 Why are you seeking
re-election to
the Washington DC School Board?
I am seeking election to ensure that the students in Ward 7 and 8
receive a high quality education that will prepare them for the future-a
career or post-secondary education. When it comes to providing resources
or programs our students are left out or last. However, when there is
something that negatively impacts the schools our schools are hit
first--closings. It is my belief that all children can learn if taught,
and that children East of the River deserve the same quality education
as children West of the Park. I am committed to making this happen!
What are your qualifications
for the position you seek?
My vast experiences as a Ward 7 parent of two Black male
students and special education advocate make me uniquely qualified for
this position because I bring a parent's perspective to creating
policies that educate our children.
I have served on or as the
following: Court Appointed Special Advocate for Abused and Neglected
Children, co-founder of the DCPS Beautification Day, Jefferson JHS PTA
President, Chair, High Quality Teaching and Learning Committee, Mayor's
State Advisory Panel on Special Education, consultant to the Parent's
Special Education Call Center, DC Education Compact, State Enforcement
Investigation Division Parent's Advisory Council, and Parent Resource
Centers.
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In your opinion what are the
five major issues facing the Washington DC School System?
- Training and recruiting high
quality teachers and principals
- Dropout Prevention - Less than
1/3 of our students graduate
- Academic Achievement - we have
failed to educate our children
- Lack of accountability and
oversight by the current BoE
- Facilities - Safe, modern,
well-maintained environments
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Who or what is to blame?
We all are to blame; however, the BoE has the ultimate
authority and responsibility to provide effective educational policies
and programs. The BoE is lacking oversight and control. Hence, we have
mismanagement, low-academic achievement, unsafe dilapidated buildings,
high dropout rate, unprepared teachers, and policies that do not promote
student achievement.
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What is your opinion of mayoral
candidate Adrian M. Fenty's position that the elected Washington DC
School Board be converted to an appointed advisory panel?
Drastic times call for drastic measures! Converting the BoE
to an advisory panel is drastic and removes our right to vote. As a
black woman, I take issue with anyone who wishes to take away my right
to vote. However, as a parent, I clearly understand that we can no
longer operate under the "status quo". Given that the Mayor
has appointment authority in four of the nine positions on the BoE and
that there is a great possibility that we will have five (3 elected/2
appointed) new board members I would recommend that he work with the new
BoE.
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Do
you have a web site for your candidacy?
No
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