Improving Student Outcomes:

Recruit & hire additional Paraprofessionals

Recruit & hire additional Math Specialists and Reading Specialists

We have great teachers and great facilities in D428. Many parents I have spoken to are very pleased with the education their children receive in D428 schools. However, our district has a significant achievement gap between low-income and non-low-income students. As a result, many students struggle to reach grade level in math and reading. There are a variety of factors that contribute to the district’s current scores, some of which are simply out of the District’s control, such as the high poverty rate and chronic absenteeism. Data has shown these factors adversely affect student achievement. I believe the District has already identified elements to improve student outcomes that are within its control, such as the reduction of classroom sizes which will be improved  with the opening of Mitchell Elementary as well as investment in student support services. As a Board member, I would support continuing to prioritize the recruitment and retention of paraprofessionals, reading specialists, and math specialists who can provide real, hands-on assistance to students who are struggling. With more aides in the classrooms, we can provide greater individualized attention for all of our students.

Property Taxes:

Work with other taxing bodies to create conditions that attract outside investment

Promote living and working in DeKalb

Despite spending more than $150 million per year, D428 only spends approximately $60 million per year on hands-on instruction in the classroom. I believe we can increase our classroom spending without increasing property tax rates for our residents. The School District represents 61% of the annual property tax bill. As such, it is critical that the Board works with these other entities in an effort to make our district more attractive to outside investment. I will work closely with other taxing bodies (the City of DeKalb, DeKalb Park District, DeKalb County, etc.) as well as the Enterprise Zone, to attract additional residential, commercial, and industrial development to D428. The effect of new investment cannot be understated. In 2016, D428's annual budget was $79 million. In 2024-25, the budget exceeded $150 million. During that same period, D428 lowered it's property tax levy five times.

The takeaway is clear: increasing the property tax base provides for greater educational funding than increasing the property tax rate on individuals living in D428. If elected, my goal is to continue growing our tax base with outside investment, which will create opportunities to lower the tax burden for taxpayers living within D428!