Brown, Kimual - Benton Harbor
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
I am a former educator with BHAS. I'm passionate about our youth and our community. I support the FRESH START vision and intend to work hard to give our students the quality education they deserve within our community.
Endorsements
Wethepeoplemi.org
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
N/A
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?
Engaging stakeholders in decision-making processes is crucial for inclusive and effective governance. In order to engage parents, caregivers, community members, and students here are a few steps I would want to implement:
Parent and Caregiver Engagement. For example, Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) involvement,
Parent Advisory Committees (PACs) for specific topics, volunteer opportunities in schools,surveys and feedback mechanisms, and more
Parent-teacher conferences/progress updates.
Community Engagement:
Provide an opportunity to LISTEN via Community Forums, listening sessions, collaborations with community groups and faith-based organizations, public hearings on key issues, social media and online engagement platforms, and community representative committees
*Student Engagement:*
1. Student Government Association (SGA) involvement
2. Student Advisory Committees
3. Student Focus Groups
4. Student Ambassadors Program
5. Student-Led Conferences and Presentations
6. Student Surveys and Feedback Mechanisms
7. Inclusive decision-making processes for student-related policies
*Budgeting and Curriculum Decision-Making:*
1. Public Budget Hearings
2. Budget Advisory Committees (BACs)
3. Curriculum Review Committees with stakeholder representation
4. Transparent budget and curriculum documents
5. Community and parent review of proposed changes
6. Teachers input on curriculum and programs
7. Regular progress updates and evaluations
*District Policy Decision-Making:*
1. Policy Advisory Committees with diverse representation
2. Public Comment Periods
3. Stakeholder Feedback Mechanisms
4. Board of Education Meetings with public input
5. Transparent policy documents and revisions
6. Community and parent engagement in policy development
7. Student input on policies affecting them
*Inclusive and Accessible Practices:*
1. Accessibility accommodations (e.g., wheelchair accessibility)
2. Virtual meeting options
3. Culturally responsive engagement strategies
4.Training for staff and board members on diversity, equity, and inclusion
*Evaluation and Feedback:*
1. Regular evaluation of engagement strategies
2. Feedback mechanisms for stakeholders
3. Adjustments to engagement strategies based on feedback
4. Annual reports on stakeholder engagement
5. Continuous improvement of decision-making processes
By implementing these strategies, our district can foster a culture of inclusivity, transparency, and collaborative decision-making.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
*Restorative Practices:*
Strengths:
1. Focuses on repairing harm, promoting healing, and rebuilding relationships
2. Encourages empathy, accountability, and personal growth
3. Reduces suspensions, expulsions, and dropout rates
4. Addresses root causes of misbehavior
*Key Restorative Practices:*
1. Circles: Group discussions to build empathy and resolve conflicts
2. Restorative Conversations: One-on-one meetings to address harm and promote healing
3. Mediation: Peer-to-peer or facilitated discussions to resolve conflicts
4. Affective Statements: Encouraging students to express feelings and needs
*Implementation Strategies:*
1. Provide comprehensive training for staff and students
2. Integrate restorative practices into school culture and policies
3. Establish clear expectations and consequences
4. Monitor progress, address challenges, and adjust strategies
5. Engage parents, community, and law enforcement in restorative practices
*Benefits for Students:*
1. Improved social-emotional skills
2. Increased empathy and self-awareness
3. Better conflict resolution skills
4. Reduced stress and anxiety
5. Improved academic performance
*Challenges and Considerations:*
1. Resistance to change from staff, students, or parents
2. Limited resources (time, funding, personnel)
3. Addressing severe or chronic misbehavior
4. Ensuring equity and fairness in restorative practices
5. Balancing restorative practices with academic rigor
To effectively implement restorative practices, schools should:
1. Start small, piloting programs and evaluating effectiveness
2. Engage stakeholders in training and decision-making
3. Monitor progress, addressing challenges and adjusting strategies
4. Integrate restorative practices into existing discipline policies
5. Foster a culture of empathy, respect, and inclusivity
By embracing restorative practices, schools can create a more supportive, inclusive, and equitable environment, promoting social-emotional growth, academic success, and positive relationships among students, staff, and the community.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
Improving student mental health requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some strategies to consider:
*School-Wide Initiatives:*
1. Implement mental health education and awareness programs.
2. Develop a comprehensive counseling program.
3. Foster a positive school culture and climate.
4. Encourage student involvement and empowerment.
5. Provide resources and referrals for students and families.
*Support Systems:*
1. Train teachers and staff on mental health awareness and response.
2. Hire school counselors, therapists, or mental health professionals.
3. Establish peer support groups and mentorship programs.
4.Collaborate with community mental health organizations.
*Early Intervention:*
1. Identify and address early warning signs of mental health concerns.
2. Develop crisis intervention protocols.
4. Provide support for students experiencing trauma or loss.
*Parent and Community Engagement:*
1. Host workshops and seminars on mental health and parenting.
2. Encourage open communication between parents, teachers, and students.
3. Foster community partnerships for mental health resources.
4. Engage with local mental health organizations.
*Student-Centered Approaches:*
1. Promote mindfulness, self-care, and stress management.
2. Encourage physical activity and healthy habits.
3. Foster inclusive and diverse environments.
*Policy and Funding:*
1. Advocate for mental health funding and resources.
2. Develop and implement mental health policies.
3. Support mental health research and evidence-based practices.
4. Ensure equity and access to mental health services.
*Teacher and Staff Well-being:*
1. Provide mental health resources and support for staff.
2. Encourage self-care and stress management.
3. Foster a positive work environment.
4. Offer professional development on mental health.
By implementing these strategies, schools can promote students and employees mental health, well-being, and resilience.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
Improving Black student achievement requires a multifaceted approach addressing systemic barriers, cultural relevance, and community engagement. Here are strategies for Michigan schools and your district:
*District-Level Strategies:*
1. Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning
2. Diverse and Inclusive Curriculum
3. Teacher Training on Implicit Bias and Cultural Competence
4. Mentorship Programs and Black Role Models
5. Community Engagement and Parent Involvement
6. Targeted Support for Black Students (e.g., tutoring, academic counseling)
7. Data-Driven Decision Making to Address Achievement Gaps
8. Restorative Practices and Discipline Reform
9. Black Student Union and Leadership Opportunities
10. Partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
*Community-Based Initiatives:*
1. After-School Programs and Tutoring Services
2. Community Mentorship Programs
3. Parent Advocacy Groups
4. Cultural Enrichment Programs
5. Partnerships with Local Businesses and Organizations
6. Summer Bridge Programs for Incoming Freshmen
7. College Readiness and Access Initiatives
8. Addressing Food Insecurity and Basic Needs
9. Mental Health Support Services
10. Celebrating Black Excellence Events
*Policy Reforms:*
1. Addressing Bias in Discipline Policies
2. Increasing Funding for Schools with High Black Student Populations
3. Expanding Early Childhood Education Funding
4. Implementing Restorative Justice Statewide
5. Developing and Implementing Anti-Racist Education Policies
6. Increasing Representation of Black Educators in Decision-Making Roles
7. Addressing Systemic Barriers in Special Education
8. Supporting Black-Led Community Organizations
9. Ensuring Equitable Access to Advanced Coursework
10. Annual Reporting on Black Student Achievement Gaps
Implementing these strategies requires:
1. Collaboration among educators, policymakers, community leaders, and families.
2. Ongoing professional development and training.
3. Data-driven decision making.
4. Community engagement and empowerment.
5. Continuous evaluation and improvement.
By addressing systemic barriers and promoting cultural relevance, Michigan schools can improve Black student achievement and create a more equitable education system.
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?
Ensuring all students and families feel safe and included requires:
*District-Wide Initiatives:*
1. Inclusive Policies: Develop and implement policies addressing bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
2. Diversity and Inclusion Training: Provide ongoing training for staff, students, and parents.
3. Cultural Competence: Integrate diverse perspectives into curriculum and school practices.
4. Safe Spaces: Designate safe spaces for students to express themselves.
5. Family Engagement: Foster partnerships with diverse families through events and programs.
*School Culture:*
1. Restorative Practices: Implement restorative circles and mediations.
2. Inclusive Language: Promote respectful language and communication.
3. Representation: Display diverse images, texts, and materials.
4. Student-Led Initiatives: Support student-led diversity and inclusion efforts.
5. Employee Resource Groups: Establish staff affinity groups.
*Support Systems:*
1. Mental Health Services: Provide accessible counseling and support.
2. Identity-Specific Support: Offer support groups for students with shared identities.
3. Disability Accommodations: Ensure accessibility and inclusivity.
*Accountability and Feedback:*
1. Climate Surveys: Conduct regular surveys to assess inclusivity.
2. Incident Reporting: Establish a confidential reporting system.
3. Feedback Mechanisms: Encourage student and family feedback.
4. Data Analysis: Monitor data on discipline, achievement, and demographics.
5. Continuous Improvement: Address areas for growth and improvement.
*Professional Development:*
1. Implicit Bias Training: Educate staff on recognizing and addressing bias.
2. Cultural Proficiency: Develop staff cultural competence.
3. LGBTQ+ Training: Provide training on supporting LGBTQ+ students.
4. Disability Awareness: Educate staff on disability inclusivity.
5. Leadership Development: Prepare leaders to promote inclusivity.
*Community Engagement:*
1. Parent Organizations: Support diverse parent groups.
2. Community Events: Host events celebrating diversity.
3. Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations serving diverse populations.
4. Volunteer Opportunities: Engage community members in inclusivity efforts.
5. Communication: Regularly communicate inclusivity efforts to stakeholders.
*Budget Allocation:*
1. Allocate resources for diversity and inclusion initiatives.
2. Fund professional development and training.
3. Support identity-specific programs and services.
4. Invest in inclusive materials and resources.
5. Ensure accessible facilities and technology.
By implementing these strategies, your district can foster a culture of inclusivity, respect, and empathy, ensuring all students and families feel safe and valued.
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 and retaining staff, particularly staff of color, requires a multifaceted approach:
*Recruitment Strategies:*
1. Targeted Outreach: promote job fairs, conferences, and networking events targeting diverse candidates.
2. Grow-Your-Own Programs: Develop internal pipelines for aspiring educators.
*Retention Strategies:*
1. Competitive Pay and Benefits: Offer salaries and benefits comparable to neighboring districts.
2. Professional Development: Provide opportunities for growth, training, and certification.
3. Mentorship Programs: Pair new staff with experienced mentors from similar backgrounds.
4. Inclusive Work Environment: Foster a culture of respect, empathy, and openness.
5. Employee Resource Groups
*Working Conditions:*
1. Safe and Supportive Schools: Ensure schools are safe, well-maintained, and equipped with necessary resources.
2. Reduce Class Size (1/15) and Workload Management: Monitor and address excessive workloads.
3. Wellness Initiatives: Provide mental health support, fitness programs, and employee wellness services.
5. Recognition and Rewards: Celebrate staff achievements and milestones.
*Pay and Benefits:*
1. Competitive Salaries: Offer salaries above state averages.
2. Benefits Packages: Provide comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
3. Retirement Plans: Offer pension plans or 403(b) matching.
4. Student Loan Forgiveness: Participate in student loan forgiveness programs.
By implementing these strategies, your district can attract and retain a diverse staff, fostering an inclusive environment that supports student success.