Building a common civic culture
A great way to win an election these days is to divide people and incite your side. I'm running because in a race to elect members of our school board, Chicago's kids are counting on us to elevate the discourse and put reason above politics.
Our schools should be a place not for division, but where a common civic culture emerges. I believe that CPS schools should be where students interact with people from different backgrounds. I believe in a Chicago that is not just a city of communities, but a city that can be one community.
We should be investing in our schools and neighborhoods that have long been neglected, but we should also seek ways to increase integration at higher performing schools that are often located in higher-income neighborhoods. Economists have only recently come to appreciate just how strongly geography impacts upward mobility. This discovery prompts discussions on how we can facilitate greater integration in schools that have proven to more effectively bolster student achievement -- that is a conversation I eagerly participate in as board member representing the 4th District.
Please take a read through this Medium.com post for a deeper explanation of my vision for facilitating greater economic connectedness in Chicago through Chicago Public Schools.