My Goals
Provide Voluntary Universal Pre-Kindergarten
I think all children should have the opportunity to start school ready to learn. They will learn social skills that are necessary for kindergarten.
Enhance After School Programs
We should extend the after school programs and continue the remedial program Jumpstart. After school programs should be available at all schools. Students get a chance to participate in recreational as well as learning programs.
Improve Special Education Services
We should expand services to autistic and other special needs children. In order to do so, we must address the current shortage of special education teachers in our County.
Further the Development of the STEM Program
Continue to monitor the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program and determine if it should be expanded to other schools. Many children must take long bus rides to reach the current STEM academies. Introducing the academies to more schools this would help the problem. We could start at the high school level where we already have advanced placement courses.
Right Size Our Classes
We should replace the absolute class size goal concept and cap with the range concept. If grades 3-5 were between 23-25 we would have numbers, which would facilitate learning for all children. We need to start thinking about class size ranges where the highest number of the range would still facilitate learning.
Attract Quality Teachers, Para-Educators, and Staff
We need to hire and retain high quality teachers, para-educators, and staff with competitive compensation and benefits. Currently, our starting salary is lower than surrounding counties. We must remain competitive. We also need to insure quality of life issues. For example, elementary teachers more planning time, and teachers need good pensions.
