Williams, Tonya - Grand Rapids
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
I am a former GRPS student, as well as my children and grandchildren has attended or are attending. Before becoming in volved with my grandchildren education and treatment, I was very unaware of how and what my grandchildren were being exposed to and the they treatment received. But I quickly learned how black and brown children were treated and the issues surrounding their quality of education. Teachers not receiving competitive wages, verses that of other teachers in Kent County, poor transportation, direction and vision of our children, with little to no resources offered to teachers for the advancement of education and their future prosperity. I want better for all children of the GRPS, to work together as a whole with the children, parents, teachers and district to asure effective, productive and advancenent within the educational system of the GRPS.
Endorsements
No
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
N/A
Elect Tonya Williams
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 like to connect with parents, caregivers to listen and coordinate their concerns to and with the district, board and every authority that has an imput to the care, services and education received.
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 believe that for minority children, the discipline action are harsher and more permanent for those of other cultures. Never being address as a concern only as a threat.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
I believe every school should at the less have one guidance/ Mental Health worker present at all times during school hours.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
More Black and Latino, teachers, guidance Counselors and Mental Health workers that look like them, and understand the culture.
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?
Communication
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?
Increase wages and resources, for every teacher, which in turn would bring more diverse teachers back to GRPS.