Candidate Responses: North St.Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale

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I believe equity is an issue that affects many, if not all, of our students and their families. The most critical equity issue for ISD 622 right now would be the high poverty rate in our district. 

Poverty for our families and students impact many factors of their lives, especially how they show up at schools. It impacts their access to many resources and their ability to participate in activities. Limitations to access impacts engagement and course performance, which in turn can impact attendance and graduation rates. It is an issue that is deeply rooted and impacts many systems in our society (funding at the state level, transportation, food access, health care, etc) and affects the outcomes for our students, their families, our district, and community. 

Some of the things that the board has proudly stood behind and I support, is working to ensure funding for access to many of these things including: continuing to support free lunches for all students, safe and up-to-date facilities, providing bussing and funding for activities, diverse course opportunities, and ensuring engaged staff are present to support our students and their families.

These are my School Board goals:

1. Academic Achievement (including closing the opportunity gap and learning loss during the pandemic) 2. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) advocate for ALL students, teachers and staff regardless of what they identify as. 3. School Safety so that parents can rest assured that their children are safe when they enter our buildings. 4. Increase the teacher pipeline to solve teacher shortage issues in the district with the focus on increasing teachers of color.

As a DEI advocate for students, teachers and staff, I will continue asking about data and reasons why there are disparities. 2. My goal is to continue to work on closing the opportunity gaps caused by social economic disadvantages (between the haves and have-nots) and amongst racial and ethnic differences in academic achievement.

One of the most critical equity issues facing ISD 622 is ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality education, resources, and support. This includes addressing the needs of students who may face barriers due to learning disabilities, socioeconomic challenges, or lack of access to technology

and other resources at home. 

The school board can support equity by expanding research-backed programs like the district's new reading curriculum, which has already shown positive results. Adding universal dyslexia screenings ensures that all students, particularly those who struggle with reading, receive the early interventions they need. This proactive approach can close learning gaps before they widen. 

Another key equity issue is ensuring students have enough time to play, socialize, and develop emotionally. Increasing recess and lunch times, especially in elementary school, helps all students—regardless of academic ability—develop critical social skills, reducing stress and anxiety while creating a more inclusive environment. 

The board can prioritize a balanced approach to learning that emphasizes physical activity and social development. Equity also extends to teachers. By increasing pay for new teachers and expanding school support staff, the district can attract and retain diverse, talented educators who are equipped to meet all students’ needs. Encouraging teachers to live in ISD 622 strengthens ties to the community and ensures students have role models who are invested in their success. 

Ultimately, the school board can ensure students in ISD 622 have the opportunity to thrive by addressing these equity issues with

thoughtful policies and initiatives.

The achievement gap is the most critical equity issue for ISD 622. We are one of the most diverse school districts in Minnesota, and diversity is strength. 

Equity and inclusion are part of ISD 622's strategic plan, which is a great acknowledgement of its importance. There is still a sizable achievement gap between white and non-white students that needs to be addressed and reduced so all students succeed.

Equity looks like understanding and respecting each students’ culture. It is ensuring that teachers and staff have anti-bias training, trauma informed response training, and that they see each student as the unique individual they are instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach. 

The school board can ensure there are resources available for training, recruiting, and retaining staff that reflect the diversity of the district. It’s also important to acknowledge, celebrate, and promote success throughout the district. 

The school board should fund and support programs that provide resources like early literacy and STEM programs, mental health services, and AVID. Provide tutoring, study skills, and time to acclimate to new schools and expectations as students grow throughout their educational career.

Listen to community groups about what their students need to succeed and work to provide it. Build on and encourage students to pursue educational opportunities and excel in the tracks that are right for them.