How do you address the specific challenges to creating a culture of belonging in our district?

TL;DR: An unwavering base level of respect for all people is central to belonging. When adults politicize or ostracize identities, we hurt the ability of all of our students to flourish in a global economy. We move every bear forward, together, when we keep politicians out of our classrooms.

My core belief is that our schools must be a place where every student feels a true sense of belonging. This commitment is especially critical for our most vulnerable students, and as someone who knows what it’s like to feel different in school, my priority is to ensure every child can focus on learning without being singled out.

The challenges to this are real and must be named. When the vast majority of our students go through their K-12 education and never see a Black male in any role other than a custodian or coach; when our district administration has fewer minority leaders than it did when I first joined the board four years ago; and when school board members have called our families of color a "political" group that should not have a protected space to share their concerns, it has a profound impact. When students see identities being ostracized or politicized by adults, it is our district leadership’s job to reinforce our schools as a place of stability and unwavering respect for all. For all students to be prepared to succeed in the diverse world they are entering, representation matters.

Instead of getting caught up in ideological battles, we must focus on our schools' basic mission: preparing kids for careers and life. As a healthcare provider for 20 years, making medical decisions was my job. As a school board member, that is not my business. I want politicians out of our classrooms and bathrooms so our teachers can do their jobs. By ensuring all voices are valued, we fulfill our promise to move every bear forward, together.