Davidson, Sarah - Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
Brief Intro of Candidate
I have lived in the G-A school district for ten years. In that time I have worked in the middle school, been a substitute teacher at all three schools, volunteered at numerous district events, and was proud to serve as the President of the Galesburg-Augusta Music Boosters for four years, retiring from that role when my son graduated from G-A.
I joined the Galesburg-Augusta School Board in the spring of 2024 after being interviewed and voted in by the board to fill a mid-term vacancy. Now I am running to complete the remaining two years of that position and remain a member of the school board.
I believe in education for all children and have been passionately involved with work in education from grade school to the college level. As an instructor, I strive to teach in a way that reaches all students and adjusts to meet their needs. As an HR professional, I develop strong relationships with all the employees and create a welcoming environment for people to come and bring issues or ideas to me. My experience as an educator, combined with my work in human resources and management, make me an asset to the board and to our community.
Endorsements
No
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
Myself
Sarah Sarah Davidson for Galesburg-Augusta School Board
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?
First, I encourage all community members to come to board meetings to discuss such topics and to ask questions. Second, I want to work on making sure that information is available and easy to find so that everyone can be informed. I want all community members to feel that they can approach me and that we are all working towards the same goals.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
While there is always room for improvement, I believe that GA does a great job handling student discipline and working with parents. I think restorative practices are a great tool for discipline issues as well as to help students before situations get to a point of needed discipline actions.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
You have to provide a safe and welcoming environment for students---not only so that they feel like they can seek out help when needed, but also to foster a sense of community within the student body. Students that have a strong support system of peers, family, and mentors do better not only with mental health, but also in overall health and success.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
I think that every student needs to have strong peers and mentors that are there to help them achieve success, but also to celebrate successes. Black students need to see what opportunities they have and that there is a community supporting them in their endeavors. It is important to provide the tools need for any student to success and to recognize what those tools may be for each student as an individual.
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?
I think you have to get the whole community to embrace the need to be welcoming to all people and students. There needs to be structure in place to help educate people, as well as to support anyone that feels they are not welcomed. Representation is key to help all students feel included and should always be considered, including in curriculum choices.
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?
I believe that we need to have a welcoming district that not only pays a competitive wage, but offers more in the way of a positive working environment that fosters care for all employees. We have to do more to show that everyone is welcome in our district and reach out to organizations to find more diverse candidates.