Kelley, Jay'Don - Kalamazoo Public Schools
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
My name is Jay'Don Kelley, I graduated from KPS in 2023. As a candidate, I don't only believe it's important to advocate for student voices but also to support those instructing the classroom. Working as a member of the Equity Task Force, I gained great insight into the learning gap that exists amongst KPS’s diverse student demographics. Working hand-in-hand with the School Improvement Committee, it was, and still is, my sole mission to advocate for those reading the textbooks, as well as for those who assign them.
Endorsements
Seeking the Endorsement of the Kalamazoo Democratic Party.
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
Grace Getachew, Tiffany Hudok, Friends & Family, Etc.
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?
Having a presence in the community is pivotal. If elected as a trustee, I plan on improving the lack of transparency through the KPS community engagement committee. Having school walkthroughs to ensure we can hold ourselves accountable. Being present in the events in our community rather it be cultural or civic engagement. Being inclusive means more than just leaving out your email. Networking and collaborating with other resources and professionals is crucial in the decision making process. Having additional insight is considerable when planning for a positive and well-thought solution.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
School safety and restorative justice are integrated and coincide with each other. When concerning ourselves with the lives of our students, it's crucial to establish trust and communication between staff and students to be able to facilitate restorative practices.
It's a positive that we have organizations like Gryphon Place to help orchestrate the process. I believe we can do more as a school district through our partnership to increase the influence and awareness when it comes to utilizing the practice.
Restorative justice is a great rehabilitative procedure compared to punitive measures such as suspension or detention. Many students can work better with an open hand than that of a closed fist.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
Social Emotional Learning, it's important we highlight helping student development in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
One of the key issues we have as a district isn't that we don't have resources, it's that we aren't delegating enough resources and support to those who need it most.
To improve mental health we need to work towards improving student morale and providing a clean, safe, and functioning school environment. As well as go settle and resolve any issues stimulating from their household.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
We need to improve equity in our school district, speaking as a black student myself; I know what it's like to achieve through my education and experience within the system of KPS and I’ve also seen what it’s like for those students who slip through the cracks..
I've collaborated with students and officials with the National Equity Project to evaluate and improvise how we work as a community to provide resources. I believe that our school district can improve by taking more proactive measures that will fix this disconnect.
Helping our students enter, stay, and achieve the honor roll. We need to show commitment in supporting and motivating students to desire and want something better for themselves, providing solutions and around-the-clock resources with the counselors department and using community partnerships to delegate and invest in more opportunities to reassure student progress. Most importantly providing transportation so they'll be able to show-up and perform.
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?
As a Fmr. Class President, Student Senator, KPS Graduate, Promise Scholar, and Youth & Social Justice Awardee; I've collaborated with students and officials with the National Equity Project to evaluate and improvise how we work as a community to provide resources.
Advocating for students is my priority. To advocate and to be an ally is to be present and knowing when there are times we need to listen and times we need to take action. It's important that as adults we see our own bias and not make assumptions behind the table and take part in active listening, SWOT analysis, and bring those mostly impacted to the table to establish a connection.
With that being said, I'm committed into ensuring during my tenure that as a district we are following our non-discrimination policy and in compliance of the state laws and regulations
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?
After all, if we want to address our teacher shortage, we must take steps to retain and support our current staff! I look forward to informative input sessions and working with the Kalamazoo Educators Association and Michigan Educators Association, etc. on what we can do to support our educators. I believe offering incentives, bonuses, benefits, debt and tuition assistance will allow us to be more competitive. Partnering with organizations that will boost professional development such as teacher preparation programs, will help KPS meet the demand and grow as a school district talents while further offering a diverse and welcoming environment.