Nicole Hill

Equity is ensuring support and assistance at all levels, directed by the abilities and needs of the learner. All students deserve opportunities to help them reach their full potential.

Ensuring that budgets and resources are equitably distributed across a school district is essential for providing students with the opportunity to have individual success. A regular review of spending across all programs is important in ensuring equitable distribution. It is also important to talk to the teachers, students, and families in order to learn firsthand if they feel they have all the resources necessary to achieve their goals.

Ensuring that families and caregivers are aware of the resources available is of the utmost importance. Some families may not be fully aware of the opportunities that are available for their children. Having our schools partner with community groups will help to build access to programming. Active mentor programs, a diverse staff of educators and support staff, as well as positive programming that focuses on providing a community atmosphere will provide greater opportunities for students to achieve their potential. School board members have a unique opportunity to connect the community with the schools, creating more chances for students to learn from a diverse group of people.

As a school board member, my top priority would be the safety and well-being of all students and staff members. At the same time, I understand the importance of adopting restorative, non-punitive discipline practices that help students learn from their mistakes and develop positive behaviors. All behavioral support practices begin with the importance of developing positive connections and relationships with students. With this in mind, the importance of building up, empowering, and supporting all students cannot be understated. Therefore, when disciplinary practices need to take place, the restorative practices need to coincide with this, to better ensure that behaviors are not repeated in the future. Schools need a positive atmosphere and opportunities to build up the students’ confidence while also establishing important parameters and regulations for students to follow so that all students can feel safe.

Students should have access to a wide variety of educational resources. Schools should foster an environment that encourages the exploration of different perspectives and ideas while ensuring that materials are developmentally appropriate.

All students have the right to access quality education without discrimination. Inclusive schools create a positive and safe learning environment for all students, fostering their academic and social development. Schools that promote inclusivity can help reduce bullying and discriminatory behavior, increase students' sense of belonging, and promote academic success.

I support a policy that affirms the rights of all, including LGBTQ+ students and staff. All students and staff should feel supported and safe in our schools.

Bullying and discrimination should be handled through staff training, providing resources to families, and education opportunities for students. Specifically, bullying should be addressed from both sides - the child being bullied and the child doing the bullying.

It is important for the child being bullied to know that they have a safe place to share what is happening and to understand what can be done to help them. It is equally important to determine why the child that is doing the bullying is expressing those behaviors. Appropriate measures should be taken so that these behaviors are not repeated. This should also involve the school working with the family, as there will be a higher chance for behavior reform if the family and school are acting in a unified fashion.

Yes, it is important to be aware of the many languages spoken by the families in the district. Family involvement is an important part of school success but it’s hard to expect those families to be involved if they are unable to understand the information provided due to language barriers.

Providing materials in their primary language or a translator for school events will better enable families to become more involved in our district.

I believe it is important to recruit and retain the best educators possible. We should strive to make our schools an inclusive environment that attracts the type of educators that want to encourage and grow a positive atmosphere. A more diverse teaching and administrative staff can help students from diverse backgrounds feel more connected and engaged within the classroom, which can lead to better academic and social outcomes. Additionally, a diverse staff can provide students with a range of role models and perspectives, which can be especially important.

Student safety should always be the priority. Maintaining a good working relationship between the district and Division of Public Health is the first step to addressing any remaining issues regarding lead detected in water samples. It is also important to provide accurate and timely information about any additional sampling to students and families.