“I am done skipping rocks and making ripples, and ready to toss boulders to make waves.”
- Jamela Smith-Folds
Policy guides practice. As a veteran teacher, my philosophy has always been one of “Do No Harm.” The greatest harm done to our students, parents, and teachers is through poor policy. As a school board trustee, I will focus on policy. School site, school district, and school board policy should be transparent and easily understandable. Equity, sustainability, and capacity building are the three criteria by which I will measure policy. Determining if the board should keep, alter, or disregard a policy needs to be based around these three criteria; Equitable policy -one in which all students and parents benefit, Sustainable policy -one in which accountability and transparency are paramount, and Capacity building policy -one which there are layers for growth inside the policy that aims to increase student and parent ability to use education as a tool for elevation. As a school board trustee, I will ensure that policies are equitable, sustainable, and build capacity.
Policy Priorities
I will work to ensure that:
WCCUSD is competitive and performing at or exceeding academic standards of surrounding districts. I will advocate for policy that builds capacity in College and Career readiness for all students that allows access to local high achieving colleges and job acquisition that pays at or above minimum wage.
there is sustainable policies around the recruitment, retention, and support of highly effective teachers and leaders in WCCUSD.
the policies around equity are measurable and attainable. I will champion equitable policies with the most vulnerable student population at the forefront; including but not limited to, African American students, ELD students, ELL (English Language Learners), foster and homeless youth, and those students with special needs.
there are policies increasing parent, guardian, and CBOs (Community Based Organizations) involvement at the school site and district level with the goal of increased opportunities for engagement. I want policies that builds capacity by making sure parents, guardians, and CBOs are at the educational decision making table.
existing budgetary policies are beneficial to students and their future and don’t just increase the district’s deficit. While in office, I will create sustainable financial policy that has transparency and accountability built in.