Conaway, Nicole- Detroit Public Schools Community District

Are you an incumbent?

Brief Intro of Candidate

I grew up downriver and attended Wyandotte Public Schools where I lived with my mother and sister. During weekends with our father, my sister and I went on many outings Downtown, to Belle Isle, the Detroit Science Center, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Detroit Institute of Arts. These experiences cultivated a love of this city within me. I attended Wayne State University, graduating in 2002 with a BS in Biological Science and secondary teaching certification. I earned a MS in Environmental Science from the University of Michigan Dearborn in 2010.

Endorsements

I have been endorsed by The Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action and Integration, Immigrant Rights, and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) and their affiliated union caucus Equal Opportunity Now By Any Means Necessary (EON/BAMN).

Top financials Contributors

Website and social media links

My campaign is self-funded. I will update if I do receive any financial support.

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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?

I would listen to students, parents, caregivers, and community members at school and neighborhood meetings and use their input to inform my decisions as a board member.

What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?

candidate not asked this question

What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health

We must demand more funding and resources for mental health services. I believe one thing we can do is shift district funds from the current excess of central administrators to our schools to address this need. In addition, we could pursue Partnerships with local colleges and universities to have student externs in social work and school psychology working in the schools and then recruit them to permanent positions. Implementing a homeroom/advisory period with lessons to specifically address mental health is another way we can address the issue.

What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?

The disparity in outcomes between black and white students is the result of an unequal segregated school system. Integration is the proven method to improve achievement for black students. Unequally distributed resources among the hundreds of public and charter districts even just within Wayne County has deepened this achievement gap. Implementing a serious desegregation program and moving toward a metropolitan wide district similar to Los Angeles Unified School District would eliminate the competition for resources among these hundreds of districts and close the gap.

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?

By providing students and their families with genuine opportunities to contribute we can build school communities and a district culture that welcomes and celebrates all identities.

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?

We have to offer top pay and benefits to recruit and retain teachers and staff. Pay and benefits must be competitive not only with other districts but with other fields requiring a college degree and professional certification. This would allow us to improve working conditions as well, as having adequate staff would ensure smaller class sizes and ensure teachers receive all of their preparation periods and aren’t called to cover additional classes.