Fiscal Responsibility

I will hold district leaders accountable to my vision of a steady, responsible, budget that prioritizes student needs.

I am eager to explore innovative solutions to the CPS financial crisis, such as forming strategic partnerships with major corporations right here in Chicago. Just imagine the potential if companies like Google, Microsoft, and the more than 30 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in our city teamed up with CPS! These partnerships could provide not only financial support but also invaluable resources and real-world opportunities for our students. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful such collaborations can be when Lettuce Entertain You partnered with my 3rd-grade class at Hartigan Elementary, sponsoring holiday gifts, a downtown trip, and a special Christmas lunch. Partnerships like these could help bridge funding gaps while enriching our students’ educational experiences. Let’s build bridges between the business world and our schools to create a brighter future for Chicago’s students.

I wholeheartedly support the implementation and funding of CPS’s new school safety plan.

For me, school safety is about more than just physical security. To create a truly safe and positive learning environment, we must prioritize mental health resources, expand restorative justice programs, and ensure our staff are trained in conflict resolution. Building strong, trusting relationships between students, teachers, and families is essential for fostering schools where everyone feels valued and heard. All schools must have multi-tiered systems of support and crisis interventions. Most importantly, as a board member, I will ensure the implementation of the safety plan in all of our schools.

I envision schools where every student experiences a deep sense of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and where both teachers and students can express themselves authentically in a safe space. When we cultivate respect and understanding, we not only create safer schools but also nurture communities where every individual has the chance to thrive.

Keeping Students Safe

Bring Back Student Transportation

As a Family and Community Engagement Specialist, I see firsthand what the lack of transportation has done to families in our city.

Parents, particularly in low-income communities, struggle to get their children to school. We can’t talk about chronic absenteeism without addressing the bussing issue. We must fix this problem by offering bus drivers signing bonuses, ensuring their wages are competitive, allocating money from the 10 billion dollar budget to pay for transportation, and creating a pipeline from high school to becoming licensed bus drivers. High school seniors could take part in a driver education program that includes obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL), with costs covered through scholarships or workforce development grants.

Another great idea for families that go to neighborhood schools is Bike Buses. Bike Buses are led by adult volunteers, usually parents or teachers, they follow a set route, picking up children from designated stops along the way, much like a traditional school bus. These group rides not only ensure safety in numbers but also create a fun and social experience for students, fostering a sense of independence and responsibility. In addition to those benefits, reducing congestion around schools and lessening carbon emissions benefits everyone in Chicago.

Chicago Public Schools must prioritize strengthening ALL of our neighborhood schools, especially in under-resourced communities.

We need to create a fully resourced, thriving education system where every student and family is engaged and empowered. It's time to explore innovative funding solutions that lessen CPS’s heavy reliance on property taxes and address inequities—without compromising the quality of schools that are already excelling. By investing equitably, we can ensure that every child has access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of their ZIP code.

Transparent, Authentic Community Engagement

Authentic engagement means acknowledging and addressing systemic inequities, building trust, and empowering communities.

I will ensure that communities have a lasting voice in the educational process by holding town halls in District 4, having open dialogue with my constituents, and inviting local advisory councils to all board meetings. CPS must ensure that community input is not only heard but acted upon. I will make sure that all stakeholders are included in the process long before decisions are made.