Taylor, Genevieve - St. Clair Shores Lakeview
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
Brief Intro of Candidate
I am a single mother of two beautiful daughters that both attended Lakeview. I am also a local Magistrate, but my full-time position is as Constitutional Warrior. I graduated from the University of Michigan and then went on to get by Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School (Now Western Michigan University Law School). I love being part of the solution and I am always open to new ideas.
Endorsements
N/A, I haven't sought out any as I am running unopposed
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
N/A, no financial supporters
I have none - running unopposed
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?
Obviously attending Board Meeting is the best method for this, but our school district also has everything posted on their website for full transparency and the ability to know what is in the now. I believe getting better connected with the students is the best way to get their parents involved, but I do believe more virtual interactions could help for those without the ability to show up at school.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
I believe our district has a good plan regarding discipline with its step plan, but I also believe that there can always be new ways to assist in the process and our Board and the District is very open to change. As a Board, we look to the future of the individual, the present threat, and the what happened in the past to get us to this moment. This allows us to careful manicure each situation for the best outcome for the most people affected.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
Number one thing would be to remove cell phones from Pre-K to 8th grade in the classroom and for most time when kids are socializing. Children need to learn to live in the present and communicate one-on-one with peers so that they can see and understand the possible outcome of the way they talk and interact.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
This is a very tough question, as I am a Caucasian woman and have not had the experience of someone who is African American or any other person that may considered "of color". I do believe the pre-k initiative and free meals at school is a very good start to get things on even ground as children enter school. I also think smaller classrooms would be extremely beneficial.
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?
I believe the teachers are the people that need to represent the community. Teachers should be diverse in background, so that each person feels like they are part of the community. I don't think religion is something that should be promoted in the school unless it is being taught for educational purposes. I believe income is being addressed with the Pre-k initiative and free meals, but I also believe there should more assistance when it comes to extra-curriculars.
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?
I believe if you have staff that represent the community of students, everyone will feel welcome.