boose, Linda - Flint School District
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
I am a resident to the City of Flint. Previously was appointed as a school board member in 2022 to complete the term of Adrian Walker. I am a graduate of Flint Northern High School, Mott Community College, and the University of Michigan - Flint. Over the years of my career, I have served my community for over 44 years as a volunteer of board member for several organizations. Currently, I serve as Vice President of the Motherly Intercession Board. Motherly Intercession is an organization that provide programs and service to children of incarcerated parents.
Endorsements
Not as of yet
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
Friends/family
Linda K. Campaign Site on Facebook
How would you engage and include parents, caregivers, community members and students in decision-making in your district around things like curriculum, budgeting and district policy?
Community schools play a vital role in allowing all the above to be actively involved in the decision-making progress. I would continue to establish parent and community councils or committees which will allow the community to have a voice in setting policies, planning programs and allocating resources. I would conduct a survey to allow parents and caregivers share their thoughts and ideas regarding the curriculum, budget, and policies. That would include providing a website to keep them informed about the school district and a place for them to share their concerns. I strongly believe in encouraging student leadership. Keeping student inform and updated regarding changes in education can also allow them to take an active role in making decisions which directly impact their lives.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
Discipline in the schools is necessary to keep student safe and to keep order in the schools.
This a large part of creating a conductive learning environment. The Flint school District have a Student Code of Conduct manual that must be read and signed off on by the parent, caregiver, and student. Effective January 3, 2024, no cell phone and no hoodies are allowed in Flints schools. Discipline starts at home. Parents have to communicate with their children the importance of following school policies and practices. Restorative practices focus on resolving conflict and healing from harm. We must ask, what is the root cause of the behavior leading to emotional and physical harm/damage? Then come up with a solution that the student can understand. One solution can include mentoring, or mental health intervention. The main goal is to help students navigate through conflict without violence. Youth should be advised more often and not be kicked out of school because of negative behavior, unless the incident involve violence that will harm others or themself. An alternative would be for a student to participate in peer and staff led mediation sessions.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
Mental health is the agent the drives our behavior. Our head controls the body. Students mental can be improved by providing mental health counselor in schools, teaching mindfulness skills, building a better connection between parents, teachers, staff, and students. We need to do a better job bringing all involved individuals together to have a conversation as it relate to our students. Students like to be heard and seen. Incorporating male and female mental health advocates would be a great benefit for hour students in today's society.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
We must maintain and recruit teachers who can work effectively associate with black students. We must also encourage black students to prepare early for future career opportunity. Not all black students choose to attend college. Entrepreneurships and skill trade programs should be offered in schools to black students, as well as other ethnic groups.
Other ways to improve Black students' achievement in my district:
1. Improve way to increase student retention.
2. Increase parent and caregiver involvement in planning for students' future plans.
3. Partner with local colleges/universities and trade school to recruit students before graduation.
4. Increase involvement of High School/Middle School counselors.
5. Offer addition direct support to high achieving students. Provide incentives.
6. preparing students to become high achievers should began at elementary level.
What are your thoughts on how to ensure that all students and their families, regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, disability, religion, income status, etc., feel safe and included in your district?
All students, family, and staff should be aware their rights and responsibility from day one. Manuals should be giving to the student and parents during the enrollment period. School policies should practice throughout the school years of the student. It is the responsibility of the principal, staff, and the school board that students' rights are protected. Posters should be posted throughout the building to remind individuals should be treated fair. School environment should be safe, inclusive, supportive, and fair for all individuals associated with the school.
What are your thoughts on how to recruit and retain staff, particularly staff of color, in your district with regard to pay, benefits, and working conditions?
Recruiting staff to work in the Flint School District is a challenge because of the condition of our community's environment, location of our school, and the lack of funding.
To retain staff, require the following:
1. Comparative pay and benefits
2. Support from school administration and parents
3. Smaller class sizes.
4. Classroom assistance.
5. Safe schools and environment.
Most of the Michigan Lottery money does not goes towards funding schools. In the City of Flint, economic development efforts must be directed towards creating more jobs, hiring local residence, new homes, and a new high school/middle school so that students who are attending schools in other districts can return.