1st District

Liz B. Doerr

Age: 35

Occupation: Partner and co-founder, Sandbox

Education: Bachelor’s in economics, College of William & Mary; MBA, W&M

Civic/community activities: Board member, Lighthouse Labs; chair, School Board Finance Committee

Contact: (804) 731-6949; liz@thesbx.co

Website: www.facebook.com/LizDoerrforSchoolBoard/

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond School Board because: Three reasons: 1) We are on year two of our strategic plan and I am excited to continue to work to realize our dreams for RPS. 2) There is a steep learning curve to holding any position. I believe that I am in a strong position to hit the ground running for a second term. 3) My passion for RPS has only grown over the past four years. I truly love our administrators, teachers and constituents. It is a joy to serve.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? The top two issues are 1) Funding. Our state funding formula con- tinues to put Richmond at a disadvantage where we receive less money per pupil than some of the wealthiest counties in the Commonwealth despite having a greater portion of students living below the poverty line. 2) Administration and teacher retention. Our teacher retention metrics were flat year over year and we have lost nearly a quarter of our principals every year since I have been on the board.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: 1) Continuing to build strong relationships with City Council and our state delegation. In regards to state funding, I would like to see us advocate for a PILOT, payment in lieu of taxes. Richmond has $7.7 billion in assessed value from all exempt parcels. Assuming 100 percent collection at current tax rates, that could mean an additional $40 million in revenue from the state. 2) I continue to advocate for a more data-driven approach to addressing common reasons for attrition. One area of opportunity is to require and report out on employee exit interviews.

2nd District

J. Scott Barlow

Age: 32

Occupation: Counsel, EAB Global Inc.

Education: Bachelor’s in business administration, The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina; juris doctor, Thomas R. Kline School of Law, Drexel University Civic/community activities: Embrace Carver Elementary Foundation; Richmond City Democratic Committee

Contact: (804) 616-3132; scott@votebarlow. com

Website: www.votebarlow.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond School Board because: Now, more than ever, it’s critical that our school system has effective, trans- parent and stable leadership. Although I’m proud of our accomplishments—construction of three new schools, our pandemic response, increased focus on equity and increased teacher pay—we still have a lot of work to do to improve student supports and academic achievement in RPS. RPS is facing unprecedented challenges related to the COVID-19 crisis, student disciplinary challenges, poor graduation rates and state oversight. RPS needs experienced leaders who are willing to work with all RPS stakeholders to tackle these challenges head on.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? 1. COVID-19 has presented an existential crisis for school districts throughout the country. Although we are experiencing unexpected challenges now, we must prepare for the after effects of the pandemic, which we may feel for years. We must balance priorities of student and staff safety, the emotional well-being of our students and continued commitment to academic excellence. 2. We have significant equity challenges in RPS, from student disciplinary matters to resource allocation. I’m glad we’ve focused more effort in these areas, but a sustained commitment to improvement is necessary to provide a quality education to all of our kids.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: 1. I’m proud of the response of our students and staff during the pandemic. As a board member, I will continue to emphasize student and staff safety first and foremost. I will continue to advocate for more student support, from technology access to additional counseling and support services. 2. I’m committed to continued review of RPS policies and practices to promote equity. Our schools with the highest poverty students need more support. Furthermore, we must address student behavior using compassionate, effective methods, so I support hiring more counselors and expansion of our trauma-informed care and restorative justice pilot programs.

2nd District

Mariah White

Age: 54

Occupation: Department of Defense employee for 24 years; retired from Virginia Army National Guard after 26 years

Education: Master’s of education in curriculum, instructional and assessment; MBA in supply chain management

Contact: (804) 306-6122; info@voteformariah. com

Website: voteformariah.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: I am invested in RPS because my children attend city schools. I am a product of RPS and spent the last 12 years volunteering as a mentor with Communi- ties In Schools and a classroom parent. I became a candidate because the board has failed to meet students’ basic physical and emotional needs. It is the human and constitutional right of every student to be afforded an excellent education regardless of background, obstacles or economic status. Every student is entitled to the best in buildings, safety, technology, support resources, curriculum, basic toiletries, nurse counselors and every opportunity to be prepared for college and a career.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Resources. There are vast inequalities across race and socioeconomic status in access to high-quality schools and resources. Funding. There is a need to improve the financing of equitable distribution of resources. Also, students’ requirements for additional funds are necessary to return to school after the pandemic.

How I plan to address these issues as a member of the School Board: As a decisive decision-maker, I plan to use my logistical and financial experience to ensure every student has equitable resources and education. The School Board needs to create a policy to close the equity gap. Everyone should be inclusive of each other. As a School Board member, I will continue to advocate on behalf of all children’s educational needs at the local, state and federal levels by encouraging more funding for all schools to meet the unique needs of high-need students.

3rd District

Kenya J. Gibson

Age: 46

Occupation: Marketing executive

Education: Bachelor’s in economics and fine arts, College of William & Mary; Master’s in architecture, Yale

Civic/community activities: Member, Richmond School Board and its Finance Committee and former chair of its State Advocacy Committee; former PTA vice president at the elementary school my children attended

Contact: (804) 908-459; kenya@kenyagibson. com

Website: kenyagibson.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond School Board because: In 2017, I ran a grassroots campaign with dozens of volunteers. We were teachers, parents, students and neighbors. Together, we knocked on more than 6,000 doors, getting to know the North Side—the people to whom I’m accountable. I’m running for re-election because there’s still work to do to ensure our public schools fulfill community needs. We can do that when we get the funding we need and we spend it on what we need most. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished by listening to the folks who elected me. Today, our community needs us more than ever.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Our district faces many urgent challenges. Our buildings are crumbling, leaving us to decide how to reopen schools in the midst of a pandemic without enough working sinks. In this health crisis, we have schools without a full-time nurse or enough counselors to meet the needs students will have when they return. Our schools all lack technology. Our discipline policies have allowed our Black and special needs students to be arrested and expelled at disproportionate rates. Our community has lost faith that we can do better. These issues are all critical, and it’s our responsibility to address all of them.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: Our schools can be more when our communities know more. As a board member, I’ll continue to demand transparent, democratic governance. I have advocated for a comprehensive equity audit and more accountability to the metrics of our strategic plan. Our families deserve to know where our students are repeatedly taught by long term subs, which schools have fewer elective offerings and which buildings lack working sinks. Last year, I served as chair of our State Advocacy Committee contributing to our 2020 legislative agenda. If re-elected, I’ll continue to demand more dollars from our administration, mayor, City Council and state legislators.

Sabrina J. Gross

Age: 40

Occupation: Education coordinator

Education: Bachelor’s in psychology and minor education, College of the Holy Cross; juris doctor, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

Civic/community activities: PTA president, Barack Obama Elementary School; board member, Richmond Behavioral Health Authority

Contact: (804) 631-9058; better2gether2020@gmail.com

Website: www.sabrinaforrps.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: The 3rd District is rapidly changing. However, not all change is created equal. Not one 3rd District board representative in the last three elections has roots in the majority Black schools in the district. While diversity can be a strength, it must come with equitable repre- sentation. Given recent policy votes, I realized that to have such representation, a board representative must build relationships with the whole community so that policy decisions reflect the desires of all residents. I will build a coalition of advocates from across North Side to meet the needs of all of our students and schools.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? RPS must address its issues of inequity by dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline, strengthening instruction and creating com- mitments to achieving a culture of equity within our schools. RPS needs to provide more supportive services. Creating community schools that address the needs of our most vulnerable children will cre- ate more room for educational growth.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: Addressing equity issues rests in adopting restorative discipline practices, improving instruction, particularly in reading, and by establishing an equity commit- tee. Creating other means of supportive services lies in adopting a community-based approach to education. Such an approach can be addressed by working with the mayor and City Council to create incentives for teachers to live in the city, by tapping into local community resources such as VCU and RBHA to provide services and by advocating for a fully funded strategic plan. A more detailed explanation can be found on my website at www. sabrinaforrps.com.

4th District

Deanna Fierro

Age: 37

Occupation: Middle school math teacher, Henrico County Public Schools Education: Bachelor’s in math education, University of Texas at El Paso; Master of education, educational leadership and administration, Virginia Commonwealth University

Civic/community activities: Richmond region vice chair, Democratic Latinos Organization of Virginia; Richmond region League of United Latin American Citizens

Contact: (915) 820-6778; deanna@deannafierro. com

Website: www.deannafierro.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: I’m running because as a teacher and parent, I understand first-hand what is at stake. I believe that all students have a right to succeed no matter their background, race, ability or legal status. This means we need a decision-making process that works to achieve the best possible educational opportunities for all of our youth. On the board, I will work collaboratively with fellow board members, families, educators and community members to set policy that retains educators, attracts families and builds communities. I’m running because we need new leadership and new vision and because quality education is my life’s work.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Inequities faced by our students in the education system. We must close opportunity gaps by creating plans that are supported by research. Students with exceptional education needs and limited English language proficiency should be at the center of more board decisions to ensure equitable learning experiences for all students. Recruitment and retention of educators. We should stand by our hiring decisions and allow educators the autonomy to demonstrate their expertise. We must listen to our educators and provide resources and support needed. The teacher evaluation process should require no more scrutiny than the evaluation process of our highest paid employees.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: Establish collective bargaining to improve teaching and learning, provide fair employment procedures and provide a genuine voice for educators. Develop a plan to collect educator input on board decisions. Conduct employee exit interviews to create data-informed solutions on recruitment and retention issues and foster opportunities for employee advancement. Create a community engagement plan that empowers all families to provide input for school and division-wide decision making. Develop a plan to close achievement and opportunity gaps caused by larger systemic disparities. Create solutions to address the root causes for gaps. Evaluate and improve policies and procedures to uplift our underserved students.

Jonathan M. Young

Age: 43

Occupation: Educator at Virginia State University

Education: Bachelor’s, College of William & Mary; Master’s, Virginia Commonwealth University

Civic/community activities: Member, Richmond School Board; past president, Southampton Citizens Association

Contact: (804) 320-4251; jonathanyoungtransformourschools@yahoo.com

Website: www.facebook.com/jonathan.youngtransformingourschools

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond School Board because: A native of Richmond, I love this town immensely and am committed to ensuring that all of our children have access to a terrific school. Too frequently in the past we short- changed our families and, because of it, inequities materialized. I want every one of our young people to have access to a world-class education right here in RPS. It’s why for the last 13 years I have worked so tirelessly at Virginia State University and at leading undergraduate bridge initiatives for K-12 and why I know that education is the ticket to everything.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Teacher and family retention constitute the keys to unlocking success. Retain teachers and we retain families. RPS has consistently averaged a very high attrition regarding both the former and the latter, i.e. teachers and families. The counties benefit from an exodus of our talent, realizing a comparatively small enrollment despite significant increases in the city population the last three decades. The ramifications for RPS are profound and include budget, reputation, resources, etc.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: I believe in providing teachers autonomy in the classroom. Hire well and get the heck out of the way and we retain both teachers and families. Teachers pursue the profession to change the world but to do it requires affording teachers space to innovate, go off script, challenge norms, etc. I believe in radical deference for teachers so that they may work with the zeal and passion that excites students and meets our young people where they are in lieu of some one-size-fits-all, teach-to-the-test approach.

5th District

Jenny A. Aghomo

Age: 47

Occupation: Management

Education: Esthetics operator license, 2002, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Civic/community activities: PTA vice president and president, John B. Cary Elementary, 2013 to 2017; superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee, 2018-19 and 2019-20

Contact: (425) 770-3510; jenny4schoolboard@gmail.com

Website: N/A

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond School Board because: I see it as a real oppor- tunity to work with RPS families and teachers in my community. I believe if we all work together, school boards could be a connection and opportunity for parents and caregivers to build relationships with their child’s school. When schools, families and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better. At the end of the day, it is all of our responsibility to make sure our students succeed. With everyone on the same team, we can work toward a unified goal and create meaningful change for the future of RPS.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Mental health is something we just don’t talk about nearly enough, especially in middle and high schools. Yet one in five children and adolescents experience some sort of mental health condition during their school years. Nationally, only 40 percent of students with mental health disorders graduate from high school compared to the national average of 76 percent. Additionally, RPS needs strong community partnerships to effectively link such children to appropriate treatment and intervention services in the school and the community and to form partnerships between schools and mental health providers.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: Making sure teachers and all school staff have the training they need to recognize the warning signs of trauma in children. Every school also should have adequate staffing to provide students with sustained counseling or other mental health services; assist children and families in accessing community-based services; and provide ongoing support strategies in trauma-based programs as well as relationship building and cultural responsivity for all RPS staff. We also need to re-evaluate RPS’s disciplinary strategies when it comes to suspension and school resource officers in our schools, and continue the implementation of restorative justice practices.

Decardra L. Jackson

Age: 45

Occupation: Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) coordinator Education: Advanced studies diploma, John Marshall High School, 1994; bachelor’s in chemical science, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1999; Master’s in school counseling, Virginia State University, 2008; post master’s certificate, administration and supervision, VCU, 2010; doctorate, educational leadership, VCU, 2015; data wise certified coach, Harvard University Graduate School of Education, 2018

Civic/community activities: Educational Development Committee co-chair, Richmond Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; member, Richmond City Democratic Committee

Contact: (804) 928-6433; friendsofdjackson@gmail.com

Website: www.jackson5forrps.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: I am and have always been vested in improving Richmond Public Schools, which provided my educational foundation. I believe in the great teachers and administrators that educate our children in Richmond. Based on my experience and unique prospective of working in RPS in a number of different capacities, I am confident in my ability to lead and work collaboratively with other School Board members to help resolve these issues. I have a passion for education and a strong desire to continue my support of Richmond’s students through service on the School Board.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? I would focus on creating academic excellence and equity in our city. Our system has allowed longstanding inequities to persist, and we must move beyond this paradigm as a community. My vision is that ZIP code and location will not be the determining factor in where parents choose to send their children to school. We must have schools of excellence throughout the city. I also would prioritize implementing a multi-tiered system of support, which is grounded in nurturing the whole child. Supports would be available for all learners, advanced or struggling through academic, behavior and social and emotional service.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: If I’m elected to the School Board, I will push for more equitable resource allocations across the division. I will work to guarantee all of our schools are affording students opportunities to be successful. I also would support equitable measures that enhance and improve school facilities, school safety and extracurricular prospects. I believe division-wide training and programs should be implemented with fidelity. These programs should be research based to meet students’ needs. As a member of the Richmond School Board, I will advocate for programs and policies that support all learners.

David F. Jones Sr.

Age: 46

Occupation: General contractor

Education: Thomas Jefferson High School

Civic/community activities: Organizing mentorship programs and luncheons with community leaders and RPS student-athletes; donating time and materials to beautify RPS Contact: (804) 386-2366; bigcoachdave804@ gmail.com

Website: davidfjonesforschoolboard.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: After years of working with RPS and the School Board, I felt the need to be a part of the decision-making process. I feel as a lifelong district resident, student and parent of 5th District schools, I would be a great fit as I understand the needs of my community.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Racism and poverty.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: Better education leads to more opportunities for jobs which in turn would help more families get out of poverty and pave the way for future generations to do the same. We need more integrated schools in RPS. Diversity training is also something that RPS could benefit from.

Stephanie M. Rizzi

age: 52

Occupation: Assistant professor, Department of Focused Inquiry, Virginia Commonwealth University

Education: Bachelor’s in mass communications/news editorial, Virginia Commonwealth University; Master’s English/ composition, VCU; Postgraduate professional license, 30-credit hour certificate in English education, VCU

Civic/community activities: Former president, Randolph Neighborhood Association; parent volunteer, RPS, Armstrong High School tennis, William Fox Elementary, John B. Cary Elementary, Binford Middle School, food distribution at George Wythe High School; One Richmond, One Book

Contact: (518) 396-7245; info@stephanieforthe5th.com

Website: www.stephanieforthe5th.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: As a product of public schools, lifelong educator and RPS parent, I know how important high-quality public education is to achieving the democratic ideals of our nation. I survived a very tough childhood. School was my refuge. Teachers and support staff cared for me as an individual. My first-grade teacher, Mrs. Bell, was a tall, majestic, beautiful Black woman who noticed me, recognized my gifts and often risked her job to help my mother educate me in a way that encouraged my advanced development. In life, when my gifts were ignored or not recognized, Mrs. Bell’s influence helped me persist.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? We need to attract, recruit, train, develop and support teachers who not only share the cultural or socioeconomic background of our students, but who have a commitment to Richmond. Teachers are professionals with expertise and experience who should be empowered. We must create additional ways for parents and families facing economic or social barriers to participate in their children’s education at RPS. Working families deserve a School Board representative who takes the time to listen to them outside of School Board meetings.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: I plan to solicit recommendations from teachers first when con- sidering how to address issues. Teachers must be part of raising our graduation rate from 71 percent. I will support the education and development of RPS students and alumni so they can become RPS teachers or staff. I will work to ensure our teacher salaries are competitive. I will work to support and facilitate community stakeholder participation in the governance of their schools. I will work to provide food and child care to families who want to attend meetings. I also will hold meetings in spaces that are convenient to our community members.

6th District

Shonda Matia Harris-Muhammed

Age: Not provided

Occupation: Educator for 29 years

Education: Mathematics degree; Master’s in curriculum, instruction and assessment; Virginia Department of Education graduate professional license, mathematics and administration

Civic/community activities: Founder and executive director of Northside Coalition for Children Inc.; Black Women Educators Leaders

Contact: (804) 687-6743; shondaforthesixth@gmail.com

Website: vote4shonda@weebly.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: I decided to run for the following reasons: a) During these unprecedented times that I sincerely pray we never see again, the lack of preparation for all students, the lack of technology upgrades and the communication of the direction for Richmond Public Schools were clearly visible. b) The direction of Richmond Public Schools’ human resources department must be clearly outlined through an external audit. c) To form a policy committee to address the inequities in the student discipline policies and the human resources policies. All of the bullets mentioned have concerned me and encouraged me to run.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Technology upgrades for all students, teachers and staff and identifying appropriate benchmarks for all students and teach- ers in Richmond Public Schools.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: As the next School Board representative for the 6th District, I will work collaboratively with the division leadership and my School Board colleagues to ensure that all levels of school governance are addressed on a continued foundation. Addressing levels of school governance requires understanding educational policy on all facets to include each school within the division. Applying the wisdom of educational justice is not easy or popular, however, it is necessary. I will work tirelessly with my School Board colleagues to address all aspects of imbalance for all students, teachers and staff.

Lynette r. Plummer

Age: 56

Occupation: Licensed Realtor and notary public

Education: Associate degree in office administration, Kee Business College, 1985; bachelor’s in criminal justice, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2001; VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute Minority Political Leadership Program certificate, 2016

Civic/community activities: Member, Richmond Public Schools Education Compact Committee; volunteer, RVA Reads

Contact: (804) 683-1233; lynette4rps@gmail. com

Website: lynetteforschoolboard.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: While serving on the PTA Board at Binford Middle School, I was appointed to the Mayor’s Education Compact Com- mittee. To better serve the committee, I decided to attend School Board meetings. I evaluated the policies presented and observed the discussions and voting. When it came to my attention Felicia Cosby was not seeking re-election, I felt strongly that it was important to continue to have someone in the seat who would vet policy decisions through the lens of equity. To ensure that perspective, I decided to run.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? I see the need to modernize city schools both in physical structure and the utilization of computer technology, and the negative impact of poverty on students as the top two issues facing RPS. From lack of access to computers/internet service, to students being unprepared to learn because they are facing eviction/homelessness, to food insecurity and in some cases witness to or victims of violence in the community, this pandemic has only further demonstrated just how significant the economic disparities are that exist among our families within RPS and the need to expand our vision of schooling.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: I would propose an in-depth cost-benefit/academic impact analysis comparing maintaining the current number of school buildings versus fewer, larger community schools. Support students keeping the devices they have been issued after in-person classes. Support efforts to bolster wrap-around services needed by students and families in our most vulnerable communities, including increasing the number of guidance counselors in middle and high schools. Create a student-focused/driven communication tool to provide students the opportunity to share their voices with the board. Establish open and consistent lines of communication with principals, teachers and school support staff.

Timika S. Vincent

Age: 45

Occupation: Respiratory therapist, VCU Children’s Hospital

Education: Bachelor of applied science, respiratory

Civic/community activities: President, nonprofit Wealth Building Solutions Inc.; PTA president, John B. Cary Elementary School Contact: (804) 237-3161; tsvincent.tv@gmail. com

Website: timikavincentforschoolboard2020.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: As a child in Richmond and attending RPS, I received a quality education that helped me to become the woman I am today. I had the support of my grandmother for wisdom, but it was the teachers who helped me to obtain knowledge. Much of what I had instilled in me as a student is missing today, such as home engagement and pride within many of our schools. As a PTA president, I witnessed these things firsthand. As the mother of a second-grader, I knew change must come and I want to be a part of that change.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Parental engagement and infrastructure. Chronic issues within RPS such as absenteeism and poor socioeconomic conditions can play a major role in the education of our students. Obtaining more parental engagement can help the student to value and understand the importance of education. The existing infrastructure of RPS is declining faster than it is improving. Work has been done, but there is more to do. Many of our schools were built more than 50 years ago. Therefore, not being equipped with state of the art facilities, our students are at a disadvantage from a more productive learning environment.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: I plan to bring back innovation and creativity into RPS. Educa- tion needs to be sought after by our students. The excitement of learning must be present. Therefore, working with our students in the various fields of the arts, vocational skills and athletics need to be heightened. Providing our students with alternative methods of learning will increase their creative minds and produce a more enthusiastic pupil, increase parental engagement and deliver that sense of pride and commitment that is missing.

7th District

Cheryl L. Burke

Age: 67

Occupation: Retired principal, Richmond Public Schools

Education: Virginia Commonwealth University and Saint Paul’s College

Civic/community activities: The Richmond (VA) Links Inc.; Richmond Branch NAACP

Contact: (804) 347-3291; cherylburkerva@ gmail.com

Website: #everychild Cheryl Burke

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond School Board because: Having served on the School Board since 2017, I understand the role and duties of a member. My experience as a teacher, teacher specialist, RPS principal, parent of two RPS gradu- ates and as a weekly volunteer since my retirement in 2014 have afforded me firsthand knowledge when making decisions in the best interest of every child. I have successfully delivered every promise that I made during my campaign in 2018. However, there is so much more to accomplish. I appreciate the opportunity to serve the constituents of the 7th District and to continue to make RPS a viable educational choice.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? a) Inadequate and subpar infrastructure. We’ve built three schools, including Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School in the 7th District. However, the renovation and modernization of school facilities must continue until every site has updated heating, ventilation, air conditioning, water systems and technology. b) The concentration of generational poverty and racial inequities. This issue continues to negatively affect students’ achievement.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: I will continue to advocate for a fully funded school system. This past term, I worked with students, parents, educators and community supporters. We rallied, planned and actively pursued all government decision makers from whom we receive our funding. I partnered with area organizations and businesses for the 3rd Ultimate Backpack Drive in which we collected more than 21,000 personal protective equipment kits and school supplies for our students. Regarding inequalities, I am encouraging the inclusion of “Real Richmond,” the forgotten and untold story of Richmond’s history, in every grade. I will continue to advocate for resources for every child.

8th District

Dawn C. Page

Age: Not provided

Occupation: Clinical supervisor

Education: Master’s in professional counseling Civic/community activities: Fifth Baptist Board of Christian Education

Contact: (804) 402-5020; page4schoolboard@yahoo.com

Website: http://dawncpage.wix.com/schoolboard

I decided to run for re-election for the Richmond School Board because: Twelve years ago, I began public service with core values: Collaboration, advocacy, accountability and fiscal responsibility with transparency. Since then, I have demonstrated leadership by opening seven new schools, which will create a high quality learning experience for achieving full accreditation and fostering relation- ships among constituents and with colleagues to benefit our children and the greater community. RPS aims for college and workforce readiness. We want each student to reach their full potential as lifelong learners. The realities of 2020 show we do not know what challenges are ahead. A team of experienced policy makers and effective collaborators is critical to keeping our students in the forefront.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? RPS must meet the requirements of the Memorandum of Understanding with all schools fully accredited by 2025-26. Improving the experience of each student and ensuring equity across the district, and proper funding is necessary. Teachers and students alike need the tools, proper resources and support conducive for learning. This includes responsible, proactive maintenance of facilities. In the most recent budget, RPS received $18 million in the operational budget and $19 million in Capital Improvement Project Building Maintenance. However, the district has been playing catch-up for decades of neglect from the state.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: We can meet the requirements of the Memorandum of Understanding by holding the RPS administration accountable to satisfy the elements in the five-year strategic plan. The plan addresses benchmarks for such focal points, i.e. school quality, overall academic achievement (English, math and science), subduing achievement gaps, promoting student and family engagement with objective outcomes (improving chronic absenteeism, dropout rate, and graduation rate). This work continues only with collaborative efforts for appropriately funding the needs of RPS. The School Board member is a manager as well as an advocate of raising the public’s and legislators’ awareness.

Dana C. Sally-Allen

Age: 56

Occupation: 18 years in hemodialysis with infection control experience, currently a support services specialist

Education: Associate degree in human services, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College; bachelor’s in human services

Civic/community activities: President, Blackwell Historic Community Civic Association; board of directors for the Virginia Certification Board

Contact: (804) 928-8475; dsallyallenforschoolboard2020@gmail.com

Website: www.facebook.com/dsallyallen/

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: I saw a need when I was picking up trash at Blackwell Elementary School. I noticed pupils were running across the street because there was no crossing guard to help them. My unyielding, unconditional positive regard and empathic understanding prompted me to be the crossing guard to assist pupils. We need to protect RPS funding. We have teachers, staff, administrators and pupils who depend on this funding. I advocated for additional funding at the Fund Our Schools Rally in 2020. After analyzing these important concerns and hearing from members of our community, I declared that I would campaign for the seat.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? The first issue is our low graduation rate, which has led to curriculum inequality for many pupils who are not attending school. It is important for our graduation completion rate to grow so that our pupils will be ready to enter into the world as productive adults. Our schools need to be accredited. The second issue is long-term suspension and expulsion rates. We need to invest in programs that will provide unconditional positive regard and empathic understanding. These practices should be considered when determining student reprimands. We want to encourage, motivate, empower and uplift our pupils with the policies and resolutions.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: I would collaborate with the board members and the superintendent with concerns from our constituents within the 8th District and other districts, as I get calls from other districts in the city, with hope that we can form a task force and a committee to address the issues. We can move forward with a plan to execute and improve our graduation rates, invest in more supportive services and also address our dropout rates. Our pupils are our greatest investment. Support services and organization can assist with the growth and development of our pupils.

9th District

Nicole Jones

age: 50

Occupation: Donor relations director

Education: Bachelor’s in business administration

Civic/community activities: President, Worthington Farms Civic Association; board member, Drums No Guns Foundation Contact: (804) 405-0921; njonesforschoolboard@gmail.com

Website: Not provided

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: I am reminded of my best asset and talent and that’s being a parent. One of the key actions as a mother is advocating for quality education for their children. As an RPS parent alumna, I’ve served and advocated for the needs of our communities for over 15 years. My knowledge and lived experience will help me to provide leadership and build a vision the community can share in especially in times like now, where there is uncertainty in how we move forward.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Funding and access to equitable resources and services, although fund- ing ultimately is the reason that there isn’t equi- table access.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: My plan is to assess the needs of students, parents, staff and community stakeholders to build progressive relationships that foster growth and development within the community. As a member of the School Board, I plan to bring awareness and advocate on behalf of the parents to help them understand the budgetary process of state and local funding and how it af- fects their children’s learning environment. I want to build a coalition of parents who will understand the School Board’s role on a deeper level and hopefully end up running for my seat.