Greater Albany Public School District Zone 2

School boards make decisions that affect our schools. We need strong schools to have good strong communities. The decisions made could attract great educators or make the great ones we have leave. I feel I am a good candidate because I have been a parent in these schools for the last 26 years. I have kids who needed special education, gifted education, as well as mainstream education. I understand the needs of all three. I have served on other boards and understand that we don't all see things the same. I am versed in conflict resolution.

I would define culturally responsive teaching as teaching to ALL backgrounds and experiences. We have classrooms that are diverse. We should be teaching to that. I currently do not know where our district falls on this. I believe we most likely have farther to go to get here. I believe it is important that we do so.

I do not have any experience with participating in or negotiating contracts and bargaining with labor unions. I support unions and believe they are necessary

I do not believe our school board has adequately engaged any stakeholders including communities of color. I believe the first step is holding multiple sessions where parents, students, educators, school staff, and community members can come voice their concerns, ask questions and have real conversations with us as a board. We cannot serve our community if we do not hear their voices and take them into consideration.

We should not retract support for DEI. We have a diverse community and diverse schools. We need to ensure that our students see people like them in important positions. As educators, as administration. We cannot go backwards as a community.

I agree with Senator Frederick. I do not believe we should be banning books.