League of Women Voters Candidate Questionnaire: Emily S. Chávez, Durham Board of Education, District 1

Position/Philosophy Statement

What is the most important responsibility of a school board member and how will you meet this challenge? (500 words)

The school board oversees and supports the work of the superintendent, ensuring that the strategic plan is being met. The board is responsible for the district’s budget and establishing fiscal priorities. The board should also discern the most urgent and key issues and priorities for our constituencies. I will meet these challenges by using quantitative and qualitative data to develop my analysis and propose solutions. As a leader I am collaborative and direct, and I value relationships. 

What should your school district do to better prepare students as citizens? (500 characters)

We want to prepare students who are aware, considerate, thoughtful, and in tune with their own talents and aspirations. We should offer a wide array of opportunities to our students to allow them to experience academic success and explore their talents. We should continue to develop our Restorative Practices so that students can grow and learn from their mistakes. We should also ensure that students are both knowledgeable about systemic inequality and empowered with the skills to respond to it. 

Importance Scale: Pre-K is (explain your choice)

• Very unimportant

• Unimportant

• Neither important nor unimportant

• Important

• Very important

Do you have any concerns about your public school’s ability to attract and retain the best teachers?

• No position

• Support

• Disagree

Please explain how you would address recruiting and retention concerns (650 character max)

I would utilize both quantitative and qualitative data to learn about the working conditions that discourage or incentivize teachers and other staff to remain in their positions. Having listening sessions with staff is key, offering space for concerns to be raised and addressed. We should continue to employ creative strategies to market DPS and attract qualified staff. We must also ensure that beginning teachers are supported in their schools through programs like Project PACE. Additionally, DPS should continue to partner with local universities to support the development of teachers of color. 

What actions can you take to address pandemic-related learning losses among students in your county? (500 characters)

We can partner with local organizations to provide more enrichment opportunities for students outside of the regular school day. We must continue to support our students’ mental health needs,  which play a critical role in a student’s academic success, including increasing counselors and social workers in schools, including bilingual professionals. Additionally, we must find ways to value and support our teachers, who are facilitating students’ academic growth after the effects of the pandemic.