The American Federation of Teachers school board candidate forum was held at Vashon High School on Wednesday, February 26. Eight candidates and about 100 other people attended. There were plenty of more serious questions and answers during the evening, but I managed to work in an Arrested Development lyric: “Does shout bring about change? I doubt it. All shout does is Make. You. Lose. Your. Voice.”
On the mic
My 15-second closing statement “I support public schools. This room is what community looks like. You’re at the right forum. I have a trunk full of yard signs in the parking lot, if you’d like one.”
I biked to and from work today with heavy precipitation on the way in and 25 mph winds during both trips. My newer co-workers couldn’t believe it. I’ve ridden in much worse weather. If you get used to doing difficult, uncomfortable things, you’ll know you’ve got it in you when the time comes. On the way home, Lewis Clayborn, the crossing guard at Tower Grove and Vista, yelled “How’d you do?” in reference to yesterday’s primary. In the moment it took to get through the intersection (and with a car and lot of wind noise between us), I wasn’t able to explain that there wasn’t a primary election for the Board of Education and that I’ll just be on the general election ballot on April 8, so I yelled back, “Good, good!”
A photo I took of Lewis in 2013
I explained my absence from the primary ballot several times yesterday while handing out business cards for eight hours at Buder Library. Interacting with voters at the polls forces you to condense your initial pitch and quickly read people and iterate to figure out what works to get literature in hands. I was the only school board candidate there. I also had volunteers (thank you, Amanda Doyle, Anita Doyle, Byron Kerman, Kate Malorin, Christine Ingrassia, and Vanessa Carroll!) at six other locations.
I’ve been going at it hard since I filed on December 10. In campaigning as in life, I believe in starting early and consistently putting in the work. It’s just how I’m wired. I’m hoping the effort is reflected in the election results, but even if it isn’t, I’ll know I made a solid attempt.
Before today, the last time I saw Lewis was February 25. Before that, it’d been a long time because I rarely go into the office anymore. I hopped out of the passenger seat to talk to him, and he immediately recognized me even without my distinctive pink bike. I told him I was running for school board. He enthusiastically offered to be my campaign manager and planted one of my yard signs at the corner.
When Lewis is with you, you can’t lose. The great thing is that Lewis is with a lot of people. He’s a genius with a mental catalog of thousands (tens of thousands?) of faces. When I was commuting to work five days a week, he was often the best part of my day. St. Louis has a lot of problems, but I love this city because of people like Lewis.
I am honored to be endorsed by the St. Louis Chapter of the Ecumenical Leadership Council. The council’s “goal is to impact elections, motivate Black voters, and create a path for African Americans to have equal access to economic opportunities in Missouri.” Public schools are the gateway to economic opportunity.
The endorsement was made by acclamation on Friday, February 21, at El Bethel COGIC (4020 Page Blvd).
BES, University of Missouri-Columbia, educational technology BS, University of Missouri-Columbia, mathematics AB, University of Missouri-Columbia, philosophy minor, University of Missouri-Columbia, Spanish
Occupation
Web developer
What are your top three priorities for the district? (375-character limit)
I’ll work with the six other board members and superintendent to foster community trust and engagement through proactive communication and transparent, ethical governance; plan for long-term financial sustainability by making wise and equitable use of taxpayer money; and support our teachers and parents in the shared quest to help all students achieve their full potential.
(I’m inordinately happy that this answer is exactly 375 characters long.)
Share any experience in education or within the district. (375-character limit)
I’ve been an SLPS parent since 2012. I’m the only candidate who has kids enrolled in the district. I have an education degree. I was the director of North St. Louis YouthBuild, a construction training and GED program in the Hyde Park Neighborhood. Before becoming a parent, I volunteered at Mann Elementary in south city and Bryan Hill Elementary in north city.
Last night, six other Board of Education candidates and I spoke at the 9th Ward Democratic Club meeting at Urban Chestnut (4465 Manchester). The ward includes the Central West End, Forest Park South East, and Kings Oak neighborhoods. Committeewoman Debra Loveless, Committeeman Parker Loveless, St. Louis Community College Board of Trustees candidate Holly Talir, and 9th Ward Alderman Michael Browning were also there. Alderman Browning endorsed me on February 5. I’m the only school board candidate he’s endorsed.
Tuesday, April 8 7 – 10 pm St. Louis Skatium 120 E Catalan St / 63111
“Begin with the end in mind,” said Stephen Covey. Thinking about this watch party is helping me get through the campaign.
G.Wiz and Trackstar the DJ will be on the turntables. G.Wiz, the Godpops of St. Louis Hip-hop, directed The Rink, a documentary about local African-American rollerskating culture. The mayor’s office proclaimed October 21 to be G.Wiz Day in St. Louis. You might know Trackstar from his One Dollar Mix series, Rap Fan merchandise, or this little group called Run the Jewels.
