Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

True, sustainable empowerment must include substantial and intentional investment in our educational system. We want our youth to achieve greatness and grow to live gainful lives, therefore we must be urgent in our efforts to provide greater resources, close achievement and advancement gaps, and strengthen a thriving environment of lifelong learners. As a student, tutor, and former street law teacher in the 43rd District, I can personally affirm that we have some of the most brilliant minds right here in our community. However, we must take immediate steps to connect students with every resource they need to excel. Further, we must shape our programming in ways that are ever mindful of the stress and trauma many of our youth carry into the classroom. Greater investment in mentoring, tutoring, counseling, after school services, holistic support and career planning is vital. Stronger social services must accompany any curriculum decisions we make. We need to look at ways to improve and increase access to culturally relevant curriculum in our schools. In addition, we must strengthen efforts to reduce the time spent "teaching to the test". Overall, our students deserve a rich, inspiring learning environment that celebrates innovative spirit and fuels pathways to gainful living.

It is deeply important that our school system gets the investment and support needed to grow and expand proactive measures like the "Schools of Innovation" initiative. Providing our educators with the flexibility they need to overcome various barriers to learning can have impactful benefits for our students. Greater equity in our schools, and greater support for our teachers and students is an absolute necessity. Our work to ensure equality and empowerment in education must cover the full lifetime of our learners. This includes greater investment in trades, apprenticeships, and certifications, as well as access to our colleges and universities. Where you live and what you make should never be a barrier to career advancing education. Instead of accepting an environment where college tuition rises annually, we must work to drastically reduce the cost of obtaining an education. Further, we must encourage and support our city and state universities in expanding their classroom spaces, administrative offices, and dormitories further into West Louisville. Again, where you live and what you make should never be a barrier to career advancing education. As your State Representative, I will fight without rest for education equality, and walk hand in hand with you to ensure a vision of sustained educational advancement and excellence for all students and lifelong learners.

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