Stacy Gray For Board Of Education

We are less than 2 weeks from Election Day (don’t forget to spread the word….school board is at the bottom, right hand corner of the ballot-I am position #2) and it’s time to refocus!  Hopefully, we’ve seen the lowest of the low and I’ve been thinking a lot about what needs to happen if and when I get elected.  First, I think it is vital to have more discussion and explanation at board meetings.  When you are a member of the public it is almost impossible to follow along and understand what is happening, let alone be aware of the last minute addendums to the agenda.  There is little discussion on almost any topic.  I find it very hard to understand why?  Do the current board members just not care?  A board member holds a heavy responsibility and is the voice of the children, community and most importantly, students.  I will not blindly vote on any issue or change without fully understanding how it will impact our district.  Next, we need to look at the curriculum.  How can we supplement what is in place so we can differentiate instruction and reach all of our learners?  As an educator I am responsible to be aware of and understand the many changes that are being implemented in education NOW!  These changes are in student evaluation.  In the near future, the state of NJ plans to evaluate students and measure progress via a computer instead of traditional paper and pencil.  I don’t feel we are ready for that in our elementary schools.  I know Good Intent was just getting their first, full computer lab up and running this year.  This evaluation method will not be a choice.  As we have seen time and time again, the state pushes down mandates whether schools are ready or not.  These evaluations are going to be benchmarked, meaning they will occur throughout the school year rather than only at the end as they are currently given.  The teacher evaluation model has also changed.  Teachers are now required to be observed more frequently and the criteria is more specific.  We need to make sure our teachers AND administrators are ready for these changes.  If not, how will our children be ready?  This is the benefit of having an educator on the BOE!  Another goal which I see as paramount is forming a liaison from each school to communicate their needs, successes and struggles to a BOE committee.  I believe we can build morale, share great ideas across our buildings in order to be more consistent, address concerns and have an overall better system of communication.  As many are aware, the anti-bullying laws require all school districts to report incidences of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying to the state.  Deptford recently reported 141 incidences.  It could very well be due diligence as the reason for so many, as Mr. Ross explained at the last meeting.  I want to see investigate a research based anti-bullying/Character education program that can be implemented in all of the elementary schools.  Research shows that educating students in empathy, compassion, respect, problem solving, etc. early on reduces the occurrence of bullying in middle school and beyond when it is most prevalent.  This could very well prevent some of these instances of HIB.  We are so lacking in consistency that when our children merge at the middle school the programs and routines that they have all been accustomed to are all very different.  (they may be great but they are still not familiar to each other)  Again, if it works and is successful….SHARE IT!!!!!  We also need to focus on our shortcomings from middle school through high school.  There is a reason our high school ranking continues to fall.  I think that communicating with staff and parents is paramount and a great starting point.  We must make our schools competitive and assure that our students have the tools to successfully transition to college or a trade.  There is a fine line between delegating and micro-managing…. I think the answer is communication and accountability.  I can’t promise to have all the answers but I have many questions and with goals and determination we will breed progress.  I think these are excellent starting points that I can work with in the first 6 months of getting sworn in.  Deptford is a great community of hardworking parents, students, teachers and administrators.  We all have one thing in common: the need to achieve and succeed!  Vote for a NEW voice for EDUCATION on November 6th :)