Alexander, Erika - Royal Oak
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
Brief Intro of Candidate
My husband and I moved to Royal Oak in 2003 and welcomed our daughter in 2009. My professional background is in behavioral health where I specialize in addiction and mental health. I have served on the Royal Oak Schools board of education since being elected in 2020. It is a privilege to serve on the board and I welcome feedback from all stakeholders. My decision to originally run for a seat on the board was based on areas of improvement that I saw were needed in the district, including a stronger focus on diversity, equity and inclusion as well as challenges related to discipline disparities and communication to stakeholders. While we have not fully accomplished all goals we have made great strides and I am proud to be a part of a very functional and dedicated board.
Endorsements
Michigan Education Association, No Future Without Today and Royal Oak Democratic Club
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
I did not raise any funds this election cycle
How would you engage and include parents, caregivers, community members and students in decision-making in your district around things like curriculum, budgeting and district policy?
I believe that data is imperative for decision making. I think the more data that we can collect the better we are in terms of ensuring that our decisions support the needs of our staff, students and families. We should be surveying stakeholders often and we should listen and implement feedback received.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
Discipline should be fair and equitable. It should promote bringing students in rather than pushing them out. We utilize restorative practices and I believe we can enhance this even further by educating our families about the process and what to expect. We must critically analyze our data to challenge biases and promote equity. We should actively work to move away from the school to prison pipeline that so many of students of color face across the country.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
We must ensure that curriculum is equitable and diverse so that Black students are able to see themselves in the material and the material is relatable and understandable. We must challenge ourselves to reveal biases and understand how students learn and adjust our teaching strategies accordingly.
What are your thoughts on how to ensure that all students and their families, regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, disability, religion, income status, etc., feel safe and included in your district?
We must regularly solicit feedback and incorporate what we have learned into daily practice. We cannot assume that we know how people experience us.
What are your thoughts on how to recruit and retain staff, particularly staff of color, in your district with regard to pay, benefits, and working conditions?
Our strategic plan continues to focus on this very important task. We must ensure that our students are reflected and represented by staff. We must continue to ensure that our staff feel safe in their place of employment, that they are fairly compensated and represented by their unions and that they are supported by administration and central office.