In this crisis of lost learning from the pandemic, Arlington can’t soften its standards. Our graduates need to be competitive for careers and college. We must return to rigorous instruction, including graded homework, with emphasis on reading, math, and core subjects. I want every student who needs extra help to get it.

Parents and students are reporting more anxiety than pre-pandemic. I support redirecting resources to address this and other mental health concerns individually. We must also rebuild connectedness among the school community by promoting athletics, performing and visual arts, and physical education that involves exercise and play.

Substance Abuse has surged this year among Arlington students. Numerous overdoses are occurring inside the high schools, with tragic results. While continuing preventive education and harm reduction strategies (like naloxone spray), I support aggressive early intervention to change the life trajectories for students using drugs.

We should foster technological competence, not overuse and dependence. I will fight industry marketing and data collection in our technology programs. I support a systemwide “Away for the Day” policy for students’ personal devices.

The current school board removed our School Resource Officers despite favorable reviews from every demographic group and before the SRO workgroup completed its assessment. Teachers don’t want to be police. We should revise the agreement with ACPD immediately to allow officers to be assigned to schools where needed.

We should continue to develop and fund alternatives to student removal and/or prosecution, such as in-school suspension and county juvenile diversion programs.

A nonpartisan voice is desperately needed here to ensure transparency and real conversations. Maintenance and upgrading of older facilities have moved too slowly in favor of expensive new projects. I also want to see administration streamline in favor of student-facing staff positions.

We must offer competitive pay and benefits for our region, but that’s not all. A supportive environment and rewarding work are essential; see all of the above!