¿Por qué se presenta a administrador de la CMDS? ¿Cuál es su visión del éxito en esta función? 

Our students deserve better. As a career educator, I see all the areas where policy makers fail our students, parents, teachers and administrators. These issues can be improved or outright resolved but we need leaders with a desire to do the work and put our students and their futures first. Success is: increased parent involvement, increased academic proficiency, decline in absenteeism, safer schools, higher rates of successful teacher recruitment and retention.

¿Cómo define el éxito de los estudiantes? ¿Qué experiencia tiene y qué papel pretende desempeñar en la defensa del éxito de los estudiantes?

A successful student is someone who has maximized their individual potential and upon leaving our school system, is armed with the skills and confidence to be successful in whatever endeavor they choose. As a career educator and coach, I have spent two decades helping to develop youth in the classroom, on the court and on the field. How I advocate for students is by always asking myself: “Is this the best to decision to help students learn, develop and be successful?”

En la Evaluación Nacional de Progreso Educativo (NAEP) de 2022, los estudiantes de cuarto grado, en Nevada, obtuvieron 6 puntos menos en matemáticas y 7 puntos menos en lectura en comparación con 2019. Si es elegido, ¿cómo puede utilizar su posición para asegurar que Nevada deje de seguir esta tendencia nacional y comience a liderar los resultados de los estudiantes?

We need to spend focused time on fundamentals: reading, writing, math and critical thinking. Everything else can be built on top of a strong foundation of those skills. We also need qualified teachers to instill those fundamental skills early and reinforce them constantly. How do we recruit more teachers? Smaller class sizes, improved in-class support, increased salary, less administrative work, safer schools, more parent participation and a host of other ways. Finally, we need students in school, ready to learn on a consistent basis. They cannot learn if they are not in a school. We need to use every tool available to ensure students are in school and engaged.

¿Qué barreras, si las hay, existen actualmente para la excelencia educativa y la equidad para todos los estudiantes? Si es elegido miembro del Consejo de Administración, ¿cómo contribuirá a eliminar estas barreras?

The main barrier I see is that the actual educational needs of students, support needs of teachers and administrators and parent input are the last considerations in the decision making process. We should make the best decision for stakeholders and that will always be my chief concern.

¿Cuáles cree que son los tres retos más persistentes a los que se enfrenta el Consejo de Administración de la CMDS? ¿Cuál es un ejemplo de enfoque audaz que propondría para abordar uno de esos retos?

1. Teacher recruitment and retention
2. School Safety
3. Chronic Absenteeism

School safety affects every aspect of the school environment. Administrative codes needs to be adjusted to allow for earlier and more effective intervention by the district and require extensive parent involvement.

Los estudios sugieren que más del 50% de las reuniones del consejo deberían centrarse en los resultados de los estudiantes. Cómo se aseguraría de que el consejo de administración dedica este tiempo a los resultados de los estudiantes?

I would need to evaluate the actual data to which you are referring to understand exactly what the research suggests. Assuming the data is true, I would ensure the board allocates the appropriate time by tracking the actual time spent during meetings dedicated to student outcomes. I would present this data at each subsequent meeting and add items to the agenda, as allowable, to ensure that the 50% threshold is met. Whatever is necessary to offer our students the best chance at success is what the board should be doing.

Si fuera elegido miembro del Consejo, ¿cómo abordaría las conversaciones difíciles y/o las críticas que pudieran surgir de otros miembros del Consejo, de las partes interesadas y de la comunidad en general?

I am always open to discussion. In the end, however, I am concerned with implementing the best ideas that positively impact stakeholders. Doing what works and making decisions based on data that achieve long term sustainable results is how you build trust and earn the respect of stakeholders.

¿Qué indicadores clave utilizaría para evaluar el rendimiento del Superintendente de la CMDS? ¿Cómo responsabilizaría al Superintendente?

Their track record of achieving positive results in previous positions and how that aligns with the needs of our stakeholders would be a key factor. Their understanding of the specific challenges facing our district along with their overall educational philosophy. Rigorous, thorough and frequent evaluations and reviews are how I would hold a superintendent accountable.

En una encuesta reciente, el 77% de los residentes de Nevada estaban de acuerdo en que los padres deben poder enviar a sus hijos a la escuela pública que consideren mejor para ellos, aunque esté fuera de su barrio. ¿Está usted de acuerdo? Por favor, explique su razonamiento.

I would have to see the survey to understand the exact parameters of the question so I cannot say whether or not I agree with the survey specifically. If our goal is offer the most suitable education for each student and empower parents to be part of the process, this is makes sense. Parents rights need to be respected and parent participation strongly encouraged. Whatever gets the best long term, sustainable, data supported results for stakeholders is what should be done.

La siguiente pregunta fue enviada por un estudiante de un instituto público: Como miembro del Consejo de Administración, ¿cómo se asegurará de que los estudiantes ocupen un lugar destacado en el proceso de toma de decisiones y qué medidas de responsabilidad pondría en marcha para garantizar que así sea? 

The first question I ask is “Is this the best to decision to help students learn, develop and be successful?” If you start there and build out using data and results as your guide then you will always put students first. Students should have a voice in the process and be encouraged to share their concerns through committees and student representatives.