MEET ALLISSA
I am motivated to run for the Indianapolis Public School Board because I believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. Growing up in Indianapolis, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities within our school system, and I am committed to advocating for equitable access to quality education for all students.
By serving on the school board, I am driven by the community’s vision to improve outcomes for students. I aim to contribute positively to the development and implementation of policies that prioritize student success and well-being.
I like to focus on getting things done effectively; For almost a decade I served as a child welfare social worker, at the Department of Child Services. In this role, I helped kids and families reach their goals - I learned effective strategies that improve the welfare of children and I’m prepared to engage in a never-ending continuous improvement process.
With a focused mindset, I wanted to prevent versus heal, so in 2015, I transitioned to teaching Special Education in Indianapolis Public Schools. During my time in the classroom, I taught students who faced tremendous challenges at school and at home. Despite their uphill battle, my students succeeded. I know all of Indianapolis’ kids can achieve these same results. I aim to represent the vision and values of the community, within the context of a student-outcomes - focused mindset.
I’m prepared to do systems work by setting the school system’s priorities based on the community’s vision and values. I’m listening to the community’s vision for what students should know, listen for the community’s nonnegotiable values that I will work towards honoring- I’m ready to work to address systemic challenges within our schools (early childhood education programs, response to intervention instruction, family and community engagement, trauma informed practices) while monitoring IPS’ systems’ progress toward priorities and communicating the school systems’ results on priorities back to the community.
Rooted in my family's values, my upbringing instilled in me a strong commitment to service. My father is a retired police officer, my mother a retired nurse. Having grown up with a keen understanding of the systemic obstacles faced by students, I am uniquely positioned to both acknowledge the shortcomings within our system and work towards its improvement.
I will ensure that the district's Rebuilding Stronger Plan is implemented as it was intended; I will advocate for equitable access to quality schools, ensuring all students have access to a quality education in every Zone, regardless of background or socioeconomic status.
I am motivated to make sure that every student has fair and equal opportunities to receive a good education. It's important that all students, no matter where they come from, have access to high-quality learning opportunities.
Together, let’s build a brighter future for Indianapolis, by having a laser focus on student achievement. Every student will then have the opportunity to thrive, and our community will flourish.
I ask for your support and partnership on this journey to elevate our schools and empower our youth. Through us, our students can be successful.
Together in partnership,
