Student Achievement
“Student success is the measure of everything we do—and I will never lose sight of that.”
-Melissa Easley
The board sets the what—academic goals, expectations, and measures of student success. The superintendent and her team determine the how—instructional strategies, curriculum design, and classroom implementation.
Raising Achievement for Every Child
As a board member, my responsibility is to represent the vision and values of our community by ensuring our policies and budgets drive student growth and close achievement gaps. That’s why, over the past three years, I have:
- Supported the adoption of new districtwide literacy goals, aligned with the science of reading, to ensure every child can read on grade level by 3rd grade.
- Voted to expand access to pre-K and early literacy programs, recognizing that early intervention is key to long-term success.
- Approved additional funding for tutoring and academic recovery, especially to address the “learning slide,” ensuring students regain skills and confidence.
- Strongly supported the superintendent’s “Enrolled, Enlisted, or Employed” initiative, ensuring every student graduates prepared for their next step in life.
- Backed academic progress by fully engaging in our Student Outcomes Focused Governance (SOFG) process, asking strategic questions on how the superintendent plans to continue moving data forward. Our board’s major focus is improving student outcomes, and I’ve committed to advanced SOFG training to strengthen my role in this governance model.
- Visited schools regularly, seeing firsthand the amazing ways our teachers are meeting students where they are and supporting every child’s individual needs.
- Attended student-centered events like What’s Your E? and engaged with student advisors from Generation Nation to keep student voice at the heart of decision-making.
- Met with state, local, and federal representatives to push our legislative agenda, advocating for policies and resources that directly impact CMS students.
- Pushed for equity in academic supports, directing resources to schools and students who need them most, so zip code isn’t the predictor of opportunity.
These steps are moving us in the right direction, but student achievement is at the heart of everything CMS does—and there is more to do.professionals with fair pay, respect, autonomy and meaningful growth.
What I’ll Continue to Work On if Reelected
If reelected, I will keep fighting for:
- Keep early literacy a top priority, so every child is reading on grade level by 3rd grade.
- Push for math and STEM readiness initiatives that prepare students for college and careers.
- Expand access to advanced coursework, career pathways, and the arts so students can find their passion and thrive.
- Continue closing achievement gaps by directing resources and supports where they are most needed.
- Hold CMS accountable for measurable academic growth across all student groups.
- Strengthen legislative advocacy to secure the funding and policies our students need to succeed.
