1.)  Work to implement policies and initiatives that address inequities and barriers within education.

This will be achieved through...

• Diversifying curriculums and teacher hirings to ensure ample representation and inclusion of all AACPS students.

  • • • Advocating for more student representation on curriculum revision boards to ensure student experiences and perspectives are being valued.

      • Ensuring all school courses are representative of numerous cultural backgrounds and perspectives through implementing cultural sensitivity and inclusion audits.

• Advocate and work to implement equitable allocations of funds to school and learning programs. 

  • • • Placing a higher emphasis on allocating funds and establishing additional educational initiatives in schools that have been HISTORICALLY underserved and marginalized.

• Partner with community organizations (like AACP Libraries) to implement educational programs in marginalized and low socio-economic communities to provide additional learning support for these students. These programs can include College and Career coaching, SAT/ACT prep, homework help, and more. 

• Support initiatives conducted by groups like the Joint Commission on the Opportunity Gap to address educational inequities and disparities in accessing early childhood learning opportunities.

  • • • Expanding early childhood educational programs like Judy Centers 

      • Expanding social net programs such as county sponsored food programs to address childhood hunger.

        • (SNAP, expanding free and reduced lunches, and establishing more community food pantries in prominent food deserts)

• Expand mental health and behavioral services by sponsoring more community centered events, increasing transparency of available services, and addressing drug and substance abuse.

• • For drug and substance abuse, place a focus on rehabilitative techniques instead of prioritizing punishment. 

    • School system sponsored rehab centers.

      • • Community forums with parents and school system staff to hold courageous conversations about student mental health and utilizing these events to advertise available mental health resources.

        • Advocating for a more aggressive allocation of funds from the annual budget to tackle the mental health disparities within the school system.

          • Increasing number of  mental health specialists and social worker positions within the county

          • Establishing a student work program within high schools and our local community college to encourage younger generations to  get involved in the field of youth mental health service (to address the lack of interest in the field).

2.) Increase transparency regarding major BOE decisions and their implications to ensure students and families are well informed.

• • Monthly SMOB Reports that will discuss new policy proposals and other initiatives. Reports will be available through social media, Brightspace, and posted on the AACPS website. 

  • Quarterly SMOB Townhalls 

    3.) Expand leadership and advocacy opportunities to ensure all   students are able to make their voices heard.

• • Establish a SMOB Teen Advisory:

 A group composed of student representatives from all secondary schools (Middle and High) who will be tasked to convey any issues or concerns they observe within their schools. They will also be asked for their opinions and views on BOE policies or initiatives that will impact schools. 

• Promoting wonderful student leadership opportunities like CRASC and MASC

• Diligently attend CRASC Town Hall meetings to observe student concerns and to also gain input from students. It is essential to maintain a close relationship with CRASC as SMOB! 

• Expand and promote voter registration drives across the school system to ensure all of our students have an opportunity to advance their civic engagement. 

• Launch testimony development and guide workshops across the county to help students get involved in their local legislative process. They can use these skills later at BOE meetings or even at the Maryland General Assembly.

• Along with elevating student voices it is essential that our teachers and school system staff are also being heard and represented at the BOE as they are the integral components of all educational institutions. These are the individuals who are inside every school and classroom alongside us fellow students. 

  • This would be achieved by forming close relationships with the TAAAC (Teacher Association of Anne Arundel County) and ensuring their input is recognized during all major decisions.

  • During school visitations, making a priority to talk to teachers and school staff about their concerns.

  • Increasing teacher wages so they are just as, if not more competitive than surrounding school systems (NOTE: This initiative is already in the works, if elected I would work to ensure this is fully achieved) 

4.) Work to establish a safe and positive learning environment for all students.

• • There has been a concerning uptick in school violence and presence of weapons on school campuses. This is resulting in a concerning decline in student wellness and security.

    • Advocate and reform school safety drill procedures to match similar changes other counties are implementing.

    • Implement teacher trainings that will ensure staff are prepared in cases of emergencies (through ALICE trainings which have been statistically linked to preventing major losses of life during violent incidents)

    • Implement school safety educational campaigns (work with schools to hold discussions about personal responsibility and healthy coping mechanisms)

      • Incorporating social-emotional learning 

      • Expanding and uplifting students-based organizations like One Love Club and Students Demand Action

• Testifying and lobbying at the Maryland General Assembly for stricter gun legislation.

Every school and community are unique and face different issues. To ensure I and the other Board members gain a holistic understanding of the state of the school system I will host community forum discussions and town halls in every district (similar to Dr Bedell's listening and learning tours). To ensure parents and students have a direct opportunity to communicate with their Board representatives. 

The best way to serve your community is to understand your community. 

• Setting our school system on the path to be more environmentally conscious and sustainable

  • Implementing initiatives that correspond with the Maryland Green Schools Programs

    •  Incorporating sustainable practice in schools: implementing composting programs, reducing plastic waste, and expanding recycling initiatives

    • Expanding green infrastructure such as installing solar panels and creating green spaces in schools (especially urban schools)

    • Promoting student led environmentalism groups.

It is scientifically proven that increased focus on environmentalism and emphasizing green spaces have been linked to increase student wellness and performance in schools.

5.) Expand Career and College opportunities and ensure they are equitable in nature for all students. 

• Implementing vocational programs and opportunities within each individual school for students who are looking to go into the work force or trade business.

  • Advocate for a decreased emphasis on standardized testing and instead embracing a more diverse palate of educational experiences such as exploring hands on activities, projects, field experiences, and more. 

• Expanding and promoting AACC Dual enrollment opportunities 

  • Making sure every school has an efficient college and career center. 

  • Coordinating and hosting AACC Exploratory and Connection events at all schools to help connect secondary students with ECAP and Dual enrollment opportunities.