My Platform
The four goals I have for improving our schools.
Achievement First
Raise all students to grade level or above.
Wichita students can be world class if we have the will. It is being done in classrooms in America today; we can do it here. We will tap into world class minds and methods. Studies show that students with higher test scores are happier and earn more. It just makes sense: if you can learn quicker, know more and think better, you will do better!
Protect Students and Innocence
Students must feel safe at school.
Classrooms, common areas, bathrooms, hallways, playing fields, travel lodging and travel to and from school must always be safe for all students. Responsible adults must be trained, aware and available. Any student exhibiting dangerous behavior must be immediately and properly attended to. No student should be asked to deal with issues for which he or she is not developmentally ready. Students develop at different rates, and they need to be aware of the changes happening to their bodies, but completing high school is a normal prerequisite to starting families and childhood innocence should be maintained as long as possible. Parents need to be completely aware of any challenges to that innocence. There must be no tolerance for adults who want to violate that innocence by invading student privacy.
Elevate Excellent Educators
Give Wichita teachers world class development and pay them like pros.
Focus on the adults and students will achieve. Expect the best from our teachers; pay them like professionals. Hire the best teachers we can find and give them world class professional development daily. Make sure they have ample prep time and materials. Prepared teachers make learning rewarding and engaged students behave.
Parents and Community
Greater local choice, communication and clarity.
Build families. Help children appreciate parent sacrifices and enjoy better lives than their parents by learning from parent experience. Provide more options close to home. Involve the community in financial literacy, trade and family training for parents and students. Provide parent curriculum access and respond to parent input.
