Lawana Richmond see things differently, “ My running for school board is about the future of education.”

Lawana Richmond see things differently, “ My running for school board is about the future of education.”

SDMN: What made this position one you wanted to fill?

LW: It started with a desire to make sure the people in District E had a representative that is of and for them. As I delved deeper and increased my knowledge and understanding, I realized I could do more than just make sure information and concerns were making their way to the table. My skills and experience with solving problems in academic environments could help with making sure the restorative justice practices initiative is implemented more widely and effectively. The audit of Local Control Funding Formula spending revealed a need for better stewardship with more accountability. I'd also like to make sure the voice and concerns of district students and parents receive the respect and level of priority they deserve.

SDMN: Tell us what a board Member does?

LW: Primary responsibilities for a board member include setting direction and policy for the school district in conjunction with the other board members. The policy of the San Diego Unified School District is to not have any one board member acting alone on behalf of the board. "The superintendent is the board’s sole point of direction to the operational organization. The board will set the direction for the operational organization only through the superintendent, functioning as the Chief Executive Officer. However, nothing herein shall prohibit a constructive, two-way dialogue with students, staff, parents, and the community as a means to engage all stakeholders in the work of the board and the district." per San Diego Unified School District's governance policies. Italicization and underline added for emphasis.

SDMN: Why is it so important that a Board member keep a pulse on what really going on in the classroom or is that important?

LW: When setting policy and strategic direction, it is important to have a good understanding of the current state. Sitting up on a dais and making decisions without putting boots on the ground is like shooting in the dark.

SDMN: Why do schools become broken in your opinion?

LW: In my opinion, school boards become broken when members put other things before the needs of the children, or disengage from their constituents. When people forget to maintain good connection with the people they are elected to serve, they tend to lost touch with what is happening or even why thy are there.

SDMN: What 's your vision?

LW: My long-term vision is to get back to a state in which children look forward to school and feel like they missed something important when they are not in the classroom. I want to help lead an organization that is preparing our children to thrive in a future that I envision an environment where children who have conflict are educated and learn to respond to conflict in ways that are healthy and prepare them to be good conflict managers as adults.

SDMN: What's your message to those who have lost faith in the public-school system?