Moreno, Eleanor - Grand Rapids Public School
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
Hello, I am a community organizer and advocate, currently serving as the Strategy Manager for the Kent County Food Policy Council. With a commitment to social impact and community empowerment. My work revolves around building a sovereign food ecosystem and fostering deep connections through food and storytelling.
A long-time resident of Grand Rapids, and alumni of Grand Rapids Public Schools - GRPS. My value of connecting is driven by building memorable connections.
Endorsements
seeking, GREA, MEA, NAL
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
Our campaign is powered by the incredible support of grassroots donors who believe in driving change from the ground up. Our top financial supporters are everyday people—parents, teachers, and community members—who are committed to making a difference.
Eleanorforgrps.com
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?
By creating regular forums, feedback sessions, and collaborative meetings, we ensure that every voice is heard and valued. This ongoing dialogue will help us make informed decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of our entire community.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
School discipline should focus on fostering a supportive environment rather than just enforcing rules. It’s important to address behavior with empathy and understanding, ensuring that the strategies we use as a district contribute to our student's growth and development.
Restorative practice is one approach that emphasizes repair and reconciliation over punishment. It encourages students to understand the impact of their actions, take responsibility, and work towards resolving conflicts. Using this approach we can create a supportive environment where students feel valued and empowered to learn from their experiences.
Our district has adopted utilizing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) but needs to dive deeper, especially with our onboarding practices. SEL helps students build self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy, which are crucial for making positive behavior choices and resolving conflicts. By integrating SEL and restorative practices, we can create a supportive environment where students feel valued, are equipped to handle challenges, and are empowered to contribute to a respectful and inclusive school community.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
1. Offer nutritious meals and snacks in the school cafeteria and provide education about healthy eating. Good nutrition supports overall well-being and can enhance mood, energy levels, and cognitive function, contributing to better mental health.
2. Include art programs and creative outlets as part of the school experience. Art provides a therapeutic way for students to express their feelings, reduce stress, and develop problem-solving skills. Art classes and projects can be a powerful tool for emotional release and self-expression.
3. Incorporate SEL with workshops on stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and time management skills. Programs that incorporate artistic practices, like music or visual arts, can also be effective in helping students manage stress.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
1. Reform disciplinary policies to address and reduce disparities in how Black and other BIPOC students are disciplined. Implement restorative practices and support systems that address behavioral issues constructively and equitably.
2. Our students have the answers. building authentic and deep relationships we can Encourage Student Voice and Agency: Create opportunities for Black students to take an active role in their education and school community. Encourage student leadership, advocacy, and participation in decision-making processes.
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 foster an environment where open dialogue about diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice is encouraged. Many if not all of the identities listed in this question are rooted in trauma. Due to this, we have a lot of intentional work that needs to happen to bridge relationships and create trust.
By providing opportunities for students and families to learn about and discuss these identities through workshops and community events. These opportunities would be paired with transparent engagement and conversation around our internal policies and ways to change them so our communities can have spaces where they belong and feel safe. We are seeking to transform to culture of belonging.
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?
Recruiting and retaining staff, particularly staff of color is crucial for ensuring that our educators and staff truly represent and reflect our communities. To do this successfully, we must address key areas: we must offer competitive and equitable salaries and benefit packages. Staff need to work in an environment where they feel respected and supported to be effective and stay motivated. To do this we must use diverse panels and standardized criteria to make fair decisions and intentionally target specific communities that represent our student population. If we intentionally create a space of belonging not only for our students more identities as staff will be retained and celebrated.