Collectively, we’ve been through a lot in recent years: a global pandemic, a national reckoning with racism, redistricted school boundaries, and a historic teacher’s strike. We need earnest efforts to rebuild trust between our families, teachers, and the district, and to repair the hurt and harm that has been caused. I am committed to this effort through proactive and responsive communication, strong governance, equitable decision-making, and academic excellence.

Excellent Academics

Literacy is liberation! Yet more than 50% of Minneapolis students who cannot read at grade level are denied this freedom. As a director, literacy will be my #1 priority for policy and budget decisions. Minneapolis Public Schools needs an evidence-based literacy curriculum, training and ongoing support for educators, full-time librarians, and remedial support for the students who are not yet literate.  I will also ensure robust programming such as the arts, sciences, and mental health supports are in every building. My mission is to make sure every single family in Minneapolis has a public school they can be proud to attend.

Early Childhood

Research shows that a solid foundation in early childhood is critical to future success in school and life. Early childhood education is not only proven to improve student outcomes and reduce disparities, but is also a smart enrollment strategy as we look to invest in programming that will enhance Minneapolis Public Schools, and possibly repurpose buildings. I will apply my experience as an early childhood educator, advocate, and fellow at the Department of Human Services to elevate and expand early childhood programming at MPS.

Financial Sustainability

We need bold, innovative solutions to address Minneapolis Public Schools’ budget and its sustainability. As a Board, we need to be honest and transparent about how we got here so that we can rebuild trust with the community and bring diverse perspectives together to design solutions. We need to take a hard look at how to reduce ongoing expenses and address enrollment at each school so that we can provide the robust programs and student supports that families want and students need. We also need a clear plan to advocate at the State Capitol to address the systemic underfunding of state and federal mandates. As a former board chair of a non-profit preschool and advocate during the historic 2023 state legislative session, I have the skills and experience to lead on both fronts.

Strong Governance

The School Board’s ability to make meaningful progress depends on its ability to govern. As a Board Director, I will listen to diverse voices and always center children. We must partner with the superintendent to ensure policies are implemented with fidelity, so our strategic goals for student outcomes are met. A critical priority is to monitor and plan for the District’s financial health. We also need to make sure there are measures of accountability so that we can demonstrate - with transparency - that every policy and budget decision contributes to our desired outcome. You can always count on me to be honest, transparent, and act with integrity while working to build consensus across the board and district when faced with hard decisions.

Children are creative, wise and hopeful. Their future is in our hands. As the adults in the room, we must lead with the same kind of hope that a better future is possible. I believe that we can come together as a community to address our budget crisis, establish innovative long-term solutions, and support our students and teachers to create a culture of joy and abundance in every school.