Community Schools

Posted bysistateacherPosted inadvocacy, antiracism, community, economic equity, education, equity, family, health, intersection, oppression, organizing, social work, spiritual, WellnessTags:, , , , , ,

On Tuesday, 6/21/22 these are my words I shared at the Newark Board of Education meeting.

Peace and blessings

  1. The Board must embody its governing power with its only employee, the Superintendent, Chief Academic Officer.  Poor governance will lead to Newark losing it under QSAC and NJDOE will appoint a superintendent.  You all are responsible and accountable for the proper allocation of resources that are necessary for success and a positive impact on children’s lives. The amount of funding received for mental health services was squandered on services that do not address mental health, SEL.  The consequences of that squander will be felt in the lives of students, families, faculty, and staff for years to come, SOCIAL and EMOTIONAL LEARNING is a tool, not treatment, and does not replace a mental health professional who can provide appropriate tools, skills, treatment, education, referrals, consultation, and support to the students, families, staff, and faculty which is a sustainable solution along with trauma-informed care. I am disgusted the choice was for a tool and not treatment. That choice perpetuates mental health stigma and creates an impediment to academic success. Again, which one of your friends or someone in your network received that contract?  Inquiring minds want to know.  The community fought hard to acquire full local control and FULL LOCAL CONTROL is necessary to maintain and sustain. You all need training about proper governance; hopefully, you all know the consequence of losing Governance.  
  2. I have emailed information about NJDOE mental health guides and reports to the Board President, Dawn Haynes, and the 2 Vice-Presidents.  I will provide information about trauma-informed care.

My main point is community schools. This model encompasses the school as the hub of the community.  If the community had input about mental health resource allocation, the propaganda would not have won for SEL.  NBOE disregards the voice of the community because the school is no longer the hub, especially under the neoliberalism auspices of “choice” which is destabilizing our communities. Effective, consistent, and transparent communication is necessary and that starts with executive leadership.  The Board needs more transparency and includes the community in decision-making that impact the lives of NBOE students, families, staff, and faculty. Collaborate with parents and invested community members for the success and safety of NBOE schools.  It is a matter of life and death.

The current One Newark Enrollment plan needs to be immediately dismantled. Families being required to choose 8 schools is not a “real choice”. Since Member Crystal Williams is a parent that supports neoliberalism and the false auspice of choice, I’m confused about your presence on this board and not Uncommon Schools, KIPP, or another charter school board. Please know we are not customers, you are not providing us a service, or doing us any favors. You are a public elected official. Can you hear me now?

Published by sistateacher

In 2001, I received my BSW degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a double minor in Public Policy and African American Studies afterwards I entered the MSW program with Advanced Standing at Yeshiva University. In 2004, I received my Master's in Social Work degree and my PhD in Social Welfare in 2022 from Yeshiva University-Wurzweiler School of Social Work. The research study topic was "The Phenomenological Exploration of Academic Re-engagement for High School Completion" The qualitative method was used to examine students who leave high school before graduation and choose service-learning for high school completion. Professionally, I have credentials as a School Social Worker, Supervision in Field Instruction (SIFI), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). My practice experience has been in the areas of substance abuse with/without medication assistance, mental health, and education/special education. Currently, I am a Program Coordinator, Adjunct Professor, and Community Advocate, Activist, and Organizer, Founder/Executive Director of Balm In Gilead Community Services, Inc, a non-profit organization in the City of Newark, and Chief Executive Officer of Making Connections Professional Services LLC. My professional goal is to formulate and implement policy to address the systemic issues related to racism, poverty, education, violence, and health care. Also, advocate and articulate the negative effect of those issues to decision-makers for providing a better understanding of the impact/outcome of those decisions upon individuals, families, and communities that are underserved, under-resourced, marginalized, and disenfranchised. I am a member of the finest organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. #advocate #activist #organizer who talks about #love #wellness #antiviolence #wellbeing #socialwork #mentalhealth #education #health #antiracism #poverty

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