My vision for the Alamance Burlington School System is to establish it as the premier school system in North Carolina. I envision a scenario where other school systems look to us as a model, eager to learn from our implementations, programs, and the overall quality of education we provide. I aim to create an environment where every student feels welcome and included where they're encouraged to be advocates for themselves within the school system. It's important to me that our students have a voice that's truly heard and considered, whether they're speaking at a school board meeting or expressing their needs and desires in other forums.
I want our educators, from teachers to bus drivers, to feel valued and listened to, recognizing the vital roles they play in our students' lives. My campaign slogan, "We are the neighborhood," speaks volumes about my philosophy. It's rooted in my upbringing in a community where everyone looked out for each other, where carpooling to school or showing up for each other's events was the norm. This sense of community support is what I believe can elevate our school system to new heights, making it not just a collection of schools but a unified, supportive educational community.
To measure the success of these initiatives, I plan to look at engagement levels, both from within the schools and the community at large. Success means seeing an increase in parental and community involvement in our schools, improvements in student advocacy and voice, and a stronger, more cohesive relationship between schools across the district. I envision a future where families and businesses are drawn to Alamance Burlington not just for one or two schools but for the strength of the entire school system. My goal is to foster a district that's renowned for its inclusivity, innovation, and community collaboration, making it the preferred choice for education in North Carolina.