This article is part of the 2025 General Election Voters' Guide produced in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Akron Area.
Diana Autry
Nonpartisan
Campaign phone: 330-459-8711
Training/experience: Akron Children’s Hospital -2002-present, Adult Nursing/Agency-1997-2002
Website: autry4asb.com
Education: John R. Buchtel High School, St. Thomas School of Nursing-RN, University of Cincinnati-Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campaign email address: autry4asb@gmail.com
Previous public office: Akron School Board-appointed 2020. Elected 2021-present.
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I was appointed in 2020 and elected in 2021. I am the most experienced candidate on the ballot. I am humble enough to recognize I do not know everything. I learn daily about the complexities of public education. I stepped into leadership when it wasn’t easy. I helped navigate through COVID and recent federal threats. I have served on all board committees and as president, helped lead the district to its first successful levy in 12 years, despite many naysayers. I appreciate the 58% of citizens who also kept children and education first. I am a graduate, mother, grandmother and registered nurse for 28 years. Prior to my board service, I gave over 15,000 hours of volunteer service to the Akron Public Schools. This is not a political whim or stepping stone for me. As a PTA leader, I raised thousands of dollars for teacher grants, scholarships, field trips and more. My life work is that of service to children, families and community. I am battle-tested and still standing.
What policies, if any, do you believe the Board of Education should take to support all students and ensure they are provided with a high-quality, meaningful education?
The Board’s policies should align with our strategic plan, the Blueprint for Success. It is posted on the website. This is a road map for a high-quality, meaningful education. It has 4 cornerstones with measurable goals around academic achievement, culture of safety and belonging, family/community/partnerships and operational excellence. This was developed collaboratively between the board, administration, staff and community. It gives a common direction to follow and is able to be adjusted. We must stay the course, monitor progress and adjust as needed.
What policies or practices, if any, do you support to ensure a safe, affirming, and learning-centered environment in the Akron Schools?
I have supported all the safety initiatives requested by our dedicated teaching staff, such as metal detectors, bag scanners, cell-phone pouches and visitor monitor system. While it pained me to bring these measures, we have to be prepared for the realities of what society may bring to our schools. As a result of the cellphone pouches, teachers have reported to me, more focused students. This is not a magic bullet, but a tool. I would like to explore expanding the training and scope of our safety team members. They are valuable and have strong relationships with our students. When they see these individuals in their community, it reinforces trust. Our students have shared their mental health challenges and need our support, grace and safe spaces to make mistakes, learn and grow.
Aside from issues addressed in previous questions, what do you believe are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
Some significant issues facing the district are listed in the Transition report on our website. I encourage all to read this 68 page document, developed in 2023, from interviews of over 170 central office staff, principals and community members. Fear is a prominent theme, long before the recent challenges many have read about. Funding and staffing shortages are another issue we must face together. Educating and empowering our families and community, to help advocate for our collective interests, is something we can do through PTA’s and other parent/civic groups. Public education and its funding mechanism is enshrined in our constitution. If we don’t like the mechanism, then we must explore other options together, or risk losing this common good. I will advocate for creative staffing solutions for schools with consistently large numbers of substitutes. In addition, expanding our education pathways, within our college and career academies will boost our pipeline of future teachers.
Cynthia D. Blake
Campaign phone: 330-571-3158
Training/experience: Public Policy Analyst 2014 to present, Community Development Lending 1990- 2008, Default Mediation 2009-2014
Website: makenomistakevoteforblake.com
Education: University of Akron 1980 and Texas Southern University
Campaign email address: cynt1960@yahoo.com
Previous public office: n/a
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
While this current board’s chaos and dysfunction has created an opportunity for new leadership, it also creates space for fresh perspectives and renewed commitment to what our district values.
My timing isn’t coincidental; it’s purposeful. I’m running because my combination of lived experience, community connections, and commitment is exactly what our district needs. The Pre-K study that shaped my early education taught me that investments in children pay dividends for entire communities.
It’s about using my voice and platform to amplify others’ voices and create lasting positive change. We need leaders serving for the right reasons.
Our community deserves board members who show up ready to serve students, not personal agendas. I’m asking for your vote and together, we can move beyond the chaos and build a school district that works for every child, every family, and our entire community.
What policies, if any, do you believe the Board of Education should take to support all students and ensure they are provided with a high-quality, meaningful education?
We must return to our fundamental mission: ensuring every child receives the education they deserve. While boards may face challenges, our students can’t wait. Every scholar deserves rigorous, engaging curriculum that prepares them for success. I’ll advocate for evidence-based teaching methods, regular assessment of student progress, and immediate intervention when children fall behind. We must eliminate the achievement gap by refusing to accept different standards for different students.
Great teachers create great outcomes. I’ll fight for competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and reducing bureaucratic burdens that pull educators away from teaching. When we invest in our teachers, we invest in our children’s futures.
My grandson’s experience in APS helps to ground me, so I’ll ensure robust special education services, gifted and talented programs, and support for English language learners. One-size-fits-all approaches fail our most vulnerable students.
What policies or practices, if any, do you support to ensure a safe, affirming, and learning-centered environment in the Akron Schools?
Students can’t learn if they don’t feel secure. I’ll push for comprehensive safety measures, anti-bullying programs that work, and mental health support systems. We must create school climates where every child feels valued and protected.
The board’s ability to meet with district staff is invaluable. I want to re-establish trust and a comfort for staff to feel appreciated. We are here to support, based on evidence, the administration, while holding them accountable. In return, we also hold ourselves accountable to ensure our scholars are succeeding and our district is thriving, especially fiscally. We need a unified board that understands its role.
Let’s get back to what matters: giving every student the excellent education they deserve, regardless of zip code, background, or circumstance. That’s not just a campaign promise—it’s a commitment to our community’s future.
Aside from issues addressed in previous questions, what do you believe are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
Akron Public Schools will flourish when there is continuity and collaboration amongst all stakeholders, especially between the board and superintendent. Ultimately, this transcends within our district and community affecting our most vulnerable scholars. We are losing community support and their faith.
Every taxpayer dollar must go toward improving student outcomes. I’ll work for a balanced budget, eliminate wasteful spending, and ensure resources reach classrooms. Parents and the community deserve to know exactly how their money is being used. For example, according to our policy, we should have 3 months of reserves, Akron only reports barely having two months. We cannot continue to build buildings when our footprint, student population, is decreasing. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to generate funds for our district, especially in the wake of state and federal reductions and re-allocations. We keep taxing our most vulnerable community and expect their continued support
Gwen Bryant
Nonpartisan
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551617048105
Campaign phone: 330-819-4757
Training/experience: Trainer, facilitator, and instructional and leadership coach providing support to over 500 US school districts’ principals, leadership teams, instructional coaches, and teachers of grades K-12 educators with implementing techniques and strategies for achieving rigor and instructional practice to impact their instructional delivery. Former elementary teacher, literacy and school improvement district-level coach in Akron Public Schools. Part-time Professor and Adjunct Professor at the University of Akron and Ashland. Praxis 111 Assessor for Beginning Teachers for the Ohio Department of Education.
Website: VoteforGwenBryant.com
Education: 1999 Masters in Education, Kent State University, 1977 Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, University of Akron Graduate Studies Courses 1991-1999, Ashland University
Campaign email address: gbryantk@sbcglobal.net
Previous public office: none
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
As a former educator in APS for over 30 years, I decided to run for the school board. It has been my life’s mission to ensure that every student deserves the opportunity to receive an education of distinction. Having focused leadership is foundational for APS in becoming an exceptional school district. I am committed to utilizing my skills and knowledge as an educator and 14 years as a national educational consultant in school leadership to improve systems, set policy to advocate for public schools, and resolve core issues by creating strong relationships with the community to ensure that every student is encouraged and supported to learn. As a school board member, I will use my educational background, dedication to community engagement, commitment to equity, financial judgment, and strong communication skills. I am passionate about providing the best educational opportunities for our students and am ready to work collaboratively to achieve this goal for our community.
What policies, if any, do you believe the Board of Education should take to support all students and ensure they are provided with a high-quality, meaningful education?
The top issue is that the shortage of qualified teachers is a significant and pressing challenge in public education systems. This problem can be attributed to several factors, and addressing it is crucial for maintaining the quality of education. Those factors include teacher retirements, attrition, and a decline in the number of individuals pursuing teaching degrees. There is a direct correlation between having highly effective teachers and student achievement; however, the entire country is currently facing a teacher shortage, with unfilled teaching positions, I would like to establish policies to provide alternative pathways to teacher certification, increasing the number of teachers by partnering with local universities to “grow our own programs.” These programs will help paraprofessionals, substitutes, and community members transition into full-time teaching roles, who exhibit high expectations, strong teacher-student relationships, and instruction.
What policies or practices, if any, do you support to ensure a safe, affirming, and learning-centered environment in the Akron Schools?
I support the implementation of evidence-based and culturally sensitive policies tailored to each school’s specific needs and circumstances, ensuring a safe learning environment for all students, educators, and staff. I will support policies that will establish a multifaceted approach to increase safe conditions for learning. Additionally, it is crucial to continually implement a progress monitoring process to assess the effectiveness of each approach. Some of the approaches may include: Enhanced School Security Measures, Mental Health Services – Partner with mental health agencies, Implementation of Wraparound Services to provide students with significant behavioral and emotional challenges the support they need throughout the school day, and Anonymous Reporting Systems that enable students, staff, and community members to report concerns about potential threats or incidents without fear of retaliation.
Aside from issues addressed in previous questions, what do you believe are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
Shortage of funding for public schools due to recent reduction in federal funds, and declining enrollment is one of the significant issues facing APS. Funding often follows the number of students; declining enrollment can result in reduced revenue. Districts will need to take a fine-tooth comb to their budgets, not just to reduce expenses, but to examine strategies for best utilizing available resources. Partner with other districts within the state to lobby for increased state investment by adjusting funding formulas to ensure all schools receive fair resources, particularly high-need districts. Leadership is critical the board members are entrusted to shape the direction, priorities, and success of a school district. Mistrust of a school board grows when the community feels disconnected from the decision-making process or believes the board is not acting in the best interest of its students. Building strong relationships with parents, and the community is vital for student success.
Gregory B. Harrison
Nonpartisan
Campaign phone: 330-208-6559
Website: harrison4schoolboard.com
Education: BS Emergency Management
Campaign email address: harrisong208@gmail.com
Previous public office: None
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I am the best candidate for the Akron School Board because I bring more than 30 years of active community involvement and a decade of direct engagement with Akron’s school board issues. I have consistently spoken out on transparency, the use of CLCs, student suspensions, fiscal responsibility, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. My deep connection to the community and strong understanding of the challenges facing Akron Public Schools make me ready to serve and deliver solutions on day one.
What policies, if any, do you believe the Board of Education should take to support all students and ensure they are provided with a high-quality, meaningful education?
The Board should implement a policy requiring regular academic updates from the Superintendent. Frequent reporting on student achievement, curriculum developments, and district initiatives keeps the Board and the community informed about progress and areas needing attention. Transparency is essential in building trust between the district, families, and the community. When policies, decisions, and resource allocations are shared openly, parents and stakeholders understand how the district is addressing student needs and can engage in meaningful dialogue about improvements.
Additionally, a timely evaluation of administrative leadership is necessary. Regular, structured assessment of school and district leaders ensures that those in key positions are held accountable for student outcomes and the effective management of resources. Finally, monitoring leadership performance, the Board can make informed decisions that directly impact the quality of education provided across all schools.
What policies or practices, if any, do you support to ensure a safe, affirming, and learning-centered environment in the Akron Schools?
It was a mistake to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies without new policies to ensure every student and staff member is treated with fairness and respect. Revisiting our district’s commitment is essential. Just as important, our district needs clear, transparent policies for communicating with the families we serve. As a member of the Akron School Board, I will ensure that my decisions reflect honesty, openness and accountability because our students and families deserve nothing less.
Aside from issues addressed in previous questions, what do you believe are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
One of the most significant issues facing our school district is the continued expansion of voucher programs and the defunding of public schools. State lawmakers have passed legislation requiring public schools to provide services to students attending private schools through EdChoice vouchers, often under the claim that this gives disenfranchised populations access to a higher-quality education. This claim is misleading. In reality, these policies divert much-needed resources away from public schools, weakening the very institutions that serve the majority of students in our community.
Carla Jackson
Nonpartisan
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/301061295043192/
Campaign phone: 330-552-8860
Training/experience: – Professional Principal License – State of Ohio – Adolescence to Young Adult Teaching License (Grades 7–12) – Ohio Principal Evaluation System (OPES) Credentialed Evaluator – NFTE Certified – Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurial Instruction
Education: Ph.D., Organizational Leadership – Regent University, 2025 – Educational Leadership Certificate – Cleveland State University, 2015 – Master of Science in Education – University of Akron, 2013 – B.A., History – Cleveland State University, 2005
Campaign email address: carlajackson4schoolboard@gmail.com
Previous public office: School Board Member
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I am the best candidate for the Akron Public Schools Board because I bring a combination of deep educational knowledge, proven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to every student’s success.
With a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Master’s in Education, valid state principal/ teaching license, and extensive experience both as a classroom teacher and as an educational administrator, I understand the complexities of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and school operations from multiple perspectives.
Throughout my career, I have focused on creating fair systems, fostering community engagement, and ensuring fiscal and programmatic accountability. I have experience adopting policy, overseeing the district’s policy manual, setting long-range goals, and making critical decisions regarding district leadership. I know how to navigate state and federal education regulations while keeping the needs of students, families, and educators at the forefront.
What policies, if any, do you believe the Board of Education should take to support all students and ensure they are provided with a high-quality, meaningful education?
The Board of Education should continue to implement and uphold policies that align with the district’s mission of ensuring that each student achieves their fullest potential in a safe and affirming learning environment.
Specifically, I believe the Board should focus on policies that:
Promote student-centered learning.
Policies should ensure that instructional practices, curriculum design, and assessment strategies prioritize the unique needs, strengths, and interests of each student and foster community collaboration. Additionally, policies should encourage meaningful engagement among teachers, families, local organizations, and community stakeholders to support student success, while safeguarding students physical, social, and emotional well-being so that they can focus on learning without fear or barriers.
What policies or practices, if any, do you support to ensure a safe, affirming, and learning-centered environment in the Akron Schools?
I support policies and practices that uphold the philosophy of Akron Public Schools, which emphasizes respect for the worth and dignity of every individual and the holistic development of all learners, intellectually, emotionally, physically, socially, and creatively.
To ensure a safe, affirming, and learning-centered environment, I advocate for programs that:
Promote student-centered and inclusive learning by recognizing each student’s aptitudes, interests, and strengths and offering multiple pathways, methods, and materials to engage them meaningfully.
Foster critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning by providing opportunities to develop analysis, synthesis, and problem-solving skills, preparing students to navigate a rapidly changing technological, social, and global landscape.
Encourage civic responsibility and cultural understanding by helping students appreciate diversity, understand democratic values, and exercise their rights responsibly.
Aside from issues addressed in previous questions, what do you believe are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
One of the most significant issues facing Akron Public Schools is the misalignment of priorities when decisions and efforts are focused more on adult-centered interests, power dynamics, or politics rather than on student growth and learning.
When a majority of time and resources are spent on administrative or political matters, it can detract from the district’s core mission: ensuring all students have access to high-quality education and opportunities to reach their full potential.
To address this, I believe the Board must reaffirm and consistently prioritize student-centered decision-making in every aspect of governance, including policy, programming, and resource allocation.
Policies should guarantee fair access to all opportunities and programming for every student, ensuring equity across academic, extracurricular, and enrichment activities. Additionally, there must be accountability at all levels, not only for students, but for teachers and administrators as well.
Nathan R. Jarosz
Nonpartisan
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JaroszNathan
Campaign phone: 216-258-5514
Training/experience: General Substitute Teaching License (2024-2029) Everything DiSC Facilitator Certification (2021) Over 18 years of teaching, managing, and developing leadership curriculum for courses for youth, adults, and corporate locally, nationally, and internationally (OH, CA, NM, MO, FL, WV, MI, and China). Founder/CEO of Leadership Influencing Teen Empowerment (LITE) LITE is a nonprofit organization designed to provide leadership development and emotional intelligence training to high school & middle school youth. Nathan has taught and facilitated over 910 individual leadership/emotional intelligence sessions in 7 school years serving over 5,000 students in 7 school years in Summit, Portage, Medina, and Stark County Schools.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nathan_r_jarosz/
Website: friendsofnathanjarosz.com/
Education: Bachelors of Science in Business Administration in General Management Thomas Edison State University Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Malone University, Canton, OH – Doctor of Education in Interprofessional Leadership Kent State University, Kent, OH (student) Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University (2022)
Campaign email address: nathan@nathanjarosz.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
For more than eight years, I’ve worked directly with our students, teachers, and administrators through my nonprofit organization, LITE. I’ve served over 5,000 students—equipping them with leadership development, emotional intelligence, conflict management, and other life skills. I’ve seen the joy when a student discovers new confidence, and I’ve also seen the challenges that make learning harder. Those experiences have shown me both the incredible potential of our schools and the urgent need for stronger, more consistent leadership. In addition, I have trained leadership skills nationally and internationally, working with youth and adult programs.
I have a BSBA in General Management, a MA in Organizational Leadership, a certification in Diversity and Inclusion, and am pursuing a Doctor of Education in Interprofessional Leadership. These experiences, both academic and practical, have prepared me to be an effective, collaborative, and reliable servant leader on Akron School Board.
What policies, if any, do you believe the Board of Education should take to support all students and ensure they are provided with a high-quality, meaningful education?
We should adopt policies that strengthen transparency, inclusion, accessibility, and excellence. Our Community Learning Centers should be more accessible and hassle free for nonprofits, businesses, and local organizations to expand enrichment opportunities for our students. We must also ensure that our disciplinary policy is enforced consistently, transparently, and fairly. We need to prioritize a balanced budget. We ask students to be responsible. Our board must be responsible.
As for policy development, we need to do a better job of being more inclusive of members of other voices. Decisions should be made with more inclusion from teachers, administrators, parents, and even students so that policies established or adapted can resonate with the lived experiences of those who are directly affected by those policies. A board member must be responsive to the community by communicating in a side-by-side manner not a top-down manner. We work alongside the community and should listen.
What policies or practices, if any, do you support to ensure a safe, affirming, and learning-centered environment in the Akron Schools?
I support a whole-child approach to policy development on the board. This involves taking a conscious effort in ensuring that we model Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for our students and consider how their physiological, safety, belonging, esteem, and self-actualization needs are or are not being addressed. This includes finding collaborative ways to support students in class and and home by bolstering nutritional support, addressing violence, offering more accessible mental health support/coaching, disciplining fairly and justly, building friendship opportunities, validating students’ identity, empowering after-school and summer activities, connecting families with job opportunities, and developing trust in our buildings.
Nurturing a child from pre-k until graduation requires a village. Whole-Child approach to education goes beyond the classroom to find solutions to ensure all aspects of a child are supported. These practices will help create a positive environment for our students.
Aside from issues addressed in previous questions, what do you believe are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
1. APS faces a difficult financial situation from rising costs, declining enrollment, predatory vouchers, and limited state funding. We are spending more than we take in. Moving forward, we must be transparent with the community, prioritize dollars on direct services to our students, and build creative partnerships with local organizations, nonprofits, and businesses. The budget should restore a surplus, protect jobs, prioritize teachers, counselors, and staff, and pursue new revenue through grants and partnerships to ease the burden on taxpayers. With a disciplined budget and community collaboration, we can stabilize our finances and keep the focus where it belongs: students’ success. We must remind our state legislators that public dollars belong to public schools.
2. APS has had four superintendents in five school years. This is not good for our sustainability and stability. I advocate for leadership stability for the long-term growth of our district’s students, staff, and teachers.
Karmaya Kelly
Nonpartisan
Campaign phone: 614-300-5767
Campaign email address: Karmayakellyforakron@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I am the best candidate for Akron Public Schools because I bring both lived experience and visionary leadership rooted in our community’s needs. For over two decades, I’ve worked directly with Akron’s youth and families—supporting those facing socioeconomic barriers, advocating for trauma-informed care, and helping parents navigate systems that often feel impossible to access. As a maternal and infant health advocate, I’ve seen how early parental support and school readiness can transform lives. I’m not running to hold a title—I’m running to build a legacy of healing and generational change for our city. I understand the urgency of protecting public education funding, addressing leadership turnover, and ensuring our schools reflect the brilliance and resilience of Akron’s families. I don’t just talk about inclusion—I live it, advocate for it, and practice it.
What policies, if any, do you believe the Board of Education should take to support all students and ensure they are provided with a high-quality, meaningful education?
I support equitable funding policies that direct resources to schools and students with the greatest needs, ensuring no child is left behind because of their zip code. We must expand literacy initiatives, academies and our Pathways program, while also investing in arts – all which will open doors for every unique learner. I support policies that strengthen culturally responsive curriculum, so students see their identities reflected in what they learn. We must also expand trauma-informed practices, family engagement programs so barriers outside the classroom don’t block success inside it. Finally, I support policies that prioritize teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development, because strong educators are the foundation of strong schools. Together, these policies ensure that Akron students are prepared not only to graduate, but to thrive in college careers, and community life.
What policies or practices, if any, do you support to ensure a safe, affirming, and learning-centered environment in the Akron Schools?
To ensure a safe, affirming, and learning-centered environment, I support reinstating a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy that affirms belonging for every student and aligns with federal Dear Colleague guidance. I would advance trauma-informed discipline policies that replace punitive approaches with restorative practices, helping students learn from mistakes while staying engaged in school. I support strong anti-bullying and anti-discrimination policies that protect students across race, gender, ability, and identity. I also believe in staff training in cultural competency, implicit bias, and mental health awareness so educators are equipped to meet diverse needs. Finally, I support family engagement policies that create structured opportunities for parents and caregivers to partner with schools. Together, these policies ensure that safety, affirmation, and learning are daily practices in every Akron classroom.
Aside from issues addressed in previous questions, what do you believe are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
Akron is a community in deep need of healing and hope. Our city has faced school closures, budget cuts, leadership turnover, and the lasting impact of poverty and violence. Families are asking for new representation on the school board—leaders who reflect the community and will restore trust through transparency and accountability. We must invest in teacher recruitment and retention, ensuring competitive pay, professional development, and supportive working conditions so educators can thrive here long-term. Another critical issue is rebuilding community trust—families must feel confident that APS is responsive and inclusive. I will advocate for open communication, regular community forums, and clear reporting on district decisions. By addressing finances, supporting educators, and centering healing and hope, we can stabilize our schools and create a foundation for lasting success. True progress requires leadership that is visible and reflects the people it serves.
Phil Montgomery
Nonpartisan
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092019553740
Campaign phone: 234-206-0078
Training/experience: 5-Year School Treasurer License, Ohio Board of Education
Website: www.electphilmontgomery.com
Education: MBA, Ohio Dominican University
Campaign email address: phil@electphilmontgomery.com
Previous public office: Akron City Council, Ward 8
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
In addition to being an APS parent, I believe my deep community relationships and government finance background will help our APS Board better serve our children, their families and their educators.
What policies, if any, do you believe the Board of Education should take to support all students and ensure they are provided with a high-quality, meaningful education?
The board needs to refocus on it’s main mission, setting the vision for the district via the policies (or guardrails in my terms) that guide the Superintendent in enhancing academic success and supporting them in achieving that vision.
What policies or practices, if any, do you support to ensure a safe, affirming, and learning-centered environment in the Akron Schools?
I support policies that make every school a safe, respectful, and welcoming space for all students. That includes strong anti-bullying measures, mental health supports, and professional development for staff to better serve our diverse student body. It is especially important that we create classrooms where every child feels valued so they can focus on learning and reaching their potential.
Aside from issues addressed in previous questions, what do you believe are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
We have to get back into the community and be transparent on what is facing the district. At the same time, we need to be asking the community and our families what is needed from our district to ensure our students are successful. Another one of the biggest challenges is making sure resources are used wisely so every school has equitable access to help students succeed.