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When it comes to one of the fundamental issues that need to be reworked, Education is essentially just that. Improving our education system will be one of my top priorities. As a mother of four boys all of which were raised in this community and educated in local public schools I truly understand what our schools need. Our current education system is severely lacking the necessities to flourish and put our children back in the lead of a world-class education. Our children are reading significantly below their grade level, dropout rates among african american and hispanic students in our district are above nationwide averages and a majority of high school graduates do not immediately going on to college. I had the option of putting my children into private schools, but instead decided to make public schools better. I have fought all of my years to improve the schools of our district to ensure that parents have greater choice concerning the schools their children could attend. I believe that the school reform legislation in Albany must include an independent Parental Advisory body to serve as advocates and “watch dogs” over the new school governance structure. As your city councilwomen I will;

  • Develop programs to reduce the educational gap that exists between minority groups and other groups.

  • Work to bring more resources to our schools to reduce the disparity of resources for schools in minority communities.

  • Develop programs and work in conjunction with parents to effectively reduce the school drop out of our middle and high school students, to ensure their high school graduation and the pursuit for higher education.

  • Demand and ensure that our schools get the additional support needed for their physical educational programs, such as: 1.Improved physical education facilities 2.Better implementation of the physical education curriculum 3.More certified physical education teachers 4.Create curriculum programs to educate students about healthy diets, the abundance of culturally-diverse healthy food available in the Bronx, and the importance of monitoring calories.

  • I will continue the fight alongside members of KARA in demanding that the Redevelopment Plan for the Kingsbridge Armory include a REAL Community Benefits Agreement which includes educational and recreational space. Our Community needs more school space. In the immediate vicinity of the Kingsbridge Armory, Walton High School, PS 86 & Dewitt Clinton High school are all 50% over crowded.

  • I will address the dropout crisis by passing legislation that provides funding for our school districts to invest in intervention strategies in middle school. These strategies include personal academic plans, teaching teams, parent involvement, mentoring, intensive reading and math instruction, extended learning time, and expansion of high quality after-school programs.