Last year, my daughter was one of the students on campus during the shooting at Timberview High School. It was a horrific experience shared by teachers, students, administrators, staff and the community at large. That day our community came together in record speed with a coordinated effort to reconnect families.

I’m pleased that the MISD Safety & Security Department has a goal to provide a culture of safety, security and emergency preparedness into our school framework that is both proactive and progressive.

https://www.mansfieldisd.org/.../safety.../threat-assessment

New research reveals that teachers are facing a similar mental health crisis to students. Experts say it's vital that teachers have access to much-needed mental health supports.

In 2021, the Texas Education Agency published the School Mental Health Practice Guide and Toolkit

https://schoolmentalhealthtx.org/school-mental-health...

Which offers strategies of how districts can incorporate mental health services to students to help them be successful.

If elected, I would be interested in how MISD is using the toolkit to improve mental health services to teachers and students.

According to the 2020-21 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR), only 63.7% of the district’s students were college, career, and military ready. This was a decrease from 68.6% in 2018-2019. African American and Hispanic students are lagging even farther behind.

As a destination district for excellence and continuous improvement, we are going in the wrong direction to close these gaps for all students. I believe MISD is capable of meeting this challenge head on. We must work toward closing opportunity gaps and barriers that prevent us from achieving excellence and equity for all children.

As a school board trustee, I will help MISD embrace our growing and changing community. Today, the majority of our families live in neighboring cities.

> 50% of students are children of color

> Over 100 languages are spoken

> 30% of students are on free or reduced lunch

Mental health challenges are rising, and specially designed instruction is needed to meet the unique needs of children with learning differences.

Diversity, equity, inclusion as well as social emotional learning are imperatives for our district. As we prepare students to be life-ready, they will enter a global economy that is just as diverse.

MISD has to be agile enough to face all of these scenarios and more head on with courageous and empathic leaders. I am ready to serve on Day 1.

Texas Teacher Dropouts at Alarming High

JANUARY 27, 2022 • Nicolle Gee-Guzman

A recent study by the University of Houston shows first-year teacher retention is at an all-time low.

Teacher shortages are making already challenging situations even more complicated for schools, districts, and parents. According to the 2020–2021 Texas Teacher Workforce Report, over a 10-year period the largest drop off rate occurs after a teacher’s first year.

Little to no increase in compensation was identified as a possible cause. Teacher and staff shortages due to COVID have also caused burnout for those having to cover additional classes. Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers, indicates that change is needed and “revamping education and what’s expected and required" is necessary.