“I am done skipping rocks and making ripples, and ready to continue to toss boulders to make waves.”
- Jamela Smith-Folds
Policy guides practice. As a veteran teacher and current board member, my philosophy has always been “Do No Harm.” The greatest harm done to our students, parents, and teachers is through poor policy. As a school board trustee, I will continue to focus on policy. School site, school district, and school board policy should be transparent, easily understandable and protective. Antiracist, sustainability, and capacity building are the three criteria by which I will continue to measure policy. Determining if the board should keep, alter, or disregard a policy needs to be based around these three criteria; Equitable policy-one in which all students and parents benefit, Antiracist policy-one in which there is an intentional interrogation around policy that is founded in racism and only benefits a few while continuing to marginalize others, Sustainable policy-one in which accountability and transparency are paramount and can hold up even when people change (These policies are around around systems), and Capacity building policy-one which there are layers for growth inside the policy that aims to increase student and parent ability to use education as a tool for elevation. As a school board trustee, I will continue to ensure that policies are equitable, antiracist, sustainable, and build capacity.
Policy Priorities
I will work to continue to ensure that:
WCCUSD is competitive and performing at or exceeding academic standards of surrounding districts. I will advocate for policy that builds capacity in College and Career readiness for all students that allows access to local high achieving colleges and job acquisition that pays at or above minimum wage.
there is sustainable policies around the recruitment, retention, and support of highly effective teachers and leaders in WCCUSD.
the policies around equity are measurable and attainable. I will champion equitable policies with the most vulnerable student population at the forefront; including but not limited to, African American students, ELD students, ELL (English Language Learners), foster and homeless youth, and those students with special needs.
there are policies increasing parent, guardian, and CBOs (Community Based Organizations) involvement at the school site and district level with the goal of increased opportunities for engagement. I want policies that builds capacity by making sure parents, guardians, and CBOs are at the educational decision making table.
existing budgetary policies are beneficial to students and their future and don’t just increase the district’s deficit. While in office, I will continue to create sustainable financial policy that has transparency and accountability built in.
that the board continues to interrogate policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that they are antiracist.
