Sutton-Kennedy, Talisha - Ypsilanti Community Schools
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
Hi, I’m Talisha Sutton-Kennedy, a proud mother of two daughters, ages 17 and 6. Our family found our home in Ypsilanti in 2018. I am running to become a board trustee for several reasons. First, I believe that education is one of the most important pillars of our society, and uplifting the teaching profession is essential to strengthening this foundation. Second, I believe a high-quality education is a fundamental right for every student, regardless of background, race, gender identity, or otherwise. Lastly, I am passionate about turning these beliefs into action through my work, volunteering, and advocacy to bring us closer to making this vision a reality. I am eager to work collaboratively with our community to create an equitable and thriving educational environment for all students.
I hold Bachelor’s degrees in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and a Master’s in Pharmacology & Toxicology. My scientific and research background equips me with a data-driven approach to decision-making, allowing me to analyze issues critically and create evidence-based solutions. In 2018, I transitioned from academia to focus on my passion for education, joining an education-based nonprofit and pursuing a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction. This shift has enabled me to gain valuable experience in nonprofit operations, legal, and finance, particularly in areas such as governance, budget management, policy development, and strategic planning. My professional journey also includes hands-on experience in education as a part-time educator, after-school tutor, program director, and former substitute teacher.
Endorsements
Not at this time.
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
The top financial supporter of my campaign is myself. I have personally invested in my campaign because I believe deeply in the importance of serving our community and advocating for equitable high-quality educational opportunities.
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?
Engaging the community in district decision-making is essential to ensure that we accurately represent and advocate for the interests of students, staff, parents, caregivers, and other community members. In my experience working for a community-driven nonprofit organization, I’ve employed several effective strategies to engage the voices of the community:
- Maintaining clear and regular communication about decision-making timelines, processes, and the impact of community input. This can be achieved through the strategic use of newsletters, social media, and school websites, ensuring that the community is always informed and engaged.
- Offering workshops and information sessions on topics like the budget and policy-making processes empowering community members with the knowledge they need to participate more effectively and make their contributions more impactful.
- Conducting focus groups and listening sessions with diverse groups, including marginalized communities, ensures that all voices are heard and considered.
- Establishing advisory committees or task forces composed of community members allows for ongoing dialogue and collaboration on specific issues or initiatives.
- Creating opportunities for the community to share their opinions through surveys and other feedback mechanisms allows for broad participation and helps gather valuable insights.
As a board member, I would advocate for these methods of engagement and look to supplement them with additional approaches like participatory budgeting and hosting town halls. These efforts ensure that our decision-making is truly reflective of the community’s needs and priorities, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative environment within our district.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
How we handle school discipline is important because it directly impacts the overall school climate and the well-being of our students. I strongly support restorative practices in education as they foster a positive school climate by emphasizing relationships, accountability, and community. These practices not only address behavioral issues but also integrate aspects of social-emotional learning, helping students develop skills like empathy, self-awareness, and conflict resolution. I am still in the process of learning about the district's current disciplinary methods and data.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
To address the diverse needs of students, we will need a variety of strategies and approaches. One thing we can do is to integrate mental health education into the curriculum, helping students learn to understand and manage their emotions, recognize signs of mental health challenges, and reduce stigma associated with seeking support. Additionally, we can work to increase access to on-site counseling services provided by qualified mental health professionals, ensuring that support is readily available when students need it.
Teachers play a pivotal role in students' daily experiences, so equipping them with training in the areas of Social-Emotional Learning, mental health awareness and intervention strategies can be really helpful. This empowers educators to identify and address mental health concerns early, providing appropriate support and referrals.
Lastly, continuing to promoting physical activity and organized sports, along with fostering a positive and inclusive school culture, are important components of a well-rounded approach. These activities not only support physical health but also contribute to overall well-being, stress reduction, and a sense of belonging, all of which are critical to student mental health.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
Improving Black student achievement and closing achievement gaps within our district and across the state is very important. It's encouraging to see that the district has already implemented effective strategies such as culturally responsive curricula, targeted academic support, and fostering a positive, inclusive school climate.These are excellent steps, and we should continue to build on them, as well as increasing Black teacher representation and incorporating restorative practices in discipline to create a more supportive environment for all students. Mental health supports are also essential, as a student's mental and emotional well-being directly impacts their ability to learn, engage, and succeed. Addressing these needs can enhance student achievement by providing the necessary support for students to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Lastly and most importantly, we need more funding in our schools. While the district has done an admirable job improving its financial position and maximizing the resources available, the reality is that inadequate funding remains a significant barrier. We need increased and equitable school funding across the state to ensure that every student, especially those who have been historically underserved, has access to the quality education they deserve. Investing in our schools is investing in our future, and it's essential for closing achievement gaps and empowering all students to reach their full potential.
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?
Some things we can do to ensure that all students and their families feel safe and included is ensuring we are using culturally responsive curriculum that reflects our diverse student body is important, along with celebrating various cultural and religious holidays. Professional development for staff should focus on cultural competency, implicit bias, and inclusive teaching practices to support all students, including LGBTQ+ and those with disabilities. Representation matters, so hiring diverse educators who reflect our students’ demographics is essential. Creating safe spaces, like LGBTQ+ alliances and cultural clubs, helps foster a sense of belonging. Also ensuring accessible communication with families in multiple languages and engage them in school activities. By addressing disparities, promoting equity, and making data-driven decisions, we can build a truly inclusive and supportive environment for all.
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?
As a board, we use policy to promote equity and diversity within our staff, and recommend district goals that align the composition of our staff with that of our student population.
Additionally, expanding on the district’s existing initiatives and partnerships, to create a "Grow-Your-Own" program, can help to build a workforce that better reflects the diverse community we serve. These programs encourage students, support staff, and community members to pursue careers in education, as well as provide financial support for their education and certification. Improving the district’s ability to offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and relocation and support incentives is also important.
For retention, it’s essential that we foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where all staff feel valued and supported. This includes offering robust mentorship programs and professional development opportunities that cater to the specific needs of our staff. By investing in our staff’s growth and ensuring an inclusive workplace culture, we can build a stronger, more committed workforce dedicated to our students' success.