If so, where would you get them? Some charters provide a smaller and more intimate setting that may be more conducive to a student’s specific needs. Florida Statute states “they must meet high standards of student achievement, align with accountability systems, improve student learning and academic achievement, create innovative measurement tools...” Seventeen of our 51 charter schools are C or below. Lynn Gray, a former educator and running coach, won that seat in 2016 and is trying for a second term. It is clear that what we’ve been doing isn’t working. Incumbent Lynn Gray defeated Sally Harris in the general election for Hillsborough County Public Schools Board of Education District 7 At-large on November 3, 2020. Two of the seven seats on the Hillsborough County Public Schools Board of Education were up for general election on November 8, 2016.District 5 incumbent Doretha Edgecomb did not file for re-election, and five candidates vied for her seat on the board in the primary election on August 30, 2016: Joe Jordon-Robinson, Lynette Judge, Jacqueline Leeks, Tarance LeNoir, and Tamara Shamburger. We have to make sure that we are collaborating with early learning centers, VPK programs, and daycares by providing them with early literacy tools. Funding is needed to ensure we can support the programming and partnership to these early learning and development centers. I would hold the superintendent accountable and make sure that he produces a rubric of how higher reading scores are being achieved. I grew up in Kings Mountain, a small N.C. town, graduated from Appalachian State University and have lived in Atlanta, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Dayton and Tampa since then. We have decreased the number of lower-performing schools from 50 to below 30. We can not keep doing the same thing and expect different results. The solution to this is to provide in-depth training for our educators on cultural differences and to host consistent forms with our community stakeholders. The district needs to be more sensitive to their hiring methods and making sure students see leaders and administrators that are of same ethnicity. Continued expansion of charter schools, locally and statewide, decreases public school funding and contributes to increased segregation, which inhibits our ability to create a premier school district. These are all data proven behavior management programs used across the nation. Parents deserve the right to place their children in an environment that is best suitable for their child. The current reality of our school district is the increasing of AP classes, IB studies, dual enrollment-college and career/technical. Yes it does require more resources. Hillsborough County School Board District 7 Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. The following statements have been submitted to ABC Action News by the candidate. School transformation must be a key priority. In an effort … In addition, there is something on her website that really bothers me. Stakeholders and community input must be part of making a decision as massive as this. Invite community leaders to come into our classrooms to also assist in a more one-on-one reading tutorial role. Hillsborough County School Board District 7 Candidates Lynn Gray and Sally Harris. Four people ran for the District 1 seat on the Hillsborough County School Board. If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader, eye-tracking device, voice recognition software, etc.) All of these schools serve a majority population of students of color. Hillsborough County Public Schools . 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Lynn Gray, a former educator and running coach, won that seat in 2016 and is trying for a second term. If elected, I would seek to constantly assess how our current funds are being spent and, if necessary, push for efforts to reallocate funds and resources to align with our identified priorities. If elected to the School Board, I would therefore seek to examine how much reading is happening across the school day and the access students have to quality texts that they can — and want — to read. Endorsement Alert! Records and Content Management consultant who enjoys good stories and good discussion. Provide child care for our families via full service centers. I went to school in District 3. If students are more involved in extracurricular activities, it minimizes their desire for trouble. The lack of brown and Black students in comparison to other groups within advancement placement courses are alarming. ©2020 the Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Fla.), Visit the Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Fla.) at www.tampabay.com. She still actively volunteers and substitutes. We also know that the amount of time children spend reading is directly correlated to how well they score on literacy assessments. If there is a community that has seats in their schools, then either a boundary change needs to take place or combine schools. Additionally, we still have 42 schools on the state’s lowest 300 performing schools list and 38 schools on the state’s persistently low performing schools list. I would also research how our district generally fairs in this aspect to other regions and to find practices that would work in our district. Parents, Teachers, and Students Speak Out Against Hillsborough Schools Planned Cuts By Sarah Blazonis Hillsborough County UPDATED 7:44 AM … Given the challenges that will be faced by the district in 2021 and into next year, that’s just not going to cut it. 2020 Election – Hillsborough School Board District 7 October 18, 2020 B. John 508 Views Hillsborough County, Lynn Gray, Sally Harris, School Board This entry is part 7 of 9 in the series 2020 Election This is a county-wide seat and the only school board race I vote in this round. The ROI from charter does prove worth the public advancement. ~~Mark Twain. The third pressing issue is to address funding and early childhood literacy. Does that require additional resources? The Tampa Bay Times recommends Lynn Gray for Hillsborough County School Board, District 7. Yes, currently our high schools are developing more in the likeness of junior colleges, such as Hillsborough Community College. This does not discredit the racial and ethnic differences of those who are descendants of Asian and Indian ancestry. We cannot close schools. MINUTES SCHOOL BOARD OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA 901 E. Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa Tuesday, July 7, 2020 . and last updated 2020-10-06 10:41:22-04. I work directly with children, educators, administrators and districts across the nation to improve the literacy practices of teachers and the literacy experience of students. I would seek to examine schools that have the potential for consolidation by reviewing their current capacity rates. Second, while consolidation may seem like a purely fiscal decision, the School Board must also consider such proposals based on how they would impact the communities we serve. Temperature checks daily for students before getting on bus or into the schools, providing masks daily for each student and family visitor. So, for all those reasons, I’m going with Lynn Gray for Hillsborough School Board District 7. Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. The district just purchased one of those instructional aides that has a proven track record to increase students reading. Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. One specific aspect that HCPS should pursue is culturally relevant and responsive teaching, which is a serious and powerful tool for accelerating student learning. Lower class sizes and support teams that can help educate and meet the needs of the whole child. In each case, the same “educational best practices” are used for every child. Education: Bachelor’s, Warner University; master of theology, St. Thomas Christian University; master of ministry, Warner University; Ph.D. in Christian thought, St. Thomas Christian University. Continue community outreach via our Family Opportunity Centers in high-needs areas to not only reinforce reading, but to offer social services to children and families. Miss Sally Harris officially announced her 2020 Campaign for the Hillsborough County School Board District 7. Quick Links. If elected to the School Board, I will push for changes in the way we approach education in these schools, lobby external sources (e.g., the state Legislature) for additional funding, and critically examine the district’s budget to identify means of reallocating resources to address this persistent and unacceptable situation. Again, when the district is meeting the needs of the whole child, you will see these issues begin to drop across the district. On Thursday during the School Board Workshop, Superintendent Addison Davis presented his detailed School Reopening Plan for the 2020-21 school year. Our children need a knowledgeable educator by design, not by chance. If schools are under capacity, it would be expedient for us to research why they are under capacity and what would be the best decision for that campus. I was raised in Hillsborough County School Board district 3. To push the district to 90 percent and beyond, the graduate rate must include intentional measures that prevent a scholar from dropping out. They are important for parents to have a CHOICE. The generational disparities of economics and education bias for Black and brown students should not be ignored. Fiddling at the margins of these challenges won’t solve them — this continued inequity calls for a reimagining of what schooling can and should look like for our communities with greatest need. I currently work with our new chief of diversity, Hispanic staff and Hispanic community leaders to help facilitate this goal. The majority of families in our lower-performing schools are ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained and Employed) families. If our goal is to produce even stronger graduation rates/decreased dropout rates through intentional outreach measures to children before they reach the kindergarten level, we must be strategic to work with Early Head Start and VPK programs to ensure literacy/phonics/comprehension models are being taught. The district has been following the numbers of suspensions and discipline for two years concerning these issues. Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it. Their educators should be certified, and they should show models on how they plan to close the achievement gaps, remain in accordance with school district accountability practices, and increase gains in their graduation rates. Put in place additional Hispanic translators, Hispanic leadership and staff, and enhancing curriculum with Hispanic cultural history and relevant histories. Education: Bachelor’s in social studies education, University of South Florida; master’s in education, Nova Southeastern University. I do not think that now is the time to consolidate campuses and facilities. Funding is key. We must make proactive disciplinary measures a priority in inner-city schools. Listening to families and students about their needs, identifying gaps in our offerings, and then acting to create or increase choice offerings are all necessary prerequisites to eliminating the need for charter schools. If schools are under capacity, we can look at expanding magnet programs at those schools. Maybe most important, she was one of the few on the Board who basically voted to tell State Education Secretary Bob Corcoran to jump in a lake over telling the County when they could and couldn’t open schools. As the growth in this community is only increasing, we need to be ahead not caching up. These steps should have already been put in place. I am adamantly against the use of charter schools as a stepping stone to the full privatization of public schools. District 7 is a countywide seat on the Hillsborough County School Board. Lynn is currently on the HCPS School Board representing the entire district. Our hiring practices must include incentives for qualified educators who desire to work at our lower-performing schools. If elected to the School Board, I would ask hard questions as to what is getting in the way of teaching that is culturally relevant and responsive to the students in our classrooms and I would push for changes needed to address those obstacles. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2020 Candidate Interviews – Hillsborough County School Board District 7 - Duration: 53:39. I would strongly encourage the district to actively recruit and hire more quality minority teachers and administrators to work in the inner city and lower-performing schools with a proven track record of working in turnaround schools. Put them all under Hillsborough County Public School District with the needed oversight and accountability. Hillsborough County Public School Board District 7 Candidate Dr. Angela Schroden. The Hillsborough County School Board needs a member with a strong teaching and educational background, and is willing to continue advocating for the needs of our children. This will give me a relative insight of needs as I speak to the superintendent about real-time academic challenges from our educators. She couldn’t run that office if she weren’t…so her making it a point to bring that up says something to me about what kind of person she is, and how she thinks. Lynn Gray, the incumbent, is being opposed by Sally Harris who previously served on the board and was voted out. Charter schools are valuable, and they do play an active role in our district. (Each case I examined and went to their “certification classes” before recommending their implementation to our district. Posted at 10:17 AM, Oct 07, 2020 . Show your support by voting for Sally Harris in the primary election on August 18, 2020. This is unacceptable. This focus on literacy should begin with our youngest pre-K students and continue through high school, because tasks and texts become increasingly complex as students move through grade levels. Follow CDC guidelines. There will be no “one-size-fits-all” solution to the challenge of keeping our students safe — locally tailored solutions will be required. Steve Cona "I am honored to serve as vice chair of the Hillsborough County School Board. Currently with the removal of direct teaching due to the COVID virus, our community partners, parents, teachers and staff are getting more comfortable with “at-home” computer use versus a live teacher in each class. It doesn’t cast her in a very good light. Posted at 10:41 AM, Oct 06, 2020 . We would provide access to technical colleges or host vocational/technical programs on our high school campuses. This means we have to focus on, fund and support ongoing professional development for every educator. 53:39. We would also require mediation and choose the best-qualified educators to provide the remediation. Families sign a document, approved by our legal team, to not hold HCPS liable if child/staff/teacher gets sick. She has over 40 years of classroom and school administrative experience and is involved in the schools as more than just a member of the board. Culturally relevant teaching is a reframing of how and what we teach that includes high expectations, learning with relevancy, cultural competence, and critical questioning of injustices. Charter Schools are not the enemy. Increase measures to clean and disinfect public areas and classrooms. Many of our children are in need of mentorship and community support that would divert them from trouble. Lynn Gray is running for re-election on the Hillsborough County School Board in District 7, a countywide seat. Welcome to Hillsborough City School District. Kurdell was elected to the school board in 1992 and, since then, has been a three-time chairwoman and the school board liaison for the Gates-funded Empowering Effective Teachers program. General election for Hillsborough County Public Schools Board of Education District 7 At-large. I would look at the rates of our students who are accepted into military schools, Ivy League universities, and state schools compared to other districts. Jessica Vaughn, Hillsborough Co. School Board District 3. Hillsborough County School Board member Lynn Gray is running for a second term in District 7. Experience: Career Counselor District 18 years. I would ask for him to keep myself/the board and the public informed on the progress of our reading scores. You must take a close look at what has been done and where it is working and where it is not working. We should also continue to hire the best and most qualified educators. Occupation: Former teacher, running coach. We must keep up with community expectations. Recommendations are made by Editorial Board of the Tampa Bay Times. It is a must that I address discrimination and educational biases that have existed for generations. Second pressing issue — Matching our instructional supports and resources with the needs of our students to address racial unrest and student growth from our Spanish-speaking communities. Then entire student body, faculty, staff and leadership buy into this outreach thus full fidelity. What if HCPS consolidated with HCC and Plant City High School for a state of the art vocational/technical center with a building devoted to that, and one for curriculum? District 1. We have to think about how we build a school system that works for all students. Additional paraprofessionals should work at a ratio of 1 per 3-4 students, especially with the Hispanic and high-needs populations. She shares my concerns with loss of funding to for-profit charter companies, and I believe has the backbone to actually take that on. I have 20 years of experience specifically focused on literacy. District 7 is a countywide seat on the Hillsborough County School Board. Harris served in 2017 and 2018 as Chair of the Board of Education, but her entire tenure was pretty lack-lustier. In recognition for my passion for youth success I was honored by Beyoncé’ as being a Global Ambassador for BeyGood Philanthropic organization. I feel that a whole new balance of boundaries needs to be looked at. Does Hillsborough need to consolidate some campuses and facilities? Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Another option may be to redraw boundaries to ensure that schools are at their capacity. This support can come from Title I funds and there are partnerships within our community that also are willing to help. I suggest reviewing charter school pros and cons by the University of Arkansas. Funding: Budget priorities MUST align with the stated goal of superintendent Davis and HCPS: “All decisions will be made with our learners in the forefront. I would speak to current educators and ask their opinions on what they feel works and doesn’t work with our current reading curriculum. Having worked with Angela as my administrative partner in opening a new school in Hillsborough County, I experienced firsthand her knowledge, work ethic, and amazing passion for educating students. Occupation: Pastor; manager of neighborhood initiatives, United Way Suncoast. As the mother of two children in Hillsborough County Public Schools and an educator for over 20 years, I understand the variety of needs that are required to be met for each child to succeed. Positive Behavior Incentive Support System in middle and high school. Hillsborough County School Board District 7 September 5, 2019 READ MORE Sally's 2020 Campaign Kick-Off November 7, 2019 READ MORE "Business Acumen & Experience Makes Sally Harris A Great Choice For School Board District 7" July 15, 2020 READ MORE Plant City Chamber of Commerce asks Sally for Top Priorities August 4, 2020 READ MORE Sally Harris leads with 28.4% of votes from Primary … Charters do fill a need and are not going away. First, a top priority of our school district has to be the safety of our students. As with the first two of these examples, there is much we can do to improve the education being provided at these schools at no additional cost, because many of these solutions are focused on changing the way our educators think about and plan for what they teach. All schools have covered courts, thus have PE teachers teach predominantly outside. It should be our aim to ensure that each individual child has an opportunity to thrive and succeed. This is a county-wide seat and the only school board race I vote in this round. It is time to change our view of what these schools can be and how they operate. Equity: We must address the inequities that continue to plague our historically underserved and marginalized communities. This inequity calls for a reimagining of what schooling can and should look like for communities with greater need. Meet the candidates for Hillsborough School Board District 7, © \"Gabriella Angotti-Jones | Times\"/Tampa Bay Times/Tampa Bay Times/TNS. Tampa Bay Chamber 238 views. It is through behavior management of students in a positive sense which results in an equitable, positive school culture among ALL races and ethnic backgrounds. How would you improve reading scores, especially in the lower grades? Lynn Gray, a former educator and running coach, won that seat in 2016 and is trying for a second term. Third pressing issue — Increase funding for our public schools by restoring our total millage rates from 2007 and increasing impact fees (just did) to further our restoration of schools and their infrastructure. I talked to Lynn Gray this time and in her previous election. Each year hundreds of middle and high school students along with their parents attend the summit. Our Florida delegation that these schools serve a majority population of students of.! 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