Teacher Retention
"I think the strategy to address teacher burnout and increase teacher retention has to be comprehensive and rooted in what teachers say is important to them. We can't do just one thing and expect to have real change. So, a package of initiatives can better address these issues from multiple avenues. First, I think incorporating teacher feedback into professional development plans can ensure teachers feel heard and feel that they are receiving training that really matters to them in their work. Secondly, I think ensuring teachers and paraprofessionals are compensated at a wage that allows them to live in the community where they work. As the district grows and costs increase, our teacher's needs increase. Teachers spend many hours serving this district beyond work hours and deserve compensation for all of their work. Thirdly, I think teachers deserve autonomy in the classroom to be able to teach their students with creativity. While they must prepare students for testing and to remain aligned with TEKS, they should be able to incorporate innovative ideas where possible. A focus on healthcare (physical and mental) and teacher morale can also be addressed through ensuring a culture of belonging in MISD. Teachers belong because they are part of the MISD family, and they should feel this." (Mansfield Organization of Voting Educators)
Budget/Loss of ESSER Funds
Vouchers
"Choice exists already in MISD. MISD has been studying how to expand choice programs and will open more (P-Tech program at Summit, another STEM elementary, another Two-way dual language campus, etc) this fall. It must continue to make plans to expand these options so there are multiple options in all feeder patterns. Vouchers take money from MISD to pay for private schools and this would severely limit the district's ability to provide or grow choice programs that often require teachers to earn more training. So, rather than be a solution for more parent choice, vouchers would actually limit choice in MISD and potentially limit many aspects of hiring and retaining our teachers and paras." (Mansfield Organization of Voting Educators)
Parental Involvement
Mental Health/Social Emotional Leaning (SEL)
"The school is often the best access point students may have for mental health services. As a social worker who worked in schools, I understand first-hand the value of social work in schools. I provided not only mental health support for students but also for staff and parents struggling to find solutions to mental health challenges. Our teachers and counselors cannot be solely responsible for providing mental health to students. Currently our 7 crisis counselors in MISD are spread across the district. The budget should demonstrate the value we place on mental health by increasing the hiring of social workers and counselors for more campuses." (Mansfield Organization of Voting Educators)
Student Academic Achievement/Learning Gaps
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
"Every student and staff member BELONGS in MISD simply because they are a part of the MISD family. You don't have to work at any particular campus or be any particular type of person to belong. You belong just because you are here. This must be the standard for district and for every single MISD campus and office. I will keep highlighting to fellow board members and district staff that the research links between belonging and academic excellence and teacher retention in discussions with Dr. Cantu about goal setting for the district. A student's sense of belonging has been shown to increase academic outcomes and promote mental health. Research also demonstrates that a teacher's sense of belonging leads to more creativity and a higher quality of life."(Mansfield Organization of Voting Educators)
Bond 2024
"I served on the bond committee that recommended the bond to the board. While MISD is a great place to live, learn, and teach it must continue to improve and be updated to keep pace with its already high level of excellence. This includes bringing all campuses, even our older ones, more closely on par with each other in terms of adequate space and technology. I think these things are well covered in the bond as well as the improvements for more fine arts space and an early childhood center. I think the bond projects touch every MISD campus." (Mansfield Organization of Voting Educators)
School Safety
Miscellaneous