Vision
Vision
The Lafayette School Board is responsible for setting the budget and policies for the Lafayette School Corporation. That means that school board members not only guide the vision of the school district and act as stewards for public funds, but also are responsible for ensuring that school policies are fair and effective. The school board must be accountable to all in the district, from students and staff to parents and community members.
I envision Lafayette as a more compassionate community that uplifts those most marginalized in our county and welcomes everyone, whether they are immigrants or other newcomers. The School Board should be actively involved in welcoming work and prioritize policies that ensure that all students, whatever their family background, race, sexuality, or gender identity, have the supportive environment they need in school. Policies must meet students and families where they are to build trust and foster a sense of belonging. The school board should continue policies such as universal free lunch that support students, and continually explore new programs that ensure no students fall through the cracks.
Like all public boards, the School Board has a duty to arrive at their decisions with public knowledge and consent. The Board must reduce barriers to civic participation and do more outreach to set priorities, invite public input, and explain decisions. This means publicizing meetings more widely, sharing relevant board packet materials with the public, inviting and responding to public input, and making meetings more accessible. As a board member, I would work to get meetings streamed online and to share necessary information directly with the public.