Anderson, Nate - Kalamazoo Public Schools
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
I am a parent to three KPS students, a middle schooler and two high schoolers. I have spent over 20 years working in human resources and consulting, and have numerous education and youth mentoring experiences. I've been an active public school advocate in SW MI, fighting against attacks that undermine the integrity of public education. I am a collaborative person by nature, always seeking to learn and understand so that I can be as informed as possible when making decisions.
Endorsements
Yes, Kalamazoo County Democratic Party. I have also recieved endorsements from several elected officials that we will be announcing in the coming days. Additionally, endorsement conversations are pending with a number of other individuals and organizations.
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
Nate Anderson (self) and well as nearly nearly three dozen individually donors that will be updated as the finance quarter closes.
www.nateanderson.org, facebook.com/nateandersonforkps
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?
Community members and other stakeholders have existing opportunities to speak at KPS board meetings; however, this is necessary, but not sufficient. There are opportunities to amplify the district listening sessions and various other engagement approaches that were deployed in the ‘23-’24 school year. In addition to organized district and board events, I plan to continue community listening sessions that I am initiating as part of my campaign; I view this as a critical way to gather input from community members, especially from students and parents. Board broadly, there may be other communication opportunities to make district more accessible to community stakeholders, especially given the chance to build upon the recently redesigned KPS website.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
There needs to be a baseline level of school disciple and policies, especially for severe infractions; further, these approaches and policies need to be applied equitably across our school populations to avoid perpetuating any historic or systemic biases that might exist.
I believe that restorative practices as an approach to school discipline issues are critical, especially in a district and community as diverse as Kalamazoo. The more we can enable conversations, relationship building, and a culture of openness & conflict resolution, the more our schools can be incredible learning environments to help supplement the various social environment in which our students live.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
I believe that we need to de-stigmatize mental health. Struggling with mental health is a serious issue for many students, and should be treated as such. We need to continually be assessing the existing programs and resources within KPS – using data and established metrics – to build on the foundation that already exists. Additionally, there may be opportunities to better connect with community resources that can be avenues of additional support for supents (and teachers and staff!).
As an adult man who has seen a number of friends deal with mental issues, I know how difficult it can be for men – especially men of color – to ask for assistance with mental health challenges. I am always looking for signals that might enable a conversation and open someone to assistance, whatever that might mean for them.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
We need to focus on all student outcomes as they progress through our primary, middle and secondary education system. Especially students of historically marginalized groups. Especially young Black men. We need to ensure we utilize science- and evidenced-based approaches, couples with a robust set of metrics and measurement & reporting tools.
We have the opportunity to maximize the education ecosystem that we have in and around Kalamazoo – KPS; The Promise; the City of Kalamazoo; community stakeholders and resource groups; post-secondary education opportunities with the trades, KVCC, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College; etc. We have a powerful chance to improve connections between institutions in the area, and to educate students, their families and other community members about the resources available. And back to the restorative practices question, if we can enhance the culture of our schools with practices that improve social interactions and relationships, we will see an improved learning environment with improved learning outcomes.
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 need to strive to have a board, district superintendent & administration, teachers and staff that (1) represent our community, and (2) have experiences and perspectives that complement and enhance each other . . . And creates an open and inclusive environment within all of Kalamazoo Public Schools. We have a strong base within KPS to build upon. But like any foundation, there are always opportunities to ensure we continually improve – and communicate– our review of policies & practices that promote a safe and inclusive environment. We need to have metrics and measurement tools to monitor the progress of policies and practices, and identify any potential biases or inequities in application.
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?
We need to strive to have a board, district superintendent & administration, teachers and staff that (1) represent our community, and (2) have experiences and perspectives that complement and enhance each other . . . And creates an open and inclusive environment within all of Kalamazoo Public Schools. We have a strong base within KPS to build upon. But like any foundation, there are always opportunities to ensure we continually improve – and communicate– our review of policies & practices that promote a safe and inclusive environment. We need to have metrics and measurement tools to monitor the progress of policies and practices, and identify any potential biases or inequities in application.