McGlinn, Carol - Kalamazoo Public Schools
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
Brief Intro of Candidate
I am passionate about the importance of education and the pursuit of lifelong learning. I was on the Kalamazoo Public School Board from May 2008 through December 2018, and was reappointed to the Board this year. I am currently the Vice President of the Board, and have served as the Vice President and President of the Board in the past. I have 25 years of experience with SLD Read, which is a non-profit that works with people with dyslexia or other reading challenges through one-to-one tutoring. The importance of literacy, especially for struggling students, has been a focus in my professional career. My two children attended KPS and were able to take advantage of the Kalamazoo Promise. During the time they were in school, I was active in PTO, Girl Scouts, Girls on the Run and many other school activities. This year, my granddaughter starts Kindergarten in KPS. I am invested in the Kalamazoo community and currently the Vice Chair of Shared Prosperity, which is a City advisory board. I have a proven record of leadership, experience and collaboration that is critical to the success of our students and the school board.
Endorsements
Seeking the endorsement of Kalamazoo County Democrats
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
Carol and Daniel McGlinn
Facebook: : https://www.facebook.com/electcarolmcglinn/, Instagram:
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 have been very supportive of efforts by our superintendent and school board to get input from the community about our strategic plan. This year, we had over 40 sessions where staff, parents, community members and students could give input on the district’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunity and threats. We are committed to continuing these sessions throughout the year. I also believe strongly that we consider our stakeholders opinions whether they come from emails, board meetings or other communications.
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 justice practices should be used as often as possible. I also believe there are situations that occur where the district must have a no tolerance policy. This is especially true with weapons and when students are doing bodily harm to others. It is important to have clear policies and procedures so that all students are treated in the same manner. Training staff in de-escalation strategies and getting students the help and resources they need are also very important.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
It is important that our schools create safe, inclusive environments and promote mindfulness for all students. We should also make sure teachers and staff are getting professional development to help identify and support students who may be struggling. Building partnerships with mental health professionals and having access to resources should also be a priority.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
I believe we can do much better for our black students by having a specific focus on literacy, creating high expectations for all students, strengthening mentor and internship programs and boosting attention to career development.
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?
Safety in our buildings is a priority for not only our district, but for every district in the country. Making sure our buildings are secure and staff are trained to take action in case of an emergency are a top priority. The board should actively monitor that all buildings have a support system in place and that we are working with local law enforcement so that they can share best practices for keeping our buildings safe.
The board has a strong anti-bullying and anti-cyber bullying policy as well as a weapons policy. Each has specific procedures that need to be followed at the building level. These are critical in keeping our buildings safe for all students. Continuing to have safe spaces and welcoming environments and protecting those who feel threatened or disengaged needs to be a priority.
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?
Currently in Kalamazoo, we have a “Grow your Own” program that has been very successful. This program works with high school students who may be interested in the teaching profession and also staff members who do not have a teaching degree but have an interest in teaching, to develop some of our future teachers. We have also partnered with colleges to strengthen urban education curriculum and programming. I also believe we need to do as much as possible to increase pay and benefits while still staying fiscally responsible to the district.