Campaign Platform
Welcome to the official campaign platform for my race for the Salt Lake City School Board. Here, you'll find information about my priorities and vision for our schools, key initiatives, and issues that will be shaped by your vote in this race.
I'm a dedicated advocate, community builder, and policy leader committed to improving our schools and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. I'll bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Salt Lake City School Board.
The Salt Lake City School District faces both challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of education in our community for years to come. The person elected to the school board in this race will play a pivotal role in guiding the district through these challenges and opportunities, influencing policies and making decisions that affect every student, teacher, and family in our community.
I'm committed to innovative solutions and inclusive policies and I'm a leader who can move our school district toward a brighter, more equitable future. Your support is crucial in this important election — together, we can ensure that our schools are equipped to provide the best education possible for every student.
If you have other questions for me to answer, don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or call/text (801) 564-3860.
- Address the Individual Needs of Every Child
- Empower Community Voices
- Expand Earning and Learning Pathways
- Fight for Academic Integrity
- Invest in the High-quality schools and facilities
- Keep Schools Safe and Secure
- Recruit and Retain Quality People
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Address the Individual Needs of Every Child
My View
The primary mission of our public schools is to equip students to thrive as citizens in an increasingly interconnected world. The future of our democracy and economy hinges on individuals who are prepared to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted student achievement, highlighting significant disparities in technology access. Addressing these issues requires substantial investment in our schools.
The investments we make should encompass enhancing technological infrastructure and access, providing robust mental health support, ensuring equitable educational opportunities, and fostering environments that promote the well-being of every child.
My priorities:
- Incentivize the highest-performing educators to teach in the highest-need schools.
- Invest in teen centers at all high schools to support students in need.
- Reduce classroom distractions by limiting cell phones and other electronic devices in schools.
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Empower Community Voices
My View
Schools need our involvement and investment. As your school board member, I’ll work hard to engage more of our neighbors in our schools. Building partnerships between the school district and community stakeholders is essential. By fostering solid relationships with parents, local businesses, and community organizations, we can create a supportive network that enhances educational opportunities for our students.
I will advocate for increased volunteer programs, community events, and collaborative projects that unite our community. Together, we can ensure that our schools have what they need to provide the best possible education for every child.
My priorities:
- Build partnerships to create affordable, family-sized, and workforce housing options on district-owned properties.
- Champion an inclusive public process for recently closed schools to identify community needs and create a community vision for their future use.
- Empower Parent Teacher Associations & School Community Councils to advocate for each school.
- Expand access to board meetings by hosting meetings in the community and creating virtual participation options.
- Host regular town hall meetings and attend community council meetings and community events.
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Expand Earning and Learning Pathways
My View
Salt Lake City is changing around us. Our city is growing with changes including a new hockey team, a strong Olympic bid, a new airport, and so much more. As a school board member, I’ll work to ensure that our students are connected to these opportunities to create new pathways to lifelong learning and earning. I am committed to fostering an educational environment tat not only keeps pace with these developments but also anticipates and prepares for the future needs of our community. By integrating modern technology, promoting STEM education, and encouraging partnerships with local industries, we can ensure our students are well-equipped for the evolving job market and can thrive in a dynamic, prosperous city.
My priorities:
- Connect schools with local businesses and promote pathways for every student, regardless of career goals.
- Develop internship and apprenticeship programs in collaboration with the tech sector and other growing industries.
- Support the Salt Lake Education Foundation to enhance and supplement taxpayers’ investment in our public schools.
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Fight for Academic Integrity
My View
Public education is under attack in Utah. From discriminatory legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community to regressive rules about sexual health education, school boards must be vigilant and do everything they can to protect academic freedom and our most vulnerable populations. I will be a strong voice on the school board for protecting our students, keeping academic integrity intact, and making sure our teachers are treated as professionals.
My priorities:
- Advocate for implementation of the National Sex Ed Standards to provide age appropriate, culturally sensitive comprehensive sexual health education.
- Oppose book bans and efforts to target LGBTQ+ people.
- Support diversity, equity, and inclusion programming.
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Invest in the High-quality schools and facilities
My View
Our students and employees deserve safe, clean, and dignified facilities. Many of the schools on the Westside are aging and need new investment to meet modern standards. I’ll prioritize repairing and replacing outdated school facilities. This investment is crucial for fostering an environment where students thrive, and employees perform their best work.
My priorities:
- Develop incentives for students and staff to use alternative transportation methods like biking or carpooling.
- Ensure new high schools are of the highest efficiency and environmental quality standards.
- Fight for a high school on the Westside.
- Transition to electric equipment and vehicle fleet by 2035.
- Utilize water-wise and native landscaping where possible.
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Keep Schools Safe and Secure
My View
Keeping our students and employees safe is an essential role of the school board. Developing and implementing effective school safety policies is essential. We must take a comprehensive and layered approach, addressing physical security, mental health support, bullying prevention, and emergency preparedness to create a supportive and secure environment for everyone.
My priorities:
- Advocate for Salt Lake City to include safe routes to school in all transportation planning and ensure that schools' needs are reflected in all planning efforts.
- Ensure that all safety and security policies are community-informed and supported by evidence.
- Foster a culture of open communication where students, staff, and parents feel comfortable reporting safety concerns.
- Implement and regularly update anti-bullying programs and policies to create a safe and respectful school environment.
- Strengthen partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency services to conduct regular safety drills and assessments.
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Recruit and Retain Quality People
My View
Our schools face a growing problem: the need for more experienced, quality teachers and school support staff. From efforts to undermine their involvement in decision-making to the ever-increasing responsibilities mandated to our educators, many of our best and brightest staff are experiencing burnout. We must stay focused on attracting and retaining qualified staff.
This attrition affects the quality of education and disrupts the stability and continuity essential for student success. We must stay focused on attracting and retaining qualified staff by providing adequate support, competitive compensation, and opportunities for professional development. By fostering a collaborative and respectful environment, we can ensure our educators feel valued and empowered to perform their best.
My priorities:
- Ensuring a fair and inclusive process when negotiating employee contracts.
- Invest in school support staff by ensuring that the professionals who provide critical support to our public schools receive equitable and fair compensation.
- Offer robust professional development programs to help teachers and staff grow in their careers and stay updated with the latest educational practices.
- Provide attractive compensation and benefits to staff at every stage of their careers.
- Reduce unnecessary administrative burdens so educators can focus more on teaching and student interaction.
- Set a strategic goal to consistently have the most competitive compensation for our teachers and support staff.