Strode , Cirea - Lansing
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
I’m Cirea Strode, and I’m running for the Lansing School Board because I’m deeply passionate about making a positive impact in our schools and community. As a mom with a child in the Lansing School District, I understand firsthand the importance of creating inclusive and supportive environments where all students can thrive.
I come from a background rooted in child development and social work, and in my professional role as a Senior Analyst for the State of Michigan's Juvenile Justice Division, I’ve worked to implement data-driven solutions to support children and families. I was also raised in a three-generational household, as the product of a teen mom, which has given me a unique perspective on the importance of family and community.
I’ve spent years working with children and families, studying educational systems, and engaging with various leaders to understand how we can improve our district. I truly believe that my diverse experiences make me the best candidate to represent the voices of parents, students, and educators alike.
Endorsements
- Dr. Saturnino "Nino" Rodríguez– A current member of the Lansing School Board of Education, former Principal of Pattengill Middle School, and lifelong advocate for youth and education. - Dr. Bryan Beverly– Director of the Office of K-12 Outreach at Michigan State University, and Lansing School Board Member, passionate about educational leadership and policy. - Dr. Deyanira Nevárez Martínez– Current Lansing School Board Trustee, with a deep commitment to strengthening our community. - Sein Paul Benavides– Executive Director of Cafecito Caliente, a mentor and advocate within the Latino community. - Missy Lilje– Former Lansing School Board Member and current educator in the district. - Dr. Caitlin Cavanagh– Current Lansing School Board Treasurer. - Rachel Willis– Current President of the Lansing School Board, Valedictorian of Everett High School, and a two-time Michigan State University graduate with a Master’s in Social Work. Rachel is the Director of the Division of Child Welfare Licensing with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and a proud advocate for every child in the Lansing School District. - Robin Moore– Current Vice President of the Lansing School Board. For over twenty years Ms. Moore has served students in higher education gaining skills in library services, leadership, management, and supervision. - MEA (Michigan Education Association)– Proudly endorsed by the Ingham-Clinton Education PAC. - Trini Pehlivanoglu– The first Latina to serve on the Lansing City Council, with a background in global business and community service.
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
The top financial supporters of my campaign include friends and family who have generously contributed to help me reach my goals. I also appreciate the in-kind donations I've received, which have been invaluable in promoting my message and connecting with the community.
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 continue to prioritize active communication, building on tools like the ParentSquare app, which the district currently uses to send mass communications to parents and caregivers. To ensure these messages are reaching everyone and to truly engage our community, I would implement follow-up surveys to measure the effectiveness of these communications. These surveys would not only confirm receipt but also include opportunities for feedback, encouraging parents, caregivers, and even students to share their thoughts.
By providing a clear channel for feedback, we can ensure that their voices are genuinely considered in important decision-making processes, like curriculum development, budgeting, and district policy. This would create a more inclusive environment where everyone's perspective is valued, helping us make decisions that reflect the needs and desires of the entire community.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
As a past social worker and in my current role pulling metrics for the Juvenile Justice Division, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that disciplinary practices can have on young people. My approach to school discipline is that it should be individualized and centered around the unique needs of each student. Rather than relying solely on punitive measures, we need to understand what’s driving the behavior and address it holistically.
I believe in partnering closely with parents and caregivers to develop a plan that supports the student and ensures that everyone — the educators, the family, and the student — is on the same page. This collaboration ensures that discipline is constructive and helps students learn and grow, rather than pushing them away from the support they need.
Incorporating restorative practices is key. These practices focus on repairing harm and building relationships, rather than punishment alone. By giving students, the tools to resolve conflicts and understand the consequences of their actions, we can create a more positive, supportive environment where discipline contributes to personal growth. This, in turn, helps reduce recidivism and promotes healthier behaviors long-term.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
Improving student mental health is one of my top priorities. Currently, the district offers free access to Talkspace online therapy for youth, which is a great step toward addressing the mental health needs of students. However, mental health isn’t just an issue within the school—it’s something that often starts at home. I believe we need to encourage mental health support for the entire family, not just the student, to ensure a holistic approach.
Many mental health challenges are tied to unmet basic needs like food, shelter, and safety. Data shows that when these essential needs aren’t met, mental health struggles tend to increase. For example, the National Center for Children in Poverty found that children living in poverty are more likely to experience emotional and behavioral problems. Understanding these barriers is key to developing effective mental health programs.
The district has already made great strides with the F.O.R.T. (Families Overcoming Rough Times) program, which helps students and their families with housing, clothing, fees, cap and gown costs, and financial assistance. This initiative is a strong step toward ensuring that basic needs are met, which directly impacts mental health.
To truly improve mental health in our schools, we need to identify and address these barriers early on. By partnering with families and using programs like F.O.R.T. as a foundation, we can create a comprehensive support system that fosters mental health and well-being for students and their families. By collaborating with parents, caregivers, and community organizations, we can create a support system that ensures students basic needs are met, helping to improve their overall well-being and mental health.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
Improving Black student achievement is deeply personal for me, as I am a product of the very system we are seeking to improve. Growing up as a Black student, I graduated high school in the top 10 of my class with a GPA of 4.1. What I remember most vividly from my school experience was the exposure to influential people who shared their stories, empowering us to believe that we could achieve more.
I had amazing teachers who truly cared, pushed us to succeed, and spoke positive things into our lives. They partnered with the community to support us, and that sense of collaboration made all the difference. They didn’t just teach—they inspired and set us up for success by building relationships and providing pathways to opportunities.
I firmly believe these principles are key to improving Black student achievement. When students see themselves reflected in success stories, feel supported by their teachers, and have access to community resources, their chances of thriving increase. This type of approach, rooted in strong relationships between educators, students, and the community, is something I experienced firsthand and will continue to advocate for. I am a proud product of these methods, and I know they work.
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?
Ensuring that all students and their families feel safe and included starts with understanding the demographics of those we serve. As a data analyst, I believe in using data to measure and learn about the diverse backgrounds in our district. This includes providing ongoing training and education for staff on various cultures, religions, gender identities, disabilities, and more, so we can better understand and support every individual.
I am committed to being a lifelong learner and implementing practices from these areas to ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and validated. This could include creating special opportunities for these communities to thrive in school, such as cultural nights, family engagement events, or other initiatives that allow families to express themselves and feel part of the school community.
By fostering a welcoming environment and actively working to celebrate diversity, we can create a school district where every student and family feels safe, included, and valued.
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?
As a person of color and a former educator, I understand firsthand the importance of recruiting and retaining diverse staff in our schools. One of the key factors in doing this is ensuring that pay and benefits are competitive and reflect the hard work that educators put in daily. We need to offer clear pathways for professional growth and development, so staff feel valued and have opportunities to advance in their careers.
Working conditions also play a major role. It’s essential to create an environment where staff feel supported, respected, and heard. This includes not only teachers but all school personnel. By fostering a positive work culture that prioritizes mental health, collaboration, and strong communication, we can retain staff of all backgrounds.
To recruit and retain staff of color, we need to be intentional in our efforts. That means going beyond traditional hiring practices to engage with diverse communities, attending job fairs and events focused on attracting educators, and building partnerships with universities and organizations that support diversity in education. Additionally, mentoring programs and support networks can help staff feel more included and supported in their professional journey.
By offering competitive pay, good benefits, and creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment, we can build a strong and diverse team committed to serving our students.