Porter, Annette - Onaway

Are you an incumbent?

Yes

Brief Intro of Candidate

I am an Onaway Alumn. I waited until my children were mostly grown before going back to school and earning a master’s degree in Social Work. I am a probation officer and currently the coordinator for a Veterans Treatment Court. My husband and I have 13 children together. Most are graduates from Onaway. We currently have 5 children enrolled in the elementary. I am a current board member who was appointed almost 2 years ago. My goal as a board member is to ensure that all children have a safe environment to obtain the best education possible.

Endorsements

Concerned Citizens

Top financials Contributors

Website and social media links

Concerned Citizens

None

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 love to see multiple committees that involve parents/guardians/students/educators and board members to work together.

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

Mental Health is a huge issue in all schools. It is imperative that the root of each incident and individual is sought before disciplinary measures are taken.

What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health

The schools need more success workers, multiple counselors and certified therapists. There needs to be groups for the students to be able to participate in and feel they are not alone in the struggles.

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

We live in a very rural area with less than a dozen Black children. These students need to be able to celebrate their ethnicity . The school success worker can aid the students in determining their goals and the resources to achieve these goals.

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?

Educating the administrators, the educators, the students and even the board members on the necessity of equality is a start. There needs to be educational programs to teach children and even some adults thats its okay to be different.

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?

Living in such a small
Community, we do not have many adults of color. Providing a fair wage would be most beneficial in obtaining and retaining educators.