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

As we began our foster care journey, we found that crowded classrooms, over worked (and under paid) teachers, the lack of student support, and violence on campuses was having a detrimental effect on the children who have come live in our home. I thought to myself, this is it, this is my chance to make a real difference!

As a foster parent and nurse, I have the unique ability to look outside the box. Unlike those who are past or present teachers or school board members, I have an outside perspective. My experience as an emergency room nurse has taught me to listen to and understand people and their concerns. It has led me to be slow to judgment and methodical and rational in a crisis. I have had the opportunity to partner with people of every color, race, and creed. This has taught me the strength in embracing our differences and working together to serve our community.

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

To me student success is defined as each student reaching their full academic potential. This will be different for every child. For some students learning their letter sounds happens in 4th grade, for others they come into pre-k reading. As a school board trustee, I intend to advocate for an expansion of special education resources including special education teachers. I also intend to advocate funding lower class sizes to allow teachers the ability to spend more time with children who are at higher risk of not meeting benchmarks.

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?

Again, I would address the declining literacy and mathematics rates by working to expand the special education department and implementing homework. I believe one of the ways we can help parents support their children at home is getting them involved with what is happening in the classroom. Homework is a hot topic but I think it empowers the parents and students to have a vested interest in what is being taught in the classroom.

¿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?

I think the main barriers to educational excellence lie in unsafe schools and chronic truancy. Teachers and students are being bullied and assaulted and some Washoe schools have chronic truancy ratings of above 60%. As a Trustee I would work with work with Washoe Schools Police to increase SRO presence. I would also address chronic truancy by exploring a program called B.A.R.R.. B.A.R.R. is a “strengths-based educational system that provides schools with a comprehensive approach to meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students through the power of data and relationships.”

¿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?

Transparency- I believe we need to invite parents and guardians into our schools. Our students will thrive best from allowing more parental involvement. This would also allow the parents to support the teachers as well!

Budget- I believe in balanced budgets. I believe we need to cut excess spending to endure every taxpayer dime is used in a fiscally responsible way.

Super Intendent Search- Public Comment. I believe the Super Intendent search should be open to public comment BEFORE the Board of Trustees narrows down the candidates. I think the submitted resumes should be made public (with private information redacted) so that the community can reflect on who they find is a good candidate.

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?

Unfortunately, that is not up to me as a Trustee. President Smith is ultimately responsible for what the Board of Trustees can discuss. However, at any point where there are issues on the agenda related to student outcomes I will make a motion to speak on them in public forum.

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?

Kindness. We can all use a little more kindness in our lives. My grandmother told me when I was young, “It takes all kinds of kinds to make a world Stephanie, everyone knows something you don’t know.”

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

As a trustee I would monitor school attendance, testing outcomes and schools safety. If there is points to be addressed I would follow the protocols in place to address these areas that need improvement.

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.

Yes, I agree. The reason I agree is that ultimately these students are a parent’s child and they should have the ability to place their kids in schools that provide the best schooling for their children.

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? 

Dear Student,

Firstly I want to say the fact that you are getting involved and even know that there is a school board puts you heads above the rest. Keep staying involved, I know an involved eloquent young person like you can make a difference!

As a trustee I would say that our entire job is to keep you and your fellow classmates the priority. However, often many things that are addressed in a school board meeting seem really far off from student issues. As I look back to my teen years I realize there were many things my mom talked about like internet, water, and sewage that I felt had nothing to do with me. It turns out though, I use the internet, water and I am very happen when they are all running well. While some mundane things seem not to be student issues I can assure you they all are building blocks to provide you with an environment conducive to learning and cultivation your success.

Thanks for the great question!

Steph