Special education is a critical component to education because it encapsulates the foundation of public schools - that every child deserves and receives an education. I know it can be frustrating for parents who have not received the kind of help or answers they are seeking for their child’s specific needs. As a school board member, I plan to seek input from families and administrators about the policies and operations of the special education department.

When living and working with the public schools in Oakland, CA, we had a special education task force. This was composed of parents, administrators, educators and community members who applied and were selected. They met regularly to discuss important issues occurring in the education of our special ed students and gave specific recommendations for the school board to consider. These type of task forces were held in high regard by the community because of the range of voices and the topics discussed and studied. Falmouth could benefit from this type of voice, and I, as a school board member, would advocate for this. This task force could help advise and provide oversight over the implementation of the district strategic plan adopted by the board that addresses the negative effects from covid and how we move forward in the best way for our students. When people who care deeply about special education and the success of our children come together to really talk about solutions, effective change can be made.

The role of the school board is specifically spelled out to make policy, approve the school budget and have oversight over the Superintendent. The school board does not have control over the curriculum but we should be keenly aware of it and be ready to challenge the administration when we see something lacking. I am committed to making sure we are soliciting input from parents and caregivers, following up with them and finding areas where board policy could be written to improve outcomes for our students.

In Oakland, there was a push to privatize our public school system with charter schools. Charter schools do not have the same rules/laws as public schools - including how they accommodate special education students. This was one of the reasons I fought fiercely to stop the privatization of our public schools. This privatization push also led to a plan to permanently close 35 public schools in Oakland - including the school my children were attending, which was small and considered an incredible school for special education students and those who had been historically marginalized. When schools are shuttered, it is detrimental to special education and marginalized students.

I helped found a group that advocated to keep public schools truly public in Oakland and to stop permanent school closures in the city. In a span of 3 years of work, we were able to flip enough school board seats to stop the plan for these permanent closures. I am proud of this work. It was hard but I know it had a great impact on our special education students. Being forced to change schools away from the educators and staff you have grown to trust and love is traumatic for students who need stability.

Our school was also very small (280 students vs. 500 in other Oakland schools). I was a full time volunteer at the school. This gave me the opportunity to work with a lot of special ed students in the classroom - who had both learning and physical challenges. We did not have as much funding or staff as Falmouth and had to rely on volunteers in some of these roles. I absolutely loved working with our special ed students and miss that work.

I am a dedicated advocate for all students. I speak with my feet and not just my mouth. I care deeply for our special ed and marginalized students and believe that everyone deserves an equal education. My grandfather was a public college professor and my in-laws integrated their high school in Florida. It is ingrained in me that public education must accommodate all students to the highest degree. I want the curriculum and services offered to be the absolute best. I join parents and caregivers as advocates for all of our students and their learning needs.

The true meaning of diversity and inclusion is that there is representation of thought and experiences and that we are able to garner a sense of belonging in our schools and community. I believe strongly that Falmouth schools should be a place where all students are granted an equitable education experience in a safe and nurturing environment. 

One of the most important jobs of the School Board is to approve the budget. It is a process that must involve all stakeholders. Financial decisions don’t just affect our schools, but the whole Town of Falmouth as well. I have had a career in a Municipal organization (San Jose, the 10th largest city in the country) and understand what I am looking at, how to critically think about the numbers and think about how they should be changed or approved.

My budget priorities include:

1. Listening to what our educators say they need. They are on the ground working directly with our children. If they do not have what they need, our children cannot be successful. I don’t believe in a top heavy system. Administrators are absolutely necessary but we need to focus on what is needed inside our schools first.

2. Student input: They are the reason we are here. All students deserve the chance to learn and grow within our school walls. How are they feeling? Do they see gaps in their own educational journey?

3. Parent/Caregiver input: Parent input is vital. They choose Falmouth Schools and see how the choices we make are affecting their families. They have a huge stake in what we are doing as a governing body.

And the one stakeholder we can’t forget is the taxpayer. They are funding the needs of our school. It is important that we are prudent with the money they have entrusted to us as a School Board and not overspend. Like any household, we need to live within our means while providing the best education possible. 

People in Falmouth value education and are proud of our schools. If we can clearly show what, how and why we are making the decisions that we are with their money and include all stakeholders, our community can trust that the system is working for the benefit of our children.