Espy, Dawn - YCS
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
Raised in Detroit by public school educators, I have dedicated nearly 15 years to working and living in Washtenaw County. I earned my master’s in Psychology from the University of Michigan in 2015, where I focused on adolescent identity and purpose development. Following my research, I joined Ozone House, where I worked directly with youth and managed the Education Project for Homeless Youth in collaboration with WISD. This initiative supported students across Washtenaw County facing homelessness or housing instability, ensuring they could enroll in and attend school regardless of their housing situation.
My commitment to socially just educational practices has been a cornerstone of my career. I have continually expanded my expertise in this area and have provided training to numerous educators through my work with the Justice Leaders Collaborative. Currently, I serve as the Director of Consulting at NEW, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering flourishing organizations, empowered leaders, and vibrant communities. Throughout my professional and academic journey, my focus has remained on empowering young people and strengthening communities.
Endorsements
WCDP
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
none at this time
DawnEspy4Ypsi - instagram
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?
A large goal of mine is greater communication and transparency. I believe it is critical to go into the community, rather than expecting parents, caregivers and families to seek out information about district policies.
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 I believe that YCS is making positive efforts to reduce out of school suspensions, it is still used too often. I would like to see an increase in restorative practices, offering mediation, counseling and paraprofessional support to students who are having discipline issues. Ultimately it is important to provide safety and an education to all students. Many students with discipline issues are facing additional struggles in their family and community. Exploring wrap-around services for students facing disciplinary action could provide long-term positive outcomes.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
Greater Social Emotional Learning is important for students. Additionally when both educators and students learn about justice and equity, the environment becomes more welcoming and safer for all students. Students need to be able to feel embraced in their identities and have trusted adults in the space.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
We have to look a disproportionate rates of suspension and special education designations. Often black students are forced out of the classroom rather than tended to. Additionally it is crucial to increase the number of black educators in schools. Often black students do not see educators who look like them, they are not seeing themselves in the world of education and therefore can feel like it is not for them.
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 would like to see more comprehensive sexual health education for all students. Trans and queer students are often not represented in their education and can lead to feelings of isolation and spreads misinformation. It's also important that images and visuals around the school represent people who hold different social identities. Additionally providing financial support for things like after school activities and field trips can minimize the impact of financial disparities as well as more paraprofessional to support students who need more individualized support.
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?
Ultimately, pay increases and incentives for staying in the profession would have a significant impact on staff recruitment and retention. Aside from financial incentives there are other ways to support educations. Create retention programs and space for educator to build community with each other. Have teachers complete "stay" interviews. Also build out care programs for educators, things that promote wellness and sustainability in the work. Additionally provide professional development and growth opportunities for educators.