Platform Issues

Equitable distribution of resources to all public schools in HISD
District 2 schools needs support from HISD, the community, parents and the business sector to ensure that all of our schools receive an equitable distribution of resources so that they can compete with any other school out there.

Expand early childhood education programs in all public schools
My 6 year old son, went to a pre-K program at a HISD school and I can personally attest to the academic advantage that he had over his peers that entered kindergarten without having gone to pre-k.  Our kids must start school earlier in order to be prepared for beginning elementary school.  Children that do not attend pre-k start out behind and that gap can follow them throughout their educational career.  To close the gap we must provide quality pre-k education at all public schools.

Support existing schools to attract families back into the community
One of the key buying factors in a family's decision to purchase a new home is the quality of the schools in the community.  Families want to move back into the historic communities of District 2 and in order to attract and retain these homebuyers the schools must improve academically and facilities wise.  When we strengthen the schools we build the community.  HISD will work more closely with the City of Houston to revitalize our communities by improving our schools.

Support leadership and professional development for Teachers and Principals
Schools are in the business of educating our youth.  Successful businesses have strong leaders and a trained and competent workforce.  We must work with HISD to ensure our teachers and principals are given all the tools they need to give our kids the best educational experience possible.

Increase incentive pay for Teachers
HISD is heading in the right direction with it's plan to increase incentive pay for Teachers. Educators that are moving the needle towards higher academic performance on standardized testing should be rewarded for their improvement of the school system.  Teachers must be compensated more for the invaluable responsibility they have in educating the future of our society.  We must pay educators like the professionals that they are.

Improve community support for schools
Partnerships with community organizations, churches, local businesses and school alumni must be strengthened. Our students need mentors and volunteers in their lives to help reinforce the importance of education.  The culture of our schools must become more inviting to the parents and the public.

Strengthen partnerships for after school enrichment programs
After school is a critical time for students and parents.  We must help our schools become safe havens in the afternoon hours while parents complete the work day.  I support a culture of collaboration so that community  partners are attracted and welcomed into our schools during the valuable afternoon hours.

Implement more high school vocational training and college preparation programs
We all want what is best for our children’s education. However, not all students that graduate from high school are going to attend college.  Those students need effective vocational training opportunities so that they can learn a trade and add value to the workforce.  As well, all students should have access to more rigorous college-preparation courses.

Improve transparency of public school fiscal accountability
Trust must be the cornerstone of HISD’s relationship with the community.  To regain and retain the public's trust HISD must be more transparent with how public funds are being used.  I will bring a higher level of accountability to the public by hosting monthly District 2 Community Advisory Meetings throughout the district.  The meetings must be accessible to the public stakeholders so we will host the meetings at various schools within District 2.