Hewitt, Lorelei (Lori) - Gaylord Community Schools

Are you an incumbent?

Born and raised in Gaylord, MI, I have deep roots in the community. As a parent of 4 children, 2 graduated and 2 currently in high school, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities within our district. This personal connection also drives my commitment to making decisions that are in the best interest of all students.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a major in accounting. I also have a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

I am currently a Sr HR Operations Analyst for a global manufacturing company. Prior to this, I was a Juvenile Probation Caseworker for Otsego County. I held this position for almost 9 years and during this time, I actively collaborated with our youth, our school staff, parents/guardians, and other community members. Early on in my career, I also worked at North Ohio Elementary School as a teacher's aide.

Brief Intro of Candidate

Engaging and including parents, caregivers, community members, etc. is essential for creating a collaborative environment. Some ways this can be done include surveys, newsletters, and suggestion boxes. Another great way is by hosting town hall meetings. This gives everyone involved an opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and voice their opinions. I believe the number one thing to keep in mind when trying to cultivate engagement with the community is to communicate effectively, provide frequent updates, and be transparent as this builds trust and encourages continued engagement.

Endorsements

The committee to elect Lorelei Hewitt

Top financials Contributors

Website and social media links

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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?

School discipline is an important part of maintaining a safe and productive learning environment. However, it is important to ensure that the discipline is fair, consistent, appropriate, and should support student growth and learning. Schools should have clear disciplinary policies that both students and parents understand.

Restorative practices can be beneficial as it often encourages students to take responsibility for their actions, shows students how their actions affected others, and repairs relationships. It can also foster empathy and accountability, and it creates an environment where all students feel respected and supported.

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

Improving student mental health is critical for their overall well-being and success. We need to ensure we are talking about and teaching students about mental health and coping strategies in a continued effort to reduce the stigma and equip students with the skills they need to properly manage stress and emotions. The question isn't if the students will be faced with stress and emotions but when, and we as parents, teachers, community members, etc. should be teaching them appropriate coping skills to manage the stress and emotions effectively when it does come.

Student mental health can also be improved by 1) creating a positive school environment, 2) supporting extra-curricular activities, 3) having engaged parents, caregivers, and community members, and 4) providing access to counseling services.

Additionally, parents and teachers should be trained to recognize signs of mental distress and know how to respond appropriately as they are often the first point of contact with the students.

What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health

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

When I think of safe and inclusive schools, I think of an environment where one feels physically and emotionally safe, respected, and they are comfortable being themselves. They are also supported by those around them whether that be teachers, peers, teacher assistants, etc. There is a sense of community, of ownership, and children learn how to make and maintain friendships.

This is, however, an area that requires a lot of support from teachers, parents, other community members, and even the students themselves. There is great reward in achieving this as studies are showing that children learn best in this type of environment, and it sets these students up for future success, not just academically but also socially.

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?

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?

School Funding and Finance, Roberts Rules of Order, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice, School Discipline