Education

As Lyndon B. Johnson once said, “Poverty must not be a bar to learning, and learning must offer an escape from poverty.” Our greatest asset in the fight against poverty is a good and fair education system.

First, I am committed to seeking fair pay for teachers and providing them with the resources they need to educate our children and teens. Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and deserve to be compensated for the crucial work that they do. I will also work to secure additional resources and funding for special education programs within the state; there are currently 23 open positions for special education teachers within the Anoka Hennepin district alone. I will maintain an open dialogue with teachers to receive feedback about their concerns as they arise.

Second, I want to support students according to their individual needs. Anoka Hennepin is the largest school district in the state of Minnesota, and as such, has a greater total of students in need of free/reduced lunch and other assistance programs than surrounding areas. Given that Minnesota has one of the worst achievement gaps in the country, extensive efforts must be made to ensure the success of all students, regardless of race, income, and ability level. Education is not a one-size-fits-all issue; it needs to be flexible enough to accommodate each child so that they can thrive. 

Beyond K-12, I seek to expand access to postsecondary education programs, including community colleges, trade schools, and universities. Considering how important higher education is in today’s job market, it is essential that these programs are both accessible and affordable for all. 

When we invest in youth, we invest in the future of our community, which is why education is such an important issue. Improving our school system truly benefits everyone.