Student Safety

Allocate Additional Funding for Mental Health Counselors

I would allocate additional funding to hire more mental health counselors.  Given the significant rise in mental health cases reported in school and the number of teachers reporting behavior related issues, students would benefit from additional counseling touch points. 

We have seen In School Suspensions nearly double between 2019 and 2021.  Out of School Suspensions are up almost 50%.  Our children cannot learn when they aren’t in school.  We need to better understand why we are seeing these changes in student behavior and take steps to get our students the help they need.

Expand District Test Pilot Program

The district test piloted a program that championed students helping students in 2021 with some success.  We should also look to expand that program across grade levels.

Student Experience Survey

We need to make the student experience survey a higher priority.  Once we have a credible baseline, we also need to set measurable goals for student experience with the superintendent.