The Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce asked the community to submit questions to those running for seats on Danville City School Board in the upcoming 2024 election. Below are the unedited responses from each candidate.

School Board Questions and Responses

 

1. What are your qualifications for School Board, and what issue or policy position would best define the difference(s) between you and your opponents?

COREY WILLIAMS
Education has always been a huge passion of mine, particularly public education. I spent five years in the classroom teaching ninth grade English, so I have seen the effects of the policies & procedures implemented by our school board firsthand. While right here in our school system, I pursued & earned my Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction before going on to pursue my Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction. I believe that with doctorate, my recent, up-to-date experience in the classroom, along with the countless hours of professional development, training and my passion to be a lifelong learner, I am one of the more qualified candidates on the ballot this year.

The issue & policy that best qualifies me from the other candidates on the ballot is my commitment to the continued accreditation of all of our schools. After seeing the data that was released from the state in late September, I was elated to see the progress that our schools have made & I am eager to collaborate with other members of the school board to create policies to continue to progress our schools.

Another stance that separates me from the other candidates is my dedication to student achievement & teacher advocacy. Our teachers are the backbone of our school system & our students are the heartbeat. It’s time to start celebrating our students more & advocating for teachers as the professionals they are. I’ve held quite a few titles in my professional life & being a teacher will always be one of my proudest accomplishments.

CHARLES MCWILLIAMS
I have served in public education for 36 years.

1. Middle School Teacher
2. Middle School Vice Principal
3. Middle School Principal
4. High School Teacher
5. Elementary School Principal - GLH Johnson

 

I have served on the Danville Public School Board for the past 4 years. I currently serve or represent the Board  on the following committees:

1. Student Achievement and Accountability (chair)
2. Policy Committee
3. Operations, Facilities and Planning
4. Governance Committee
5. Education Foundation
6. Education Compact
7. Adult Education

I believe some may be looking for something else or better for our system. There are many ideas out there and most will work when you execute them with fidelity.  We do not need new ideas.  We are heading in the right direction.  We need to continue with what our board has put in place, learn from it, and get better at it.

I also have a Masters Degree in Education with doctoral units in the same subject.

KACEY CUNNINGHAM
My qualifications are grounded deeply in my being a parent first and then my community involvement working with a non-profit organization focusing on early childhood social development, as well as residing on the board of CIC Head Start, which demonstrates my commitment to educational success from the foundational years. My advocacy for mental health, family and community engagement, and transparency align with the needs of modern education, where supporting the whole child and building trust with parents are keys to student success. To differentiate myself from opponents, my focus on mental health for our students, as well as staff and families can be a defining issue. While others may emphasize academics and budgeting, I want to focus on the mental stability of our students, staff and families as a whole. Advocating for robust mental health services, especially for students struggling with test anxiety or challenges, sets me apart as someone who understands the direct link between emotional well-being and academic performance. Additionally, my emphasis on transparency and family engagement shows that I will prioritize community trust and collaboration, which may resonate with many voters who feel disconnected from school board decisions. These positions showcase me as a forward thinking candidate who understands that education requires a comprehensive approach to support ALL students.

 

TAKESSA WALKER
I have a proven track record with regard to professional development and ethical leadership. I am a 2016 graduate of the Danville/Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy and a 2016 graduate of Averett University where I received a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration & Management with a minor in Sociology. I am also a 2018 graduate of Liberty University, where I received a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership and Human Service Counseling. I completed a four-month Fiscal Governance Training Cohort in 2023 that allows me to make strategic decisions concerning budgeting and the allocation of funds. I currently serve on Danville Public Schools’ Policy Committee, Governance Committee, and I serve as both Chair of the Piedmont Governor's School Committee and Chair of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. Additionally, I serve as an advisor for the Parent & Family Advisory Committee for DPS.

 

As a qualified mental health professional, I understand the importance of mental stability for young people and adults. I have volunteered for over 20 years with multiple organizations that support youth programs and promote positive outcomes for young people.

 

If re-elected, I plan to keep the same momentum, continuing to help establish the visions and goals of DPS, respectfully have those hard conversations, prioritize accountability and governance, and stay present in the eyes of our children.

 

TYRELL PAYNE
1. Grew up in the school district
2. Father of Early College Student and Middle School Student
3. Member of the Faith Based Community
4. Employed by One of the Largest Employers -Sovah
5. Serve as Regional Vice President for the Virginia School Board Association
6. Current Vice Chair of the DPS Board

2. What are your three overall education priorities that, in a perfect world, you would accomplish during your time in office? Why are these the most important?

CHARLES MCWILLIAMS
1.  100% Family involvement - positive home / school relations
a.  My experience tells me that the more a child’s family is engaged in his or her learning the
more success the child will have in school.

2. Increased Teacher Efficacy
3. 100% of Students reading at grade level

COREY WILLIAMS

• In four years, I would love to see all of our schools fully accredited which is VERY possible considering the growth we saw with the recent report from the state, it is VERY likely to achieve this with policies & procedures to further support our teachers, staff members, students, and administrators. A city’s education system is a very important part in economic development so ensuring that we have a top-notch, well-versed school district helps to bring business to our city.
• Teacher advocacy is another crucial to the vitality of our school system. We cannot retain teachers if we don’t give them a reason to stay. While listening to the state’s mandates for our continued school improvements, we also need to listen to teachers who are on the frontline of education. We need to allocate funds to more teacher resources that will ensure the success of our students to create future global citizens.
• Parent & community engagement is a necessity to ensure the success of our students. While teachers play an unfathomable role in the education of our children, we cannot rely on teachers to play the role of parent and vice versa. When elected to school board, I want to bridge the gap between our parents & caregivers to ensure that our students and teachers have all of the support & resources necessary to be successful.

KACEY CUNNINGHAM
In a perfect world, the three priorities I would accomplish during my time on the Danville Public School Board would be:

1. Enhancing mental health support for students: Mental health is foundational to academic success. By ensuring every student has access to adequate mental health resources, counselors, social workers, and support programs—we can create a learning environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive. This is especially important for students struggling with test anxiety or personal challenges that may hinder their academic performance.
2. Strengthening community and family engagement: Schools function best when parents, families, and communities are fully involved in the educational process. I would advocate for initiatives that foster open communication between the school board, administration, and families, ensuring transparency in decision-making and policies. By creating opportunities for genuine collaboration, we can build trust and ensure that the needs of students are at the center of every decision.
3. Promoting accountability and transparency within the board and administration: Accountability is crucial to ensuring that decisions made by the board are in the best interest of the students and the community. By implementing clear, transparent policies and communication, we can hold ourselves and the administration responsible for the outcomes of our decisions, building public trust and improving overall governance.

These priorities are the most important because they directly impact student well-being and success, while fostering a more connected, supportive, and responsible educational environment.

TAKESSA WALKER
First, continued student achievement and all of the components that allows a student to succeed in life and career readiness. Secondly, higher levels of safety and security measures that protect the safety of students, staff, and properties in the district. For example, building healthy relationships with students and staff that can help educators identify possibly at-risk students. It is a proven factor that a safe environment reduces stress and anxiety promoting better mental health for students and staff. Thirdly, effective advocacy for increased teacher pay, because educators play a critical role in education. Many of our teachers spend countless hours outside of the classroom preparing and giving of their time in other ways because they care about their students. They deserve to be compensated accordingly. Teachers also tend to wear many hats in students’ lives, as they are a critical part of students’ development, not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. My goal is to advocate for an increase in pay that would work in favor of existing teachers and encourage more teachers to join DPS.

TYRELL PAYNE
Academic Achievement is a Top Priority

• • Why?  This is our core business
  • Why? Impacts Economic Development
  • Why? Students are our future

Family Involvement

• • Why? They are the first teachers
  • Why? Students do better when families are involved
  • Why? Involvement strengthens our schools

 

 

Capital Improvement

• • Why? Finishing the $200 million in renovations/new schools will lead to better schools for decades to come
  • Why? Students perform better when they are in great schools and improved classrooms

3. As a school board member what will be your efforts to ensure that all schools are fully accredited and what responsibilities lie directly with the school administration?

 

CHARLES MCWILLIAMS
We have to stay the course.  We have done significant work to establish learning environments that have increased in the learning and attendance needs that make accreditation possible.  In the past year we have risen from having 2 schools to 5 schools that are fully accredited. GW high school’s math scores went from a 35%pass rate to 72% pass rate. Bonner Middle School went from a 61% pass rate to a 79%. In their 1st year Activ8 STEM Academy Achieved a 90% pass rate.  Additionally, Division wide we have had increased performance in Reading, Writing, Math, and Science.

Not only does the primary responsibility for student success lie directly and indirectly with school administration and teachers, I believe the credit for our successes lies with them also. As a former middle schooler I am particularly proud of the improved attendance at Bonner and Westwood that has contributed to our success.

COREY WILLIAMS
We need to be consistent with the policies and procedures that are working well and support our students and teachers. I think one of the biggest issues that we are experiencing within our school system is that so many things change from school year to school year. Inconsistency leads to turnover with teachers, administrators and other educational staff members. I fully understand that with our MOU with the state that we must have certain policies and procedures in plan to check those boxes but if something is working, it is beneficial to teachers and it produces growth, we need to leave it alone. On that note, policies, procedures and professional development that is stale or no longer serves our teachers needs to be removed.

Another crucial part of continuing our progress towards full accreditation is continuing to advocate for teachers and students and the needs they have. If we are going to implement certain curricula and lessons to align to state standards, we need to equip our teachers with the tools they need, as well as students. As a school board member, we need to ensure that our superintendent holds school leaders accountable to ensure that teachers are equipped with what they need to do in their profession.

Finally, we need to increase parent engagement. As teachers we love our students to Earth’s end but there is only so much we can do. We are stronger together and we need all hands-on deck to ensure our children receive a high-quality education.

KACEY CUNNINGHAM

First, I will say Congratulations to our current 5 schools who have reached full accreditation. As a school board member, my efforts to ensure that all schools are fully accredited will focus on continuing the policies and providing resources that support academic excellence, accountability, and equitable access to high-quality education across all schools. I will continue to advocate for data-driven strategies that address gaps in performance, particularly in underserved schools, ensuring that students, regardless of background, have the support they need to succeed.

First, I would prioritize enhancing support systems for struggling students, such as continuing to provide tutoring, mentorship programs, and access to mental health services, which are crucial for student performance. I would also push for ongoing professional development for teachers, ensuring they are equipped with the latest tools and techniques to engage students effectively. Additionally, I would promote transparency in tracking school performance, ensuring that the community is informed of progress and challenges.

The school administration’s responsibilities lie in implementing the board’s policies and ensuring that schools meet accreditation standards. This includes overseeing day-to-day operations, curriculum delivery, and instructional quality. The administration is also responsible for using data to identify areas where schools may be falling short and deploying appropriate interventions, such as improving instruction, modifying curriculum, or providing targeted support to students.

Ultimately, while the board provides oversight, vision, and resources, it is the administration’s responsibility to execute these plans, drive improvements at the school level, and maintain the standards necessary

TAKESSA WALKER
My efforts to ensure all schools are accredited would be holding the superintendent to a higher level of accountability to establish clear goals and expectations for the district. I recognize this task is a collaborative effort and team work with school board members. I would suggest conducting regular evaluation meetings that would include, but not limited to formal evaluations and informal check-ins. Also, request data that supports stakeholders’ inputs on student achievement. My efforts would be to remain positive and always have gratitude regardless of small or big strides accomplished by the district.

The responsibility of the school administration is to continue to adhere to the concept to engage, empower, and elevate to promote better student outcomes. The administration is responsible for providing sustainable instructional leadership and developing, implementing, and evaluating district and school systems and policies with high levels of accountability. Lastly, monitoring testing data and establishing goals and timelines that align with the district’s Strategic Plan.

TYRELL PAYNE
School Administration:  District and School Administrators are responsible for day-to-day operations.   We approve the appointment and support each of them doing their work to improve student achievement.

As a board member, I want to ensure policies are in place to improve achievement and work with our city council to ensure our employees are compensated for their hard work.

I am also working very hard to ensure we improve communication Between our families and the school system.  I am happy to report that our  accreditation is improving every year.  This year, Park Avenue, Schoolfield, Forest Hills, Westwood, and Galileo are fully Accredited!

GW, Bonner, and Activ8 are performing very well.

 

 

4. How will you engage the community to improve public schools in the district? For example, what

kind of community partnerships would benefit the schools – i.e. employer, internships, apprenticeship programs, etc.?

CHARLES MCWILLIAMS
I truly believe the community already wants to engage with us. We have to continue doing great work with our kids and their teachers that will make the community proud and will make them want to get more involved.  We have a great product in DPS which I believe can be easily sold to the public, when they have confidence in what we are doing.

We have  CTE programs that are preparing kids for the workforce and I believe that this can provide future employers with the opportunity to get kids better prepared. We currently have an adopt a school opportunity where community organizations and individuals can provide assistance to our schools.

 

COREY WILLIAMS

Transparency, consistency and education are the keys to community engagement. Our community wants the facts, a clear picture and indication of what is going on with our schools. We need to bring an end to the rumors and social media battles that we face in regard to our schools, and we need clear, factual information about our school system. With that, we need to eliminate any communication barriers that are preventing parents and community members from being informed. Parents, please communicate with your school leaders and your child’s teachers to ensure you are receiving up-to-date news and information. With that, we need consistency with our school websites and newsletter and to provide alternative methods to receive information if there is a barrier to access to information.

 

KACEY CUNNINGHAM
To engage the community and improve public schools in our district, I will focus on fostering strong,

collaborative relationships between schools, families, businesses, and local organizations. Community

involvement is essential for creating a supportive environment that enhances both academic and

extracurricular opportunities for students.

 

One of my key strategies will be establishing regular, open communication with parents and community

members through town halls and listening sessions. This will allow me to understand their concerns, gather

input, and work together to find solutions that directly address the needs of students. By involving families

in decision-making processes, we can ensure policies reflect the values and priorities of the community.

In terms of community partnerships, I will join fellow board members in advocating for collaborations with

local businesses to support job training, internships, and career exploration opportunities for high school

students. These partnerships could help students gain real-world experience, develop workforce skills, and

create pathways to future employment.

 

I would also pursue partnerships with local non-profits and mental health organizations to expand access to

social services, counseling, and mental health support for students and their families. This is crucial for

addressing emotional well-being, which is key to academic success.

 

Finally, collaboration with higher education institutions are already providing dual enrollment opportunities,

allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school, better preparing them for post-secondary

education or careers. These community partnerships not only improve educational outcomes but also

strengthen the ties between schools and the broader community, creating a more engaged and supportive

educational ecosystem.

 

TAKESSA WALKER

Collaborative conversations with business leaders and owners that will foster more internships opportunities .Stakeholders meetings to better understand the culture and the needs of the community.

 

TYRELL PAYNE
One of my biggest goals is improved communication.  Right now, we have over 100 business and community partners. Our business partners donated supplies and nearly $35,000 last year to schools to celebrate good attendance and grades.

 

Other partnerships that benefit our students include:

1. Nearly 100 Interns each summer
2. 60 students in the DCC Early College
3. 88 students are in work based learning, going to work in our community

 

As a healthcare professional, I will continue to work to have more of our students elect a healthcare profession.  We also need more chances for students to work in skilled trades.

 

Finally, we need better partnerships with our families and parents.  This may not be in the business area, but these relationships need to improve.

 

 

5. In your role as a member of the Danville School Board, how will you partner better with higher education institutions such as DCC and Averett University with student success transitioning from
   k12 to college?

   CHARLES MCWILLIAMS
   We are already partnered with DCC through early college and CTE programs, and I expect to continue that partnership. We also have developed a relationship with Averett University.   I want to promote a program that I have some experience with AVID or Advancement Via Individual Determination.  We have had it in our District and I believe we can do more with it by getting DCC and Averett more involved.

AVID is a program that was designed to prepare students who are not in AP, gifted, or IB programs with the skills they would need for college.  It involves among other things  hiring college students to assist the AVID teachers in facilitating the learning of  skills they need to be successful in college.  In these changing times I feel it is more important now than ever to have college students involved in our student learning. The skills they learn are not just good for college; they will also help them in the learning of jobs in the world beyond school.

COREY WILLIAMS
As a current higher ed professional, I will use my experience as an educator to ensure that students who the options that they have after graduating high school. I will ensure that students know about all of the free and low-cost programs, certificates, and apprenticeships that DCC, Averett and the Institute of Advanced Learning and Research have to offer. Considering a number of students are considered economically disadvantaged, it is crucial that we expose our students to alternative options that may be more conducive to them. I will provide school leaders with countless resources for post-secondary pathways. We need to bring more students on our local campuses and strengthen early college and dual enrollment programs but alert students of these opportunities earlier in their public ed career. With funding from programs such as GEARUP, we need to strengthen our local partnerships and expose students to options for their future.

KACEY CUNNINGHAM

Our current Danville Public School Board has solidified partnerships with higher education institutions to ensure a smoother transition for students from K-12 to college. These partnerships will focus on creating opportunities for academic growth, college preparedness, and career exploration.

One key initiative has currently been expanding dual enrollment programs, allowing high school students to take college-level courses while earning both high school and college credits. This not only provides students with a head start on their college education but also exposes them to the rigor of college-level work, making the transition less daunting.

I will also work to establish college-readiness programs in collaboration with local universities and community colleges. These programs will provide students with guidance on navigating the college application process, financial aid, scholarships, and entrance exams. Hosting college fairs, campus tours, and informational workshops will give students a clear picture of what to expect after high school.

Furthermore, I would support mentorship programs, pairing high school students with college students or faculty to offer advice on academic preparation, career planning, and life skills. This mentorship can help bridge the gap between high school and higher education, offering insights and support from those who have successfully navigated the process.

By building these connections between K-12 schools and higher education, we will better prepare students academically, emotionally, and practically for their post-secondary journey, ensuring their long-term success.

TAKESSA WALKER
I would partner by engaging and attending events that aid with student success. Information would be discussed with other board members and a plan of action to circulate throughout the district. Also, transferring the information throughout the locality to stakeholders, parents and guardians, and community members.

TYRELL PAYNE
Early College has been an excellent opportunity to help prepare students to transition to college successfully.

Each high school has a college success coach (Galileo and GW). They plan activities to support a good transition.

I am supporting an increase and Improvements in growing the GEAR Up Program. We recently received another grant from the VDOE to increase student  participation.  GEAR Up stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.  This program exposes students to college activities and college tours.

6. How will you support career and technical education in our schools since this is a growing trend of importance and high wage opportunities in our region, state, and nation?

 

CHARLES MCWILLIAMS

CTE helps them gain the skills needed to enter the work force with higher wages in their near futures.  These are jobs that are here in Danville and throughout the country.  Many academic and college related jobs will not pay as well and as soon those who go through CTE with less debt. CTE students can start making a living right out of school, while their high schoolmates are still paying to go to school.  Additionally their jobs can be local and they cannot be outsourced, which gives them greater security and our community more resources.

 

COREY WILLIAMS
We need to expose children our children to the ample opportunities that we have right here in our community, many of which are free or little-to-no cost. We have resources such as the GEARUP program that can help with. We need to allocate more funds and time for field trips to these institutions. We need to ensure that ALL of our pathways that students can choose from in high school have an instructor and that the coursework needed to complete the pathway is fully staffed. We need to lean on our partners, such as Averett, DCC and the Institute of Advanced Learning and Research to provide career and technical education plans for our students, particularly with trades programs. Our students need to be exposed to these pathways prior to middle school which is why we need to bring back field trips to expose students to opportunities after graduation.

 

KACEY CUNNINGHAM
To support Career and Technical Education (CTE) in our schools, I will advocate for programs that provide

students with the skills and certifications necessary to succeed in today’s workforce, especially as demand

for skilled labor and technical expertise grows both regionally and nationally.

Our CTE pathways future plans include high-demand fields such as healthcare, information technology,

manufacturing, and skilled trades. This will involve partnering with local industries to ensure that CTE

programs align with current job market needs, giving students hands-on training that directly translates to

high-wage job opportunities after graduation.

Additionally, I will support apprenticeships and internship programs that allow students to gain

real-world experience while still in high school. These partnerships with local businesses can provide

on-the-job training, mentorship, and the possibility of employment upon graduation. Such opportunities

bridge the gap between classroom learning and career readiness.

I also believe in integrating CTE programs with academic learning, ensuring that students can pursue

technical education without sacrificing core academic skills. This balance prepares students for both

immediate employment and further education if they choose to pursue college or additional certifications.

Finally, I will advocate for increased funding for CTE programs to ensure that schools have the necessary

resources—modern equipment, facilities, and qualified instructors—to offer high-quality training. By

promoting and investing in CTE, we can provide students with diverse career options and create a skilled

workforce that supports economic growth in our region and beyond.

 

 

TAKESSA WALKER
I would fully support Career and Technical Education because I believe it is an alternative career path for students trying to acquire industry credentials or state licenses while pursuing a high school diploma. I am passionate about CTE credentialing because I obtained a cosmetology license from GWHS in 1994 and was a successful salon owner for 28 years. I am excited about the numerous CTE course paths that are offered through Danville Public Schools.

TYRELL PAYNE
As Vice Chair of the DPS Board and member through the 1% sales tax, our renovated GW and Langston will do the following for us…

• Skilled Trades and Welding -both high paying
• Cybersecurity Programs- high paying
• Culinary Arts, Tourism- high paying
• Nursing - Numbers will double - high paying
• Cosmetology - Business Owners-high paying

We will begin our cybersecurity program in the middle school with new lab space at Langston - high paying!

 

7. There has been a strong focus on early childhood education with the last four superintendents which has also included increased funding. The students who have benefitted from this focus are
   now in high school or have graduated, yet we still hear about poor test scores and student conduct. What do you feel is the missing piece?

 

CHARLES MCWILLIAMS

I believe that early childhood education is a priority for our Division, but it is not always about the funding.  Many parents who ought to be taking advantage of it have not.  Unlike grades 1-12 where we have mandatory attendance. Pre-K is voluntary.  These programs can work for those who choose to place their children in them.  For some that is okay because the families are equipped and they desire to make sure themselves that their kids are ready for school.  Unfortunately if a child’s family does not choose pre-school and they do not work with their kids diligently, they kid stands a strong likelihood to come to kindergarten behind others.  This makes it hard on the kid and the teacher because the teacher has to keep the other kids where they ought to be and assist the child who has not gone through pre-k in catching up with the rest of the class.

 

We must understand that as important as schools are, the parent is the primary teacher of the child. The school systems are there to support parents in providing the opportunity to learn skills that professional teachers are equipped make learning happen like math, science, social studies, reading and writing.  Student conduct should be taught at home whether you send your child to pre k education or not.

 

COREY WILLIAMS

First I want to point out and emphasize that our students here at Danville Public Schools are on the same path & trajectory as many other school districts here in the commonwealth of Virginia. We are seeing growth across our schools but there are obviously still gaps that we need to fill. As an English teacher, literacy is my passion, and I truly believe that literacy is a fundamental human right. With that, I believe that exposing our children to literature that they can relate to is the missing piece to our formula. I love how in our DEKS unit for 9^th grade English, there are so many relatable topics and pieces of text that truly intrigue our students. I was able to make so many real-life connections to the texts. I did skits, projects, research, small group assignments. They were reading without even knowing they were reading. I think we also have to teach students that literature is more than textbooks and benchmark passages. Non-literary text still engages students and that is the first steps to teaching children the purpose of literature and how to appreciate it.

 

In regard to our standardized tests, we must simply expose our children to the formats of these tests and instill exactly what is needed to pass our benchmarks and SOLs and then exposing students to different formats of literature.

 

KACEY CUNNINGHAM

We can not forget that COVID-19 had a profound impact on early childhood education, affecting the quality of learning and children’s social and emotional development. These challenges emphasized the need for recovery strategies including increased funding, mental health support and targeted interventions to close achievement gaps and support children’s overall development. While the focus on early childhood education and increased funding has been a positive step, I believe the missing piece lies in the continuity of support as students progress through their education. We must ensure that the skills, resources, and individualized support provided in early childhood are reinforced and adapted to meet the evolving needs of students as they grow.

More attention could be placed on addressing the social-emotional and mental health needs of older students. Many high school students face challenges related to stress, anxiety, and peer pressure, which can negatively impact both academic performance and conduct. Another missing piece may be student engagement and relevance in learning. Students in middle and high school need to feel that what they are learning is connected to their future goals. This is where expanding career and technical education (CTE), internships, and mentorship programs play a role. Giving students clear pathways to careers or college can increase motivation, reduce behavioral issues, and improve academic performance.

Finally, we need to ensure there is a focus on family engagement beyond the early years. Engaging parents and families throughout their child’s academic journey can provide a village that positively influences both conduct and academic success.

TAKESSA WALKER
Family engagement involvement is an essential component to a student succeeding in school and life. The district has been redesigning the family engagement module to better engage families. DPS has incorporated  Title 1 F.A.C.E Specialists to directly engage family and community relationships to promote successful outcomes. The F.A.C.E Specialists must continue to increase internal, community, and parent stakeholder engagement and communication. Moreover, I believe as the district continues to strategize to engage family and community members it will promote better outcomes, better grades, better behavior, social skills, and adaptability.

 

 

 

TYRELL PAYNE
What is the missing piece?

• Reading at an early age
• Attendance-we have gotten into a habit of allowing our students to miss school
• We also have nearly 80% of our students qualifying for free or reduced lunch due to poverty

What do you do?!!!

• Keep pushing reading, reading, reading
• Have clear policies that set expectations that students be in school every day- we do!
• Provide tutoring, mentoring, and mental health services when needed