Harris, Rob - Woodhaven-Brownstown
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
Brief Intro of Candidate
Husband to Gail for 25 years, and have 3 Woodhaven Graduates for Children (Maegan, Kyle, & Tyler). I have been privileged to serve our community and work towards enhancing the educational experience for all of our students for the past 12 years. The experiences during my tenure have equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to continue advocating for the needs of our students, teachers, support staff, administrators and families of our great district. I am committed to the continued support of fostering an inclusive and high-quality educational system that prepares our children for future success.
Endorsements
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Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
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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 make myself available and approachable and promise to respond quickly when any resident contacts me.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
I think our teachers and administrators do a great job building relationships and trust to build relationships with students. These relationships help to get a sense of the social/emotional mindset of the students that might need disciplined or just the correct support. School Discipline has come a long way since I was a kid. Restorative practices are a must in disciplinary suspensions or leaves, a child's education is the most important thing. If the offense is something serious where the student might not be in the district anymore the concern and help has always been there by our district to still give support to get the student educational support.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
Mental Health is definitely always a concern for our students. As a Board Member we need to keep supporting programs brought to us by district leaders, support staff, and teachers.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
All student achievement is important. I think it's important to keep class sizes small especially at the elementary level. As a board member we are here to support our districts learning goals while fostering a growth mindset for all students.
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?
It always needs to be a top priority of the school boards concern, and it is. We have made a lot of progress in the past 12 years, but we continue to look at more ways to keep our students, teachers, support staff, administrators and visitors to our district safe.
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 think our District does a great job with both our turnover with staff is low and our Human resources department is always looking for ways to improve.