ISSUES 

Our district is facing significant challenges:

• Out of Dearborn's 37 schools, 23 rank in the bottom 40%.
• The Dearborn City School District is currently ranked #387 out of 866 districts in Michigan, a notable decline from its position among the top 190 in 2015.
• The district’s graduation rate has decreased from 95% to 92% over the past five years (Source: Public School Review).
• Our district falls below the state average in standardized test scores, including Science (30%), Reading/Language Arts (42%), and Math (32%).
  
  Recent years have seen an increase in politicization within school board elections, with debates often focusing on peripheral issues rather than addressing the core responsibilities: ensuring public funds are spent effectively, maintaining safe schools, and delivering a high-quality education to all students.

My Goals 

As a trusted leader, I am committed to supporting every student, every parent, and every teacher with the resources they need to thrive.

While the educational process has multiple elements, I will focus on three paramount components: students, teachers, and curriculum. I believe today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. I believe teachers are the candles that light the way for our students’ futures. I believe a rigorous curriculum is essential for students to grow socially and academically. Every aspect of these three elements is key to success. My main goals are:

Addressing the Achievement Gap

   I will support programs with targeted interventions such as differentiated instruction, after-school tutoring, and mentoring initiatives. Enhancing support services for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, including access to counseling and extracurricular programs, is crucial. Collaborating with community organizations to provide additional support and enrichment opportunities will also be key.

Supporting and Retaining Teachers

   Supporting teachers means providing competitive salaries, creating opportunities for career advancement, and fostering a positive work environment. Recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance and offering support systems such as mentorship and wellness programs will help retain high-quality staff. Continuous professional development opportunities are also essential.

Improving Education Quality

   Improving education quality involves updating curriculum standards, investing in teacher training, and integrating innovative teaching methods and mental health education into the curriculum. I will advocate for collaborative learning environments and encourage data-driven strategies to tailor instruction to individual student needs. Investing in modern technology and ensuring all students, particularly those from marginalized groups, have access to necessary resources is also vital.

Prioritizing the Budget

   Effective budget management requires careful planning and prioritization. I will focus on aligning the budget with strategic goals, ensuring transparency in financial decisions, and regularly reviewing expenditures to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising educational quality. Equitable funding distribution based on each school’s specific needs, including support for schools with higher numbers of disadvantaged students, is essential.