What made you decide to contest in school committee elections?

 I decided to run for School Committee first and foremost after I was able to review the Equity Analysis and see clearly the issues that exist within our Blue Ribbon school system with equity in education. Beyond this issue, I have been distraught by the lack of civility at the School Committee and want to be part of the solution. Lastly, there has been a lack of focus on what matters most at School Committee - students. I'd like to ensure that going forward we are spending the majority of our time focusing on students, teachers, and buildings.

Can you describe your experience as a student and how it shaped your vision?

 While smart, I was an average student in high school. When supported by a stellar professor in 10 grade social studies I did well in this course. I was asked by my jewish social studies teacher to attend his AP Psychology class the following year. At the time, I wasn't even sure I would go to college. Because someone else saw something in me, I agreed. I showed up the next year as 1 of 3 males and the only Black student in the class which was super intimidating. I focused in and was really enamored by the content. I ultimately aced the class. The result for me was the knowledge that while difficult, college level work was engaging and not so difficult that I should be intimidated. This changed my trajectory in my life and got me focused on a path to higher education which worked for me. Ultimately, while I’m grateful to Dr. Fass (my World History and AP Psychology professor) for tapping me on the shoulder, that system was one that was reliant upon the goodwill of an amazing teacher and luck. I want to be part of a push for systemic change that will ensure every student is receiving the opportunity to reach their own individual, highest potential. 

 What (if any) changes would you make if you are elected and how will it impact students of SPS?

A few things come to mind:
Immediately press for comprehensive review of policies with a specific focus on ensuring policies are equitable and account for any biases.
These would directly impact students because we want to ensure that we’re giving ALL students equitable access to education and the statistics show that we have not been meeting those expectations to date.
Press for an annual, comprehensive training for the School Committee that reviews the role of the school committee. This currently happens upon induction but given what we’ve seen, I believe there is a need for an annual review and affirmation with key focus on specific areas.
This would have a positive impact on students because the current School Committee often veers outside of it’s scope of responsibility and micromanaged the educators, administration, and Superintendent. When this occurs, this does undue harm and leads to unproductive engagements and a lot of uncivil interactions. These trainings would help re-establish expectations consistently and the benefit to students would be a focus on what matters most - the students and learners within our district.
Press for an annual School Committee member retreat with the Superintendent focused on team building, partnership, and collaboration.
Having a functional group of adults at the table making important decisions collaborating in an effective and respectful way not only sends a message and models behavior but will lead to better, more productive outcomes overall thereby benefiting students through good, collaborative, positive decision making and engagements.
Press for continued implementation of the EOS program that is currently underway while also suggesting the Superintendent and Administration consider this program as a potential framework to extend beyond the high school and into the middle and elementary schools towards the goal of equity across all of our schools. 

As the school committee is for students, why do you think should students choose you for school committee?

 Students should choose me because I will stay focused on them. My priority is ensuring better access to a high quality education for ALL students. I believe we need to continue to press for rigorous academics inclusive of the arts, physical activity, language and music. Our school systems should be focused on producing well-rounded, well-adjusted learners and that will be my focus.

What is your favorite sports team?

 I'm a Boston Celtics fan! Given that I'm originally from Miami, the Heat are also a favorite for me.