Explore Stephanie’s priorities for our schools.
I believe every child deserves access to a high-quality public school in a safe, welcoming learning environment that prepares them for college and career. In these politically divisive times, there is still so much we agree on. Public education represents opportunity—a means by which a child can change the trajectory of their life. Strong public schools are essential for thriving communities, the economy of tomorrow, and civic engagement for a healthy democracy.
As a mom of three children in OCPS and a ten year advocate for students, teachers, and public schools, I have the relationships, problem solving skills, and experience needed to serve as your school board member starting on day one. I pledge to:
Work to ensure every neighborhood has a high quality, safe public school.
As your school board candidate, I commit to:
Improve reading instruction in all grade levels, but especially in grades K-3.
Introduce additional programs and opportunities for internships and workforce development programs for students who do not desire to attend college.
Ensure that we have not just the strongest STEM programs, but outstanding music and arts programs available for all students.
Build and grow strong relationships with businesses and local organizations to bridge funding gaps, collaborate on college and career programs, provide benefits for educators, and support all students.
Leverage my relationships with local governments to maximize operational efficiencies, reduce district expenses, and better integrate our schools into our communities. This includes building sidewalks for safer paths to school and finding ways for the community to safely use school facilities outside of school hours.
Set high expectations for the superintendent to grow and develop strong administration at all schools while freeing teachers from micromanagement.
Work with district leaders to evaluate the success of each school less on test scores and more on positive impacts for students, families, and communities.
2. Restore respect and support for our professional educators.
Teachers are professionals, and our students learn best from highly qualified, experienced educators. We need to increase the number of permanent teachers and reduce the number of permanent substitutes. While on the school board, I will foster strategies to recruit and retain the best teachers by:
Advocate for increased state funding for higher teacher pay.
Advocate for better and less expensive health care options, including allowing school districts to opt into the state health insurance plan.
Implement policies that provide free or reduced cost child care and increased flexibility for teachers.
Encourage district policies that reduce fear and micromanagement while increasing teachers’ autonomy in the classroom.
Advocate for time for teachers and students to develop positive school climates and trusting relationships, which lead to reduced behavior issues and safer schools.
3. Focus on issues parents and students actually care about
To foster true success, we must eliminate culture wars and political agendas from our classrooms. Instead, I will respectfully engage with families and students to understand their unique needs and address their concerns. I will serve as a problem solver and:
Use my law degree to ensure that the school district does not make bad legislation from Tallahassee worse for our students, educators, and families.
Ensure that all students in all grade levels receive quality academic counseling, including presentation of options for academic enrichment, internships, workforce opportunities, and college readiness. This includes quality counseling for ELL students.
Advocate for more Community Partnership Schools, which address wrap around needs for students and families such as free tutoring, student nutrition, clothing, and physical, dental, eye care, and mental health services.
Ensure that our ESE students receive all services required by IEPs and 504s. Ensure that gifted students are challenged with rigorous academic enrichment opportunities.
Propose a School District Budget Review Committee of local finance experts who meet quarterly to look for opportunities to improve the use of public funds. Conduct monthly school budget roadshows/town halls to educate our voters and communities on how to advocate for improved public education funding.
Balance investments in long term cost saving measures like composting school cafeteria waste and converting to electric buses with immediate needs to improve our investments in our employees, students, and families.
Improve district operations to better serve students and families like transportation and access to resources and information.
Thank you! You have read this far because you care about children, teachers, public schools, and our community. You see what’s happening and are concerned for our future. I’m running so you don’t have to. I pledge to be your voice and your advocate on the Orange County School Board and I am honored to have your vote. Make a plan to vote on August 20th.