Website: GloriaWall.com
Ranked Choice:
I support programs that replace traditional and/or remedial courses with advanced and/or college level courses in our district.
Neutral
I believe that the racial demographics of the school districts should equitably represent the population of Baton Rouge.
Neutral
I support the creation of a separate school district for St. George.
Neutral
Family poverty levels affect student test scores, therefore we need a system that takes overall school poverty level into account in order to give a more accurate measure of student performance.
Neutral
The school district should have the authority to mandate vaccines for children in public schools.
Neutral
The school district should provide curriculum that is sensitive to race, gender, and culture.
Neutral
Recess time should be required in both elementary AND middle schools.
Strongly Agree
Short Answer:
What is your relationship with the public school system? (Did you attend, did/are your children/grandchildren attend(ing)). Have you attended school board meetings in the past? How would your presence improve the board?
I am from Mississippi, and I attended private school through 8th grade and public school for the remainder of my education. I graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1988. After completing physical therapy school in MN. I moved to Baton Rouge and my first job was with a contracting company that provided physical therapy in EBR schools. This was my first exposure to the public school system in EBRP. Additionally, I have 3 stepsons and each attended school in EBR utilizing both public schools and parochial schools throughout their educational career. I have also navigated the public school system on behalf of my grandchildren. They are now in the parochial system and Central public schools. This is not an uncommon trend in EBR and I want to see this change. I will advocate for all students, teachers, and parents while working with my fellow board members and administration to improve traditional public schools. EBR can and MUST do better!
Do you support the creation of more charter schools in Baton Rouge? What criteria would you use to determine whether to approve them? What solution would you propose to address the growing budget deficits as charters receive more dedicated funds from the general budget?
I am neither for them nor against them. I am FOR an EXCELLENT education for ALL children. Currently over ½ of our public schools are rated D/F. Several of our charter schools are filling the gap. New C.S. would: 1. Serve an area where EBR public schools are failing our students. 2. The C.S. would have a proven track record in a similar environment. 3. The C.S. would provide an equitable enrollment process. 4. The C.S. would provide a similar curriculum as the EBR public school in that area. 5. The C.S. would seek opportunities to involve students, parents, and the community in the development of the school.
Budget spending needs to be examined regardless of whether or not there are more C.S. EBR spending may not be properly aligned with the priorities needed to improve student/school performance. As a school board member, I will undertake an in-depth analysis of the budget to insure we are effectively spending our tax dollars.
What role does a school board member play in addressing the local challenges concerning teacher retention and hiring? How will you address the district’s teacher shortage?
Recruiting teachers to EBR which is currently loaded with D/F rated schools, increased truancy, and decreased literacy is definitely a challenge. I will support budget priorities to allow for sign on bonuses for teachers, provide competitive pay for teachers, and encourage fully funded continuing education and professional development for teachers. I will listen to the concerns of teachers and work on policy that provides classroom support for teachers, parents, and students.
I believe that teachers need to have trust in the school system, the board, and the administration and I feel this is best improved through transparency. I will support policies that allow transparency for teachers, parents, the community, and students.
Additionally, teachers need to know that when they go to work, they will be working in a safe and supportive environment. I will advocate for such policies for teachers and students.
The Industrial Tax Exemption Program gives exemption of property tax to industry. What is your criteria for approving or denying ITEP exemptions for the school board portion of the tax?
What company is requesting the ITEP? What is the projected financial benefit to the community? What goods/services will the company provide and to what area? (Parish, state, country, international??) How many jobs/families will it bring to the area and/or how many new jobs will be created. What is the current and/or projected financial status of the company? (1 year, 3 year, 5 year, 10 year etc.) And lastly, what are the connections, if there are any, to key personnel or board members?
Would you like to clarify any of your ranked choice responses?
My neutral response for questions 1-6 is solely because I think each of those topics require additional information and discussion. I am always happy to discuss further and can be contacted through my website.