Platform
Mental Health: |
In recent years, issues of Mental Health have affected the lives of our Pearland ISD students, families and staff in increasing rates. It is critical that our teachers and administrators are able to identify and support struggling students. I believe the implementation of an effective training system for teachers and administrators will better equip them to recognize mental health needs, and then to know how to deal with those needs once they are identified. Early recognition of students in crisis is critical. I also believe in the importance of student recognition of other students in crisis. Peers helping each other through mentorship, fellowship, and friendship, while providing training to those interested in expanding their knowledge on these issues. It is my honor to support a critical topic like mental health, and I am committed to working together to find common sense solutions by seizing the opportunities our Board has in existing district policy and state law, that are suitable for individuals like you and me.
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Special Education: |
Pearland is blessed to be one of the most diverse cities in the state. Our district and our students reflect this distinctiveness! One of the largest portions of students in our district are those who fall under the umbrella of special education services. These services are provided to act in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), and Section 504, which guarantees students with disabilities the right to a free public education. It is our responsibility to provide these services and fulfill the needs of each student, and we can go even further, by educating parents on the rights of their children and work with them to ensure that every student has all the tools needed to succeed. It is my priority to ensure every students’ need is met and every parents’ voice is heard.
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Transparency: |
Public trust in government institutions is steadily eroding. Of all the possible causes for this phenomenon, for me, lack of transparency ranks at the top of the list. If we are to maintain Pearland ISD as one of the top school districts in the state, we must maintain transparency at all levels. In an effort to be fiscally responsible and avoid an increase in our tax rate, it is pertinent and critical we develop evaluative methods that will allow us to reduce wasteful spending of our resources. We must develop creative solutions to communicate with citizens that allows them to understand where their tax dollars are being spent. It is my duty to ensure we are doing all we can to provide the public the most and current information in an accessible manner. Furthermore, I will remain transparent as I tackle the important and complex tasks of a trustee, such as developing the district improvement plan as required by Texas state law (Texas Education Code § 11.252 (1995)), that will allow the district to better serve the needs of students.
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Community: |
Pearland ISD has welcomed diverse family structures from all over the world and
has accommodated the growing needs of our city. The district has done an admirable job of developing an environment of inclusivity across all campuses, however, there is still work to be done. The Board of Trustees has a responsibility to be active role models for our community, and to demonstrate an active interest in student needs. Whatever steps we have to take during this unprecedented time to engage, either reaching out in person or electronically, the Board of Trustees is called upon to do so. Not only this, but the Board of Trustees should partner with organizations focused on meeting the needs of students, and engage in communication with other local government authorities in Brazoria County and Region IV. I am committed to doing this, and more, in order to lift Pearland ISD as a champion for students, and not just test scores. |