My overarching reason for running for the MCPS school board is to focus on improving governance and accountability. That's a goal that must be achieved if Montgomery County Public Schools is to regain its credability with county stakeholders.
Before diving into specific plans, I will push to conduct surveys, town hall meetings, and meet with community members to understand their concerns and priorities for the school system. I will focus on issues like student achievement, school safety, budget allocation, and curriculum development.
I will take the time to research the existing school board's structure, policies, and decision-making processes. Identify areas where transparency, efficiency, or community engagement could be improved and work diligently with elected offiicials to bring sustainable change.
I will pro-actively advocate for open communication and accessibility of information on board meetings, budgets, policies, and student performance data.
I will advocate for community involvement in BOE meetings, push for continued publishing of detailed minutes, and holding regular community forums to help re-engage county residents.
I will actively seek input from parents, teachers, students, and other stakeholders through surveys, open forums, and advisory committees to ensure diverse voices are heard and valued in the decision-making process. Every voice in Montgomery County is important and everyone should be included in the process.
I will proactively advocate for using real data to determine proper policies and resource allocation. I will prioratize the analyzing of student achievement data, school climate surveys, and budget reports to identify areas needing improvement and track progress towards goals.
I will support ongoing training for board members on topics like governance best practices, ethnic and religious diversity training, limiting legal exposure training , and effective communication training.
I will proctively seek clear and realistic proposals for improving governance and accountability, based on our understanding of community needs and current challenges.
I am commited to working collaboratively with other board members, the superintendent, teachers, and community members to achieve shared goals and to bring a new energy to MCPS.
My prior experience in raising and educating 5 children, my public service and community leadership, have prepared me for this role and my commitment to accountability is at the forefront of my campaign.
Running for the school board is a commitment to public service. By focusing on understanding our community, proposing concrete solutions, and engaging in open communication, I will help build a stronger school system and a stronger community.
Academics
The first purpose of public school is academics. However, only 34% of MCPS students grades three to eight are proficient in math and only 22% of high school students are proficient in algebra. In 2023, the percentage of eighth graders proficient in science fell over 11 percentage points, to 33.7%. Only half of our elementary students read at their grade level.
MCPS has a long way to go in meeting its responsibilities to our children and their parents. In particular, it has failed minority students. Lowering the bar, grade inflation, and social promotion do not address the root causes of poor academic performance and only set students up for failure. I want to set our students up for success.
As a member of the Board of Education, I will by advocating for:
- Focusing on academic performance over vague goals like “inclusion” that fail to address at their roots the challenges some minorities and underprivileged students face
- Hiring, supporting, and retaining high-quality teachers
- Expanding vocational education including partnerships with higher learning institutions
- Expanding career counseling
- Strengthening tutoring and mentorship support for struggling students
- Focusing on helping students to reach their full potential rather than lowering the bar
- Individualized attention for students with challenges at home
- Ending costly experiments with untested, fashionable curricula
- Expanding magnet schools and restoring the focus on merit
- Improving student safety and addressing the root causes of bullying
The Role of Parents
Education begins at home. Parents are the driving force of the success of their children at school. Parents, especially mothers, are the first to teach their children their ABC’s and numbers. It is often parents who teach their kids to read. As they enter school, it is parents who control their children’s daily schedule and ensure they do their homework. Children learn about good manners and respect because it is emphasized by their parents. Parents are the foundation of our society, and with their contributions to their children’s development, they help shape its future.
As an immigrant in a community of immigrants, I know that the American dream for so many of us means raising children who are academically successful, who are good citizens, and who carry on their family’s values and traditions. It is the job of public schools to give our children every opportunity for academic success and teach them how to serve their country through our political system. But it is the right of parents to direct their children's values and beliefs.
As a member of the school board, I will fight to ensure that our school system gives parents the respect they are due to the full extent of the law. That means giving parents support in their role on curriculum development; seeking and taking seriously their input on policies; and respecting their right to opt their children out of instruction that violates their religion or conscience.
Safe schools are crucial for so many reasons, impacting students, teachers, and the learning environment as a whole. I will proactively and consistently advocate for steps that will ensure safety for staff and students.
A safe school minimizes the risk of violence, accidents, and other threats, allowing students and staff to learn and work without fear. Students can focus on academics and personal growth when they feel physically secure and protected.
Knowing they're in a safe space allows students to relax and thrive academically and emotionally. Feeling safe fosters, a sense of well-being and reduces exposure to bullying, harassment, and other harmful experiences. A safe environment encourages positive relationships between students, teachers, and staff.
When students feel safe, they can concentrate on learning and participate actively in the classroom. Students are more likely to attend school and stay on track towards graduation when they feel safe and supported. A safe environment minimizes disruptions and allows teachers to spend more time on instruction.
Students who feel safe learn to navigate challenges and develop coping mechanisms, leading to greater self-reliance. Safe schools foster responsible citizens who value peace, empathy, and respect for others. Safe schools contribute to positive community spirit and attract high-quality teachers and staff.
I will advocate for clear policies and procedures to make sure that all students feel safe. I will push for strong anti-bullying policies, emergency preparedness plans, and clear communication channels.
I will work to foster a climate of respect, inclusion, and open communication where students feel comfortable reporting concerns while ensuring teachers and staff are trained to identify and address potential threats, provide emotional support, and de-escalate conflict.
Collaboration with MCPS families, law enforcement, and mental health professionals will be key in creating a comprehensive safety net for everyone at MCPS.
Safe schools are vital for supporting healthy development, academic achievement, and overall well-being of students, teachers, and communities.
I will prioritize safety and help implement effective strategies to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to learn, grow, and contribute positively to society.