[Mpls] Brandon Lacy Campos For Minneapolis Public Schools and Caucus Night

[W. Brandon Lacy Campos]

Dear Friends:   My name is Brandon Lacy Campos, I am a DFLer, and I am a candidate for the Minneapolis Board of Education. I believe in public education, and I am a proud product of the Minneapolis Public Schools. I am a 1995 graduate of the International Baccalaureate Program at Patrick Henry High School, and I value the strong education that I received at good old Henry High. I am running for school board becuase I believe in public education, I believe in young people, and I have a strong, dynamic, and experienced vision to bring to the Board of Education.    Public Education in Minneapolis is facing significant challenges.  Huge budget cuts, low graduation rates of students of color (coupled with huge suspension rates), the recruitment, retention and continued education of teachers, and a the possibility of a new referendum are all issues that have reached critical levels in the school district.   Special School District Number 1 has been forced to cut 31.5 million dollars from its budget, and it is likely that the district will face more cuts in the near future. The school district has resolved to cut 203 teaching positions and 70 administrative positions as well as freeze the wages of all non-teaching staff.   The school district is at a point where it needs fresh, innovative, and strong leadership. The Minneapolis Public Schools need a voice that understands the economics of education; knows the importance and necessity of continued training for our education staff; knows the importance of an education that reflects the experience of the student; and has experience working with the Minneapolis Public Schools.   Economics of Education   The Board of Education of the Minneapolis Public Schools is the governing body for a multi-million dollar government agency/non-profit. It is imperative in this time of budget cuts and deficits that the Board of Education has members that know the ins and outs of not only financial management but of creative and innovative fundraising. I have served, over the last five years, on the Boards of Directors of three national non-profit organizations: The United States Student Association, the National Youth Advocacy Coalition, and YouthAction.  These organizations have budgets that range from a few hundred thousand dollars (YouthAction) to over two million dollars (NYAC). I have experience managing large budgets, and I have experience in finding creative solutions to funding problems. The Minneapolis Public Schools are faced with tough decisions over the next year. The Board will have to decide if it will return to the public for a fourth referendum or if it will try and build promising private partnerships with foundations that will help support the work of the public schools. I have worked extensively with dozens of foundations over the last five years, and I am well acquainted with the foundation world and will work to bring that expertise to the Board. We are at a critical juncture, and we need decisive and experienced leadership to get us through the tight times facing the school district.   Continued Training for Education Staff   I believe that the key to an outstanding education is outstanding teachers. Every one of us has a story about our favorite teacher, the teacher that excited us, taught us that learning is fun, that ignited our imagination and pushed us to excel. I want every teacher in the Minneapolis Public Schools to be that teacher. Great teachers are made. They are crafted by continuous education. I envision the Minneapolis Public Schools where teachers are provided with regular post graduation learning. Where teachers are taught effective education theories and practices. Education is a life long experience, and those who educate have the greatest responsibility to continue their education. As a board of education director, I would work to create a district wide program that would require teachers to fullfill regular training requirements to familiarize themselves with the best teaching techniques and to update their knowledge in their individual subject areas.   The Student Experience   As a person that is a popular educator, I understand fully that students are most excited about subject matter that speaks their experiences. We continue to live in a world where many of our students are are not taught about the important contributions made by people of color, glbt people, and women in science, literature, and math. We continue to relegate our instruction about these "special groups" to "special History months" instead of investing in creating a powerful education experience by investing money in buying texts and educational units that integrate these experiences.    When students can see themselves reflected in the subject matters they are studying, they will invest into their experience. Schools such as the Seed Academy and research such as that done by James W. Loewen, author of Lies My Teachers Told Me, proves this unequivocally. It is time that the public schools teach history, herstory, and ourstory.   My Experience   * As a student in the Minneapolis Public Schools, I was the President of the Minneapolis CityWide Student Government. I worked closely with the Board of Education, and then Superintendent Peter Hutchinson, to establish the Minneapolis Out4Good program. A district-wide support organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender students and their allies.   * From 1991-1995, I served on the Patrick Henry High School Site-Based Leadership Team.   * From 1993-1995, I served as a member of the District Leadership Team.   *From 1997-1999, I served as a member of the Out4Good Advisory Committee.   I know the Minneapolis Public Schools. I care about the Minneapolis Public Schools, and I care about education. Education is the key to social justice and building a future foundation that will eradicate the social ills that coninue to batter our society. But in order to continue educating the youth Minneapolis effectively, the Board of Education needs positive, strong, and visionary leadership. I envision a public school system that is excellent, successful and leaves no student behind. I will be seeking and abiding by your endorsement in May, and I look forward to talking with you in the future.   Sincerely,   Brandon Lacy Campos [EMAIL PROTECTED]   -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- W. Brandon Lacy Campos Community Liaison Minnesota Men of Color 612-871-1788 x 13   "No odies a tu enemigo, porque si lo haces eres de alguna manera su esclavo; tu odio nunca sera mejor que tu paz." Jorge Borges --Jorge Borges