Harrison, Michael - Kalamazoo
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
Brief Intro of Candidate
As a father of 5, sibling of two, native of Kansas City, I’ve always had a passion to be connected to people. I completed my bachelor’s degree at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and had experiences that transformed my perspective on education and community. After completing my undergraduate degree, I continued my education focusing on Community and Economic Development and found myself supporting community based organizations in communities similar to my upbringing. Moving to Kalamazoo in 2016 with our two sons at the time, I looked to get involved in initiatives that expanded our family’s network and professional opportunities. During that time, I met individuals working within the community and began to wonder about the possibilities of developing a system to support their efforts. These thoughts, along with multiple conversations and experiences with colleagues from the community, led to the creation of the Kalamazoo Black Male Alliance. A community of Black Males passionate about being connected with each other to address any challenge that does, will, or can, affect our homes.
Endorsements
NO
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
N/A
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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 would engage school, district partners by consistently communicating information directly for them to feel included. I would offer opportunities for involvement and assist while providing complete transparency of actions. Then establishing district champions to move conversations beyond talking and listening sessions to action engagement through direct work with the community. These champions would also be charged with participating at their local schools and PTO boards to expand to direct involvement with other community partners and district employees to improve.
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 would like to see improved practices to represent school discipline in the district including something as simple as acknowledging good behavior. Regardless of where you stand, there are examples of school discipline that can be excessive on both sides based on who exercises it and their relationship they have with that child. I believe establishing, implementing and teaching restorative practices within each school can be = beneficial to the student's long-term development. Implementing restorative practices in the school district enable students to gain tools and abilities to use that can improve their day-to-day experiences and life moving forward. Instead of focusing on stricter school discipline practices, we should create an environment that provides the standard of interaction and behavior that everyone in the district can uphold.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
We should begin by leveraging the work that has already begun with social emotional learning and wellness. In addition to that, we need to more thoughtfully engage the youth on what their needs are and ways they’d like to be supported. Engaging students directly around their mental health and wellness and practices for improving, monitoring, and communicating their needs can include consistent discussions within the classrooms and community to support these practices.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
Research shows that Black teachers significantly impact all Black students, transforming academic outcomes, inspiring a love for learning, and creating a platform for discovery. So, creating the conditions that will be challenging, affirming, and innovative learning environments for every black student staffed by high-quality Black educators equipped to maximize their potential over the course of their elementary and secondary education. This starts with the administration and its community partners being intentional and strategic with building a collaborative plan for students. Once done, it will not only recreate what it means for the achievement of Black students, it also will support all students' achievement in the district.
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?
At a major level there could be the establishment of operating procedures across the district that includes inclusive practices for all families. Then work directly with the community and existing organizations to consistently evolve those standards to accompany community change. First, you should start with directly asking families what they would like to see to feel safe and included in this district. After listening to their thoughts, work collaboratively to implement these practices. Next, more intentionality could be placed around partnering with PTOs and school leaders on how they are developing cultures of care and concern and support in their buildings. Establishing a committee specifically focused on family engagement across the district that is representative of all families would only aid this process.
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?
There is existing research and data that shows educators of color across the country and district have shared what they want and need.
Co-create spaces for current BIPOC staff to elevate their voices, experiences, leadership, to encourage retention. Develop in partnership with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), minority Serving institutions (MSIs) and tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), grow your own programs and apprenticeships to create innovative pathways for educators to enter the profession. This investment should also include internal discussion, committees, and system development to improve their overall experiences and working conditions. Then collectively identifying the best practices for employee benefits to replicate while working to exceed national standards of pay within that environment.