Onwuneme, Faustine'Amara- Detroit Public Schools Community District

Are you an incumbent?

Brief Intro of Candidate

Greeting, my name is Faustine Amara Onwuneme. Most people simply choose to call me Amara. I was raised in Detroit and attended Keidan Elementary School, Hally Open Middle School, and Martin Luther King Jr. Sr. High School. I am 44 years old. I am a single-mother of a 7 year old boy who attends Neinas Dual Language Academy. I am the owner of Oluchi African Hair Braiding for the past 15 years. We are located inside Tower Center Mall. I have travelled to over 30 countries, including Hong Kong, China, South Africa, West Africa, and throughout Europe. I am familiar with Wolof, Ibo, French, Spanish, and Japanese language.
I have a degree from Michigan State University in International Relations. Upon graduating from college I was a primary teacher for St. Timothy Lutheran School, and I also did substitute teaching prior to opening my business.

Endorsements

Not yet

Top financials Contributors

Website and social media links

The African-Caribbean Immigrant Community

www.amara4dps.com

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?

Apart from regular scheduled board meetings, I would engage and organize by district a monthly community engagement at a neutral community center or recreation center, so that members of that area including parents and caregivers can openly discuss their concerns as it relate to curriculum, budgeting, and district policy. i

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

My Children and Youth Mental Health Wellness policy would be a system created for, with, and by our youth and their families, centering their needs, voices, and perspective, and providing preventative measures for mental crisis. This would be done by partnering with community resources and writing proposals for continuous funding.

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

First I would focus on the curriculum being taught to black students with emphasizes on black history and African history. Secondly, especially from primary years, I would focus to develop programs that provide tutoring and after school programs for black students. Thirdly I would build the confidence of black students, reassuring them that they are just as capable to performing academically as their white counterparts.

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?

Communicate, communicate, communicate. I think its very important to keep open dialogue with parents, students, and school staff on a consistent basis. School board members have to be present within the system, attend all meeting, and engage with the community.

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?

It no secret Detroit Public School teachers definitely need better pay, benefits, and working conditions. Pay is an issue, but most importantly from my experience as a teacher, I think better working conditions is most important. Teachers have to feel safe in the classroom. Teachers also need all needed supplies to teach effectively and not feel like they are making due with what they got. As a School Board member, I will advocate for better pay, benefits, and better working conditions.