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Advocating for Quality Education: I am deeply committed to ensuring that every student in Lee County receives a high-quality education that prepares them for future success. I believe that by focusing on improving curriculum standards, supporting our teachers, and enhancing educational resources, we can create an environment where all students can thrive. My goal is to work collaboratively with educators, parents, and the community to implement policies that will elevate the educational experience and outcomes for our students.

Community and Parental Engagement: I am passionate about fostering a strong connection between our schools and the community. I believe that parental involvement and community support are crucial for the success of our students and schools. I want to promote transparency and open communication between the school board and the community, ensuring that the voices of parents, teachers, and residents are heard and considered in decision-making processes. By encouraging active participation and collaboration, we can create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.

Student Achievement
Issue: The current school board has struggled to improve student achievement, as evidenced by declining test scores and graduation rates. There is a significant achievement gap among students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Solution: I will prioritize student achievement by implementing evidence-based educational strategies and interventions. This includes:

Enhanced Curriculum and Instruction: Advocating for a rigorous, culturally responsive curriculum that meets the diverse needs of all students. Supporting professional development for teachers to incorporate best practices in instruction and assessment.

Early Intervention Programs: Establishing programs to identify and support students who are struggling academically from an early age, providing them with targeted interventions and resources to help them succeed.

Parental and Community Engagement: Encouraging greater involvement from parents and the community in the educational process. This can be achieved through regular communication, workshops, and volunteer opportunities that help create a supportive learning environment.

Teacher Retention and Recruitment
Issue: The district is facing a significant challenge in retaining and recruiting qualified teachers. High turnover rates and unfilled positions impact the quality of education and create instability within schools.

Solution: I will focus on creating an attractive and supportive environment for teachers by:

Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Advocating for competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages to attract and retain top talent. This includes addressing pay disparities and ensuring teachers are fairly compensated for their work.

Professional Development and Support: Providing ongoing professional development opportunities tailored to teachers' needs, enabling them to grow in their careers. Establishing mentorship programs where experienced teachers can support new hires, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Positive Work Environment: Promoting a positive and respectful work culture within schools. Ensuring that teachers have access to the necessary resources, manageable class sizes, and a voice in decision-making processes. By creating a supportive environment, we can improve teacher satisfaction and retention rates.

By addressing these two critical issues, we can create a stronger and more effective school district that supports both student achievement and teacher well-being.

Yes, I support school choice. Here’s why:

Personalized Education: School choice empowers parents to select the educational environment that best meets their child’s unique needs and learning style. Every student is different, and having options allows families to find schools that offer specific programs, teaching methods, or extracurricular activities that align with their child's strengths and interests.

Improved Educational Outcomes: When schools compete for students, they are incentivized to improve the quality of education they provide. This competition can lead to higher academic standards, innovative teaching practices, and better overall school performance. School choice encourages schools to be more responsive and accountable to students and parents, ultimately benefiting the entire education system.

The parent. Parents know their children best and are in the best position to make decisions regarding their education and wellbeing. They have a deep understanding of their child's needs, strengths, and challenges, and should be the primary decision-makers in guiding their child's educational journey and overall development. This belief in parental authority respects family values and ensures that children's education aligns with their personal and cultural backgrounds.

No. Our Founding Fathers set up a form of government that allows people of all backgrounds equal opportunity under the law. Even though parts of the country at that time allowed slavery, our country fought over the issue to ensure that all Americans were granted their God-given rights.

I do not agree with including Comprehensive Sex Education, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, and Social Emotional Learning as part of the public education curriculum. I believe these subjects can serve to indoctrinate our children rather than educate them objectively. Parents are ultimately responsible for raising their children and should have the primary role in teaching these values and topics according to their beliefs and family dynamics. Schools should focus on academic excellence and fundamental skills.

Enhanced Focus on Core Academics:

Curriculum Review and Improvement: Conduct a comprehensive review of the current curriculum to ensure it is rigorous, up-to-date, and aligned with best practices. Introduce evidence-based teaching methods that are proven to improve student outcomes in reading, writing, math, and science.
Early Intervention Programs: Implement targeted intervention programs for students who are struggling in these core subjects. Provide additional support such as tutoring, after-school programs, and summer learning opportunities to help students catch up and stay on track.
Professional Development for Teachers:

Ongoing Training and Support: Invest in continuous professional development for teachers to equip them with the latest instructional strategies and tools. Focus on data-driven instruction, differentiated learning, and effective classroom management techniques.
Collaboration and Mentorship: Foster a culture of collaboration among teachers by encouraging peer observations, sharing best practices, and establishing mentorship programs for new and struggling educators.
By prioritizing these strategies, we can create a more effective learning environment that addresses the root causes of declining academic achievement and sets our students up for success in reading, writing, math, and science.

Safety is indeed a major concern, and ensuring the safety and privacy of all students, especially girls in their private spaces, is a priority. If elected, here are the measures I would support and encourage:

Strict Enforcement of Privacy Policies:

Clear Guidelines and Protocols: Implement and strictly enforce clear guidelines and protocols for the use of private spaces such as restrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas. Ensure these guidelines are communicated effectively to all students, staff, and parents.
Regular Monitoring and Supervision: Increase monitoring and supervision in areas where privacy is a concern. Utilize staff and security personnel to ensure these spaces are safe and secure at all times.
Enhanced Security Measures:

Improved Infrastructure: Upgrade and maintain infrastructure to enhance security in private spaces. This includes ensuring locks are functioning properly, installing privacy partitions, and improving overall facility maintenance.
Surveillance and Access Control: Install appropriate surveillance systems and access control measures to monitor entry and exit points. Ensure that these measures are used responsibly to protect privacy while enhancing security.
Education and Training:

Awareness Programs: Conduct awareness programs for students and staff on the importance of respecting privacy and maintaining a safe environment for all. This includes educating them about appropriate behavior and reporting mechanisms for any concerns.
Training for Staff: Provide specialized training for staff on how to handle and address privacy and safety concerns effectively. Equip them with the skills to respond promptly and appropriately to any incidents.
Open Communication Channels:

Feedback and Reporting Systems: Establish anonymous reporting systems where students can report any safety concerns without fear of retaliation. Encourage open communication between students, parents, and school administration to address any issues promptly.
Regular Safety Audits: Conduct regular safety audits and seek feedback from students and parents to continually assess and improve the safety measures in place.
By implementing these measures, we can create a safe and secure environment for all students, ensuring their well-being and peace of mind while they are at school.

Yes, I believe, without a doubt, that Title IX is in jeopardy today, given the most recent federal changes extending Title IX protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity. While it's vital to prevent discrimination, the new rules pose significant challenges, particularly regarding policies affecting our schools, such as restroom usage for transgender students. It's important to provide opportunities to everyone and especially protect the security and fairness of our biological females.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka, Representative Spencer Roach, Lee County School Board Chair Sam Fisher