As a school board candidate, I support policies that limit or restrict cell phone use during school hours to promote a focused learning environment. While technology can be a valuable educational tool, excessive or improper use of cell phones can be a significant distraction in the classroom and disrupt the learning process.

My approach would involve setting clear guidelines on cell phone use, such as designated times or areas where students can use their devices, while ensuring that students can still access them in emergencies. It’s important to strike a balance between maintaining discipline and allowing responsible use, ensuring that the primary focus remains on education and student well-being.

I do not support banning books in our schools. I believe that access to a diverse range of literature is essential for fostering critical thinking, empathy, and a broader understanding of the world among students. Books offer perspectives and experiences that can challenge students, help them grow, and prepare them for life in a diverse society.

Rather than banning books, I advocate for a thoughtful, collaborative approach to selecting educational materials. This includes involving educators, parents, and community members in discussions about what is appropriate for different age groups while respecting diverse viewpoints. Our goal should be to guide students in navigating complex topics, not to shield them from differing ideas.

I support allowing homeschoolers to participate in school sports. Athletics provide valuable opportunities for students to learn teamwork, discipline, and leadership, regardless of their educational setting. By opening school sports to homeschoolers, we promote inclusivity and ensure that all students in our community have the chance to benefit from extracurricular activities.

This approach helps build stronger community ties and fosters a sense of belonging among all students. Of course, homeschoolers participating in school sports should meet the same eligibility requirements as their peers, such as academic standards and attendance at practices, to ensure fairness. By welcoming homeschoolers into school sports, we can create a more inclusive environment that values the diverse educational choices families make.

No, I don’t believe we have enough public schools in Chesapeake. Expanding the number of schools can significantly benefit our community. More schools mean fewer students on buses, reducing long early and late hours for our children. It also allows for smaller classroom ratios, enabling more personalized attention and support for each student, which can improve educational outcomes.

Additionally, more schools can lead to increased athletic competition, providing students with more opportunities to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities. This fosters school spirit and community pride. Building more schools strengthens our neighborhoods, making them more connected and resilient. As our population grows, investing in additional schools is essential to meet the needs of our students and support their success.

No, I don’t think our music and arts programs are a priority in Chesapeake, especially when I compare it to my experience growing up in New Orleans. As a native New Orleanian, I know that music and the arts are not just subjects in school—they are woven into the very fabric of the culture, the food, and the streets we walk on. In New Orleans, music and arts are seen as essential, celebrated, and supported in every corner of the community. Unfortunately, I don’t see the same level of commitment and priority given to these programs here in Chesapeake.

Our students deserve to experience the transformative power of the arts and music in their education. These programs are not just extracurricular; they are vital for fostering creativity, expression, and a deeper connection to culture and community. We need to do more to elevate music and arts in our schools, making them a true priority, not just an afterthought.