Sonneberger, Jamie - Anchor Bay School District
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
My name is Jamie Sonneberger. I have been married to my best friend, Sarah, for 24 years. We have two kids in the Anchor Bay district. I have extensive experience working within the public school system. Some of my roles have included bus driver, paraprofessional in a high school special education classroom, and substitute teacher. I am currently the permanent building substitute for Anchor Bay Middle School South.
Endorsements
I am endorsed by the principal and vice principal of Middle School South, Phil Latona and Paige Hunter respectively.
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
I am currently self-funded.
ElectMrJamie.com Jamie Sonneberger for AB School Board on Facebook
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 like to see our district expand our social media presence. It would be a bonus if the high school could work some of this into their curriculum. Our kids could get some real-world experience with marketing and production. At the building level, I would encourage every teacher to build relationships with parents in multiple ways. We shouldn't email parents only when their kids make bad choices. We can email parents about the good stuff, too. Free pizza at board meetings wouldn't hurt, either.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
My school targets discipline in many ways. We have a reset room, which is a room for kids who may need a time out. Teachers can send kids to this room who are being disruptive in class. We also have an adult check in frequently with kids who might need a bit more help making good behavior choices. We use solutions like delayed halls and escorts when needed. We also use our year-end Cedar Point trip as a reward for those kids with good behavior. Restorative practices do help, and we need to continue to find new ways to build relationships with our students. Finally, we have just implemented a leadership class where we have the 8th graders mentor the 6th graders.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
If possible, every school building should have a full-time social worker on staff. Each building should do their best to expand after-school clubs and events. Kids should be encouraged to participate. Schools should also support and encourage participation in the arts, notably band, choir, and drama. These programs are proven to boost students' self-esteem and test scores.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
My overriding principle would be to maintain high expectations for any underserved group while offering more supports for the best chance of success. We shouldn't lower standards. We should give as much help as we can for positive outcomes. Again, participation in after school activities should be encouraged for everyone, including Black students. Get Black students involved in band and choir. We can also hire teachers that look like our students. Give our minority students the possibility of a mentor.
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?
The first step to making all people feel safe is to elect school board members who value and respect all people. I do not make this statement lightly. I believe that our district and our community will take cues from leadership. If that leadership is not respectful then the community will not act respectfully. We must advocate for truth, and should be ready to respectfully push back against bad ideology and outright lies. We should also strive to highlight our diversity in all of our front facing communication. We don't have to shout from the rooftops that we are inclusive, we can let our actions do some of the talking.
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?
The best way to recruit and retain staff is to have building administrators support that staff. Stand behind teachers that are having discipline issues with kids. Mentor young teachers. Higher salaries, while deserved, are only one piece of the puzzle. Other supports count, too. I know I love coming into my building every day. It should be that way in every building.