollment has decreased in MPS for 5+ straight years, especially among BIPOC students (see here for trends); what strategies would you use to reestablish strong enrollment in the district, particularly among families whose voices are not frequently heard?

Addressing Barriers to Enrollment:

1. Transportation Solutions: Provide reliable and safe transportation options to ensure that students from all neighborhoods can attend school without difficulty.
2. School Safety and Climate: Focus on improving school safety and creating a welcoming environment. Implement restorative justice practices to address disciplinary issues and build a positive school climate.
3. Support for Families: Offer resources and support for families, such as workshops on navigating the school system, accessing community resources, and supporting their children’s education at home.
4. Flexible Enrollment Policies: Create flexible enrollment policies that make it easier for families to enroll their children at any time during the year, accommodating those who may face disruptions or relocations.

Highlighting Successes and Building Trust:

1. Showcase Success Stories: Regularly highlight the achievements of BIPOC students and the positive impact of MPS programs through newsletters, social media, and community events.
2. Open Houses and School Tours: Host open houses and school tours specifically for BIPOC families to showcase the facilities, programs, and success stories of the schools.
3. Transparent Reporting: Maintain transparency in reporting school performance, improvement plans, and how the district is addressing equity issues. This builds trust and demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement.

Personalized Outreach Efforts:

1. Individualized Contact: Assign dedicated staff members to follow up personally with families who have left the district or are considering other options, addressing their concerns and informing them of new initiatives and improvements.
2. Incentives for Enrollment: Offer incentives for early enrollment or re-enrollment, such as school supplies, uniforms, or access to special programs and resources.

By implementing these strategies, MPS can work towards reestablishing strong enrollment among BIPOC students and creating an educational environment where all students and families feel valued and supported.

What do you see as the role of the school board member? What skills and experience would you bring to the board that is needed? Are you open to increasing your knowledge around school board governance?

The role of a school board member is multifaceted and encompasses several key responsibilities:

1. Policy Development: Establishing and reviewing policies that govern the operation of the school district.
2. Financial Oversight: Ensuring the district’s financial health by approving budgets, overseeing expenditures, and ensuring funds are used effectively and efficiently.
3. Superintendent Oversight: Hiring, evaluating, and supporting the superintendent, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the district.
4. Strategic Planning: Setting long-term goals and strategies for the district, focusing on continuous improvement in student achievement and overall school performance.
5. Community Representation: Serving as a liaison between the district and the community, ensuring that the voices and concerns of all stakeholders, particularly marginalized groups, are heard and addressed.
6. Accountability: Holding the district accountable for meeting established goals and adhering to policies, ensuring transparency and ethical conduct in all district operations.
7. Advocacy: Advocating for the needs of the district at the local, state, and federal levels to secure necessary resources and support.

Skills and Experience I Bring to the Board:

1. Leadership and Management: With experience in leadership roles from a young age and managing both a daycare and a restaurant, I bring strong management and organizational skills.
2. Community Engagement: My extensive involvement in community initiatives, such as the McKinley Community Center and Your Vote, Our Future, demonstrates my commitment to community engagement and empowerment.
3. Educational Governance: Serving on the Minneapolis School Board for four years, including a term as chair, has provided me with in-depth knowledge of school governance and board operations.
4. Cultural Competency: My experience working with diverse communities and understanding the unique needs of BIPOC families ensures that I can advocate effectively for equity and inclusion.
5. Innovation in Education: Initiatives like hot meals for school teams and innovative community solutions highlight my ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
6. Advocacy and Policy Development: My work in voter engagement and education demonstrates my ability to advocate for policies and engage the community in meaningful ways.

Openness to Increasing Knowledge Around School Board Governance:

Yes, I am open to increasing my knowledge around school board governance. Continuous learning is essential for effective leadership, and I am committed to:

1. Professional Development: Participating in professional development opportunities, such as workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on school board governance, educational leadership, and equity.
2. Networking: Engaging with other school board members, both locally and nationally, to share best practices and learn from their experiences.
3. Research and Reading: Staying informed about the latest research and developments in education policy, governance, and effective school board practices.
4. Feedback and Reflection: Seeking feedback from colleagues, stakeholders, and the community to reflect on my performance and identify areas for growth and improvement.

By leveraging my skills and experiences, and committing to ongoing learning, I aim to contribute effectively to the Minneapolis School Board and work collaboratively towards the district’s goals and priorities.

What strategies would you advocate for to hire, retain, support, and develop educators of color?

To hire, retain, support, and develop educators of color, a comprehensive and strategic approach is essential. Here are some strategies I believe must be consider:

Hiring Educators of Color:

1. Active Recruitment: Develop targeted recruitment initiatives that actively seek out educators of color. This can include attending job fairs at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other institutions that serve large populations of students of color.
2. Partnerships: Establish partnerships with teacher preparation programs that focus on preparing educators of color, such as Grow Your Own programs, which recruit and train local community members to become teachers.
3. Incentives and Scholarships: Offer incentives such as signing bonuses, student loan forgiveness, and scholarships specifically for educators of color to attract them to the district.
4. Inclusive Job Descriptions: Ensure job descriptions and advertisements highlight the district’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, making it clear that candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Retaining Educators of Color:

1. Supportive Work Environment: Create a supportive and inclusive work environment where educators of color feel valued and respected. This includes addressing any issues of bias, discrimination, or microaggressions promptly and effectively.
2. Mentorship Programs: Implement mentorship programs where new educators of color are paired with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
3. Professional Development: Offer professional development focused on cultural competency, equity, and leadership development to help educators of color advance in their careers.
4. Career Pathways: Create clear career pathways for advancement within the district, ensuring that educators of color have opportunities for leadership roles and promotions.

Supporting Educators of Color:

1. Affinity Groups: Establish affinity groups or employee resource groups where educators of color can connect, share experiences, and support each other.
2. Wellness Programs: Provide wellness programs and resources that address the unique challenges faced by educators of color, including mental health support and stress management.
3. Family and Community Engagement: Foster strong relationships between educators of color and the families and communities they serve, creating a sense of belonging and mutual support.
4. Feedback and Recognition: Regularly solicit feedback from educators of color about their experiences and recognize their contributions to the district, ensuring they feel appreciated and heard.

Developing Educators of Color:

1. Leadership Training: Offer leadership training programs specifically designed for educators of color, preparing them for administrative and leadership positions within the district.
2. Continuing Education: Provide opportunities for continuing education and advanced degrees, including tuition reimbursement and partnerships with universities.
3. Collaborative Learning: Encourage collaborative learning opportunities, such as professional learning communities (PLCs), where educators of color can share best practices and learn from each other.
4. Research and Innovation Grants: Offer grants for research and innovative teaching projects that allow educators of color to explore new ideas and contribute to the field of education.

Comprehensive Strategy Implementation:

1. Equity Audits: Conduct regular equity audits to assess the district’s progress in hiring, retaining, supporting, and developing educators of color, and use the findings to inform continuous improvement efforts.
2. Inclusive Policies: Ensure district policies are inclusive and supportive of educators of color, addressing any systemic barriers that may exist.
3. Community Involvement:** Involve the community in the recruitment and retention process, seeking input and support from local organizations, parents, and other stakeholders.

By implementing these strategies, the district can create an environment where educators of color feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed, ultimately benefiting the entire school community.

The science of reading is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to teaching reading that incorporates insights from various disciplines, including cognitive psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, and education. It emphasizes the importance of systematic phonics instruction, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies. Here are my views and the priorities I would advance to improve literacy for students in the district:

What are your views on the science of reading? What priorities would you advance to ensure the district is improving literacy for students?

The science of reading is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to teaching reading that incorporates insights from various disciplines, including cognitive psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, and education. It emphasizes the importance of systematic phonics instruction, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies. Here are my views and the priorities I would advance to improve literacy for students in the district:

Implementation Strategy:

1. Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage all stakeholders, including teachers, parents, administrators, and community members, in developing and implementing a comprehensive literacy plan.
2. Resource Allocation: Ensure adequate funding and resources are allocated to support literacy initiatives, including professional development, curriculum materials, and intervention programs.
3. Continuous Improvement: Establish a system for regularly reviewing and refining literacy practices based on student outcomes, research advancements, and feedback from educators.

By prioritizing these areas, the district can improve literacy outcomes for all students, ensuring they have the reading skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning.

The science of reading is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to teaching reading that incorporates insights from various disciplines, including cognitive psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, and education. It emphasizes the importance of systematic phonics instruction, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies. Here are my views and the priorities I would advance to improve literacy for students in the district:

Views on the Science of Reading:

1. Evidence-Based Approach: The science of reading is grounded in decades of research and provides a solid framework for understanding how children learn to read. I support its implementation as it has been shown to improve reading outcomes, particularly for struggling readers.
2. Balanced Literacy Integration: While the science of reading emphasizes explicit phonics instruction, it should be integrated into a balanced literacy approach that also includes rich literature experiences, reading for meaning, and opportunities for students to engage with diverse texts.
3. Early Intervention: Early identification and intervention are crucial. Students who struggle with reading should receive support as soon as possible to prevent long-term difficulties.

Implementation Strategy:

1. Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage all stakeholders, including teachers, parents, administrators, and community members, in developing and implementing a comprehensive literacy plan.
2. Resource Allocation: Ensure adequate funding and resources are allocated to support literacy initiatives, including professional development, curriculum materials, and intervention programs.
3. Continuous Improvement: Establish a system for regularly reviewing and refining literacy practices based on student outcomes, research advancements, and feedback from educators.

By prioritizing these areas, the district can improve literacy outcomes for all students, ensuring they have the reading skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning.

What do you see as the role of youth voice and opinion in decisions affecting Minneapolis Public Schools? How would you work to ensure that students have the opportunity to shape and influence their own learning?

The role of youth voice and opinion in decisions affecting Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is critical to creating a more inclusive, relevant, and effective educational environment. Empowering students to have a say in their education fosters engagement, ownership, and a sense of responsibility. Here’s how I view the role of youth voice and how I would work to ensure students have opportunities to shape and influence their learning:

Implementation Strategy:

1. Build a Culture of Respect: Foster a school culture that respects and values student opinions, ensuring that all students feel their voices are heard and matter.
2. Provide Training: Offer training for both students and staff on effective communication, leadership, and collaborative decision-making.
3. Monitor and Evaluate: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of student engagement initiatives and make necessary adjustments to ensure continuous improvement.

By prioritizing these strategies, MPS can create an educational environment where students feel empowered to shape their learning experiences, leading to more meaningful and impactful educational outcomes.

How do you plan to prioritize and resource the new ethnic studies standards, and ensure the associated curriculum, and related staff training create acceptance and celebration of every student’s background, such as race/ethnicity, gender identity, religion, and sexual orientation?

Prioritizing and resourcing the new Ethnic Studies Standard in Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) requires a comprehensive approach that ensures the curriculum is inclusive, well-supported, and effectively implemented. Here’s a detailed plan I look forward to working with the board to achieve:

Establish Clear Objectives and Goals:

1. Define Clear Objectives: Establish clear objectives for the Ethnic Studies curriculum that focus on fostering understanding, acceptance, and celebration of diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, and sexual orientation.
2. Set Measurable Goals: Set measurable goals for student outcomes, teacher preparedness, and community engagement to track the progress and effectiveness of the program.

As a school board director, what does accountability look like to you?

As a school board director, I know that accountability is a cornerstone of effective governance and involves being answerable to students, parents, teachers, and the community at large. Here’s what accountability looks like to me:

Transparent Decision-Making:

1. Open Meetings: Conducting school board meetings that are open to the public, ensuring that decisions are made transparently and that stakeholders can observe and participate in the process.
2. Clear Communication: Providing clear, timely, and accessible communication about board decisions, policies, and their rationales, ensuring that the community understands the reasons behind actions taken by the board.

Responsiveness to Stakeholders:

1. Listening to Concerns: Actively listening to and addressing the concerns, suggestions, and feedback from students, parents, teachers, and community members. This includes holding regular forums, town hall meetings, and surveys to gather input.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Ensuring that diverse voices are represented in decision-making processes, particularly those of marginalized and underrepresented groups.

Setting and Monitoring Goals:

1. Establishing Clear Goals: Setting clear, measurable goals for the district in areas such as student achievement, equity, financial health, and community engagement.
2. Regular Reporting: Regularly monitoring progress toward these goals and providing updates to the community through reports, dashboards, and public meetings.

Fiscal Responsibility:

1. Budget Transparency: Ensuring the district’s budget is transparent and accessible, with clear explanations of how funds are allocated and spent.
2. Efficient Use of Resources: Prioritizing efficient use of resources and making data-driven decisions to maximize the impact of district spending on student outcomes.

Ethical Governance:

1. Code of Conduct: Adhering to a strict code of conduct that promotes integrity, fairness, and ethical behavior among all board members.
2. Conflict of Interest Policies: Implementing and enforcing strong conflict of interest policies to ensure that board members act in the best interest of the district and its stakeholders.

Accountability for Student Outcomes:

1. Focus on Student Achievement: Holding the district accountable for improving student outcomes, with a particular focus on closing achievement gaps and ensuring equity in education.
2. Data-Driven Decisions: Using data to inform decisions and track the effectiveness of programs, policies, and interventions.

Support and Evaluation of Superintendent:

1. Hiring and Evaluation: Hiring a competent superintendent and conducting regular evaluations to ensure they are effectively leading the district and meeting established goals.
2. Support and Development: Providing the superintendent with the support and resources needed to succeed, while holding them accountable for their performance.

Continuous Improvement:

1. Regular Self-Assessment: Conducting regular self-assessments of the board’s performance and seeking feedback from stakeholders to identify areas for improvement.
2. Professional Development: Engaging in ongoing professional development to stay informed about best practices in school governance and education policy.

Building Trust and Collaboration:

1. Community Trust: Building and maintaining trust with the community by being transparent, honest, and responsive in all actions and communications.
2. Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative environment where board members, district staff, teachers, parents, and community members work together to achieve common goals.

By embodying these principles of accountability, a school board director can help ensure that the district operates transparently, ethically, and effectively, ultimately leading to better outcomes for students and the community. I am honored to be Re-elected allowing me to continue to work together with the Board, staff, students and community.