Tawanna Prophet Brinkley

I define equity as every student should have the same opportunity to succeed, regardless of who they are.

I would ensure that budgets and other resources are equitably distributed across a school district by being more of a presence in the buildings, speaking to educators about what is needed for them to be successful in the classroom, and working with stakeholders.

As a board member some of the ways I would ensure that all students have access to the support and resources needed to address systemic issues and create more inclusive cultures would be to engage students, families, and communities as full partners, approve diversified the educator workforce, hold all students to the same high standards, be aware religious holidays, providing more relative professional development, and encouraging the district to adopt a culturally relative curriculum.

As a school board member, I would you balance school safety needs with the adoption of restorative, non-punitive discipline practices by taking an inventory of the school’s current policy, ensuring the district changes the school’s policy on discipline, and including parents by creating a parent discipline policy board.

Yes, I believe students have the right to read and learn, free from viewpoint-based censorship. We are all different and students should have the right to read, learn, and think differently. "Education Is Not the Filling of a Pail, But the Lighting of a Fire" is my favorite quote and this fire shouldn't be extinguished by censorship.

Yes, I support this statement. I agree with this statement because this is what equity is all about. The role of an educator is to provide an environment where students feel free to be who they are and share their opinion without being judged. Students should know that their teacher, paraprofessional, bus driver, cafeteria worker, principal, and school board have their best interest at heart. They should know that each person listed above will advocate for them.

I would absolutely affirm the rights and full inclusion of LGBTQ children and staff. We must love and support people no matter who they are or who they love. Love is the key word.

I would address bullying or discrimination occurring in my district by being an advocate and mediator and by encouraging strong policies. I would advocate for those students by first-hand knowledge of the situation, speaking to both sides, and addressing whatever concerns these students, parents, and educators may have. As the mediator, I would find a common solution to resolve the concerns of both parties. This can only be done if you know the intricate details of the situation.

Yes, I support widespread availability of translated materials and translators for families which English as second language families.

Yes, I believe Delaware Schools need more teachers and administrator diversity because students need to see individuals that look like them. It has been proven that when children see an individual in a position of power that represents them will increase their potential to become educators, lower rates of school suspensions for all students, and that disparities in suspension rates between minority and white students are reduced overall.

How I would commit to address the lead in water issues in our school district is by requiring all schools to test, replacing drinking fountains with water bottle hydration stations that are equipped with filters that remove lead, and working with state officials to ensure laws are passed to maintain a clean water source in our school district. I would work with community members to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff by ensuring that our district has the technology needed to secure our buildings and help the district design classroom-based intervention, delivered by teachers, designed to prevent emotional and behavioral disorders.