How do you define educational success for students, and how would you measure it?

I define educational success as the ability to prepare students for a variety of post-graduation pathways, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to pursue their dreams, whether through college, vocational careers, or entrepreneurship. Every student is unique, and success should be measured by their readiness to transition into the next phase of life with confidence, competence, and a clear direction.

I believe in fostering a balanced approach that supports both college readiness and vocational education. Success is not limited to a four-year degree; it includes skilled trades, certifications, and workforce readiness, all of which are critical to the growth of our community and economy.

To measure this success, I would focus on:

1.    College Readiness Metrics: SAT/ACT performance, Advanced Placement (AP) course participation and scores, dual-credit course completion, and college acceptance rates.

 2 .   Workforce and Vocational Readiness: Enrollment in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, industry-recognized certifications earned, internships completed, and job placements or apprenticeships secured before or shortly after graduation.

 3.    Holistic Indicators: Graduation rates, participation in extracurricular activities, and student surveys on preparedness and satisfaction with their educational experiences.

Ultimately, educational success means empowering students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, whether they’re heading to a university, trade school, or directly into the workforce. My goal as a school board member would be to ensure our schools provide equitable access to these resources, fostering a community of lifelong learners ready to contribute meaningfully to society.