Grand Rapids Public Schools

​

Engaging and including parents, caregivers, community members, and students in decision-making is essential for creating a collaborative, culturally relevant, and responsive school district. Meeting them where they are is vital to elevating voices, especially of individuals we have not heard in GRPS. The data from the Eureka report has highlighted that our parents, community members, students, and partners want to collaborate.


I hope that we continue to elevate voices in some of the following ways:
- Workshops and Information Sessions to educate parents, students, educators, and community members about issues and decision-making.
- Regular public forums to gather feedback and discuss upcoming decisions, ensuring diverse voices are heard.
- Establish Advisory Committees to provide input on curriculum, budgeting, and policy decisions.
- Inclusive Decision-Making Processes to ensure that all decisions are made with consideration of the feedback and insights provided by the community, reflecting their needs and priorities.
- Transparent Communication about decision-making processes and how community input is being used.

If elected as a Board member, I want to ensure that we constantly question our responsibility as a district to inform our parents, students, educators, and community members about how and why decisions are made. To be more collaborative and accessible as a district, I believe that Board meetings need to be recorded, and families and students need access to interpretation and translation available. I believe that these strategies can open the door to transparent two-way authentic communication.

I would like to connect with parents, caregivers to listen and coordinate their concerns to and with the district, board and every authority that has an imput to the care, services and education received.

Through sincere invitation, follow up, time, and authentic interaction.
Communication is not a current strongsuit within our district. Most families and caregivers may not know about opportunities to engage in the above topics and/or be able to attend at the times these conversations are offered. Using my social platforms, website, and word of mouth (especially in groups of which I'm currently involved: PALs, Parent/Caregiver Facebook Groups, Neighborhood Organizations, etc) to inform and invite will be just a few ways to build engagement. Furthermore, I intend to remain involved in promoting and engaging in the work of Urban Core Collective and their Community of Practice. Amplifying their advocacy, organizing, and leadership cultivation.

By creating regular forums, feedback sessions, and collaborative meetings, we ensure that every voice is heard and valued. This ongoing dialogue will help us make informed decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of our entire community.