Wilson, Nicole - Troy
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
Brief Intro of Candidate
My name is Nicole Wilson. I have a PhD in Children's Literature from Wayne State University. I worked in education for 20 years before joining the Troy School District board of education. I am married with two children. One is a recent graduate, and one is a current high school junior. I am passionate about human dignity and flourishing, and I believe education is a tool that allows for both.
Endorsements
Not yet- I'm seeking an endorsement from the Troy Educational Association
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
individual donors
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?
It's important to discern the critical stakeholders for various decisions. For example, Curriculum decisions need to be made by people who will be teaching the curriculum with input from students about what they know they need to learn and with consideration from state requirements and groups who will be offering students either future education or employment. Similarly, budgeting and policy decisions must be made with a consideration of available funding, current law, and the needs of the stakeholders. These needs can be ascertained through surveys, conversations, and meetings.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
The best school discipline comes from a place of connection. As our keynote speaker, Liz Kleinrock, said to all of our teachers at our welcome back this year- Connect before you correct. Therefore, if connection is an objective, restorative practices, when done well, can be a wonderful tool for restoring the harm that was caused to the relationship. School discipline needs to be adapted for the age of the students involved and the severity of offense. As a board member I have been regularly advocating for more training for our teachers and administrators on effective discipline practices, and that training is on-going as discipline practices evolve.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
I have more thoughts on student mental health than will fit in a textbox. However, I will share a few components I believe can be a piece of improving mental health. I believe it is important to have a variety of in-person activities for students where they are encouraged to try new things, to practice courage, to see that no one does everything perfectly, to learn about the humanity of themselves and others. I think it is important to make sure there are mental health supports for the teachers. When teachers have good mental health, they are able to give help to students who need it. I find it beneficial when there is clear communication about expectations and pathways. When students know that there is still a path to success, even when they fail, they are more capable of meeting expectations.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
I think belonging is an important part of flourishing. I also subscribe to Brene' Brown's definition of belonging that is not fitting in, but it is allowing someone to bring their full self to the environment. Black students need to know that they are wanted in their schools. There need to be teachers and administrators who understand the breadth and depth of the black student experience and are happy to allow students to be whomever they are at school and to offer them the support they need to succeed. I think it is important that school districts have leaders with an understanding between the difference between diversity- having students with different ethnic, socio-economic, etc., backgrounds- and inclusion which is recognizing the value of learning from all of those different backgrounds.
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?
We are fortunate in Troy to have an incredibly diverse community. I believe one of the ways that diversity can become inclusion is when there is a mix of things that unify us and things that allow us to thrive in our individuality. We can all want to see the principal do the ice bucket challenge or get taped to the wall when we meet a community goal, and we can take time to learn from one another about the differences we are proud of. I think it is also important to not make adult problems a kid problem. It is important to have ways that kids with varying socioeconomic backgrounds can contribute to the community. It is important to recognize that not every child comes from a hetero-normative, two parent home. When we let people know everyone is welcome, and when we celebrate and express respectful curiosity about difference, everyone can flourish.
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 school board member, I have spent a significant amount of time in conversation with state and federal leaders about increasing school funding so we can increase pay for our teachers. I have advocated for a DEI office that has support programs for our staff of color, so they know they are wanted and belong. I also think it is important to have a good relationship with our union leaders so they can tell us when things need to be addressed, outside of contract negotiations.