Wolf, Deborah - Williamston Community Schools
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
Brief Intro of Candidate
I have lived in Williamston with my husband, Earl Wolf for 23 years. We have three grown children and three grandchildren. Earl and I are both retired and enjoy volunteering in the Williamston community.
For over 40 years I have worked as an educator, including serving a partial term on the school board for the last 2 1/2 years. I have worked as a special education teacher, coordinator for Gifted/Talented programs, principal, and educational advisor in Michigan and abroad. I hold Bachelor's, Master's, and Specialist degrees in education, and a Principal Certification.
Endorsements
Yes, I have receilved endorsements from the following: Susie & Russ Cockerill, Laska & Keith Creagh, Raj & Rick Wiener, Laurie & Bill Punch, Deborah Feltz & Linda Covey, Elaine Drake, Jan & Ron Fedewa, Shari & Jim Conroy, Brooke & Chris Stokdyk, Ilona & Mark Steinberg, Margie & Bob Stephenson, Jane Reagan, Sue & Ed Kaiser, Corlie & Keith Eldred, Andrea & Charles Honey, Roya Zahaki, Jayne Schuiteman, Narda Murphy, Maureen Honey, Diane Worthington, Sandy & Merlin Hopkins, Mike Honey, Naomi & Jim Miller, Katrinka Allen, Sue and Mark Adams, and Wanda Bloomquist. Also Mayor Tammy Gilroy recently requested a yard sign from me.
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
My husband, Earl Wolf, and me.
https://www.instagram.com/electdeborahwolf, facebook.com/people/Deborah-Sue-Wolf/100083319953839/?igsh=aWIwYTRlOTZheDM2&utm_source=qr,
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 like to advocate for students, parents, caregivers, and community members to serve on various committees that the School Board oversees. For example, we encouraged students, parents, caregivers, and committee members to serve on the Sex Education Advisory Committee and also the Housing Committee (no students at this time) and we plan to have a committee to study the effects of our new policy limiting the use of cell phones by students in the schools. We plan to have students, parents, caregivers, community members, teachers, administrators, and School Board members on this committee. Everyone on each committee is encouraged to share opinions and participate in the decision-making.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
Williamston Community Schools uses a program called Conscious Discipline. This research-based program was developed by teachers for teachers and aims to help students achieve self-awareness and self-regulation. All teachers have received professional development for this program. The district also uses restorative practices as part of the discipline process and I support them.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
Goal #3 of the School Improvement Plan states: The Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)opportunities and support will be provided to all students and staff. Supporting activities include: Ongoing learning opportunities to enhance understanding, and support of, Social Emotional Wellness (SEW) by incorporating the SEL curriculum into Health class, dedicated SEL/AOT time (EX. videos, speakers, wellness activities, small group wellness/learning opportunities), and creation of a student wellness space (the Calm Room). The goal is to expand focus on diversity, climate, and culture (Ex. staff PD, creation of a student-led group that will include student voice and feedback). In addition, the goal strives to develop and implement a Responsible Thinking Process (RTP) and a survey of students and staff regarding climate, culture, and SEL competencies. A new program, Slumberkins, for social-emotional awareness for early elementary students will begin this school year. The district supports these programs by employing a Behavioral Specialist, social workers, and a school psychologist.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
Williamston Community Schools (WCS) provides support for all students regardless of their ability, or ethnicity. School Board Goal #1 states: Provide high-quality, individualized educational experiences for all students. Williamston High School was rated as the top high school in Ingham County for the fifth consecutive year according to data from Mischooldata.org. All WCS schools which receive a state rating earned an "A" grade for student academic proficiency and academic growth from the Michigan Department of Education.
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?
Safety is a high priority with Williamston Community Schools, in fact, School Board Goal #4 states: Improve district infrastructure and the safety and security of all schools and facilities. Over 90 safety enhancements have been added to all the schools to improve safety for students and staff in the last few years. WCS was awarded a school safety grant to install firearm detection software throughout the district. Implementation of an enhanced security monitoring software system and the addition of high-resolution security cameras have been installed. In addition, completion of staff emergency response training was provided by Secure Education Consultants and a dual-purpose working dog team serves all district schools. These are just a few of the safety enhancements for Williamston schools.
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 have always thought it important for school district personnel to reflect the ethnic makeup of the community surrounding it. Williamston Community Schools strives to attract the most qualified personnel for each job opening and is very open to expanding the diversity in the school district. The climate and culture are such that it is very attractive to people seeking employment. This data is from the EOY 2023-2024 report: Asian American-3, Black or African American-2, White-358, Hispanic or Latino-3, and Multi-Ethnic-5. Williamston Schools enjoys a high level of retention of staff and teachers because of its high level of support for staff and teachers.