How do you translate your vision for an inclusive environment into concrete action and policy?

TL;DR: We all want our students to feel safe and included at school. Barriers that make a person’s identity predictive of their success or narrow definitions that limit student support (like bullying) undermine this. Systemic change through policy ensure all students are empowered and have the opportunity to flourish.

To address the unique needs of all students, my approach is rooted in creating systems where every student feels safe and empowered. My ultimate goal is for a person's identity not to be predictive of their future success, which requires moving beyond sentiment and into specific, proactive policy.

I have demonstrated this commitment in several ways:

A Framework for Success: I helped develop and pass a framework focused on removing barriers and tailoring support to individual needs. It guides us to use detailed data to identify where students are struggling, direct resources effectively, and close gaps.

Student Voice & Leadership: I drafted significant sections of the student voice policy to ensure a breadth of student experiences are elevated. I also successfully advocated for a K-12 student leadership curriculum, which the administration is now implementing, to build skills in leadership and economic independence.

Proactive Support Systems: I have consistently advocated for supporting all students who have experiences that feel like bullying, not just those who meet a narrow legal definition. My commitment to safety extends to supporting age-appropriate, medically accurate sex education that includes consent, providing trauma-informed support for staff, and ensuring bathroom policies are as gender-inclusive as legally permissible.

By focusing on systemic policies and amplifying student voices, I work to create an inclusive learning environment where all students have the opportunity to flourish.