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Date and place of birth: o1/11/1972 Mandeville, Jamaica
The Legislature in 2022 passed a law (HB 1467) that allows parents to object to books they consider “inappropriate.” Do you support or oppose this law and why?
Being a parent, I understand the importance of parents’ involvement in decision making processes including book selection for schools. However, we have unfortunately politicized the educating of our students it seems to excite political bases for political gains. I was a teacher in Broward Schools for many years and have not seen any books that were inappropriate. I believe this is political and it is unfortunate that we are playing politics with children’s lives. For example, the New York Times reviewed 21 books that were rejected by the state to see what may have led to their rejection and found little or no evidence to substantiate the move. I do not believe Florida schools are trying to indoctrinate students through the use of textbook content. As a long time educator in Broward Schools I have not encounter any school or staff engaged in indoctrination. School Board races are non-partisan and decisions that impact our children including textbook adoption should also be done in a non-partisan cooperative way and not in a manner that results in division. The law seems to imply the use of inappropriate textbooks in schools and also seems to be politically driven and for those reasons I do not feel it is coming from an angle in the genuine interest of our students.
The Legislature passed HB 1557, which bans classroom discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in grades K-3 and in higher grades unless it is “age-appropriate.” Critics have called it the “don’t say gay” law. Do you support or oppose it and why?
I do not support this Bill. I believe in tolerance and inclusion. Also, Broward County Schools have numerous children coming from same sex households and it is important for these students to be able to have conversations with staff about gender identity and sexual orientation. Open discussion about sexual orientation was never really a part of the curriculum in the first place but what this bill does is take away the safe spaces from students who need to speak about certain issues such as sexual orientation.
Define what you consider “age appropriate” for classroom discussion of sexual orientation.
Students from various households and families are attending Broward County Public Schools. Many of our students are from same sex households. As a district, it is important that we provide the environment that all of our children feel safe and included. Therefore, compassion, care and tolerance are needed. So, I believe discussion on sexual orientation to enable students to feel welcome, included and to be more tolerant of each other is appropriate across grade levels. This approach is not indoctrination as many are implying. Also I would like to reiterate, these open discussions are not necessarily taking place in classrooms but often students are redirected to their parents or school counselors if issues emerge pertaining to sexual orientation. This seems to emerge as a political move again to excite political bases and this is unfortunate that we are doing this to our children.
Do you believe that Florida schools try to indoctrinate students, and why?
I do not believe Florida schools try to indoctrinate students. I was a teacher in Broward Schools for many years and have not encounter any school or staff engaged in indoctrination. This term seems to be used to trigger a collective response of paranoia that is unfounded and untrue. I don’t believe we should play politics with children’s lives and too often this seems to be happening. School Board races are non-partisan and decisions that impact our children should also be done in a non-partisan cooperative way and not in a manner that results in division and anger among groups.
The school district will ask voters to extend and/or increase an existing property tax that is allowed by state law subject to voter approval. Do you support or oppose this tax increase, and why?
I support the tax increase to be presented to voters as the Next Generation Referendum. This tax increase will allow our School District to provide the funding necessary to pay our teachers, provide school safety personnel and mental health resources/staff to Broward County Schools. This is an investment by the community in education that will have long lasting benefits to children. The increase is an additional half mil to the half mil referendum voters approved in 2018 which is approximately an additional $12.50 per month on a $300, 000 property. If this is not approved the impact on our children and schools as it pertains to safety, mental health and attracting and retaining qualified teachers will be grave.
What do you think of changes made in school safety since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School? What still needs to change?
I think the District has made some very positive changes in school safety since MSD tragedy. Safe Havens International provided recommendations to enhance safety and security at all Broward schools. These recommendations also aligned with the findings from the completion of School Security Risk Assessments (SSRA) which is an online tool completed by school leaders to identify threats and vulnerabilities for the schools they supervise. The District used this information to invest heavily ($31 Million) to address four top priorities, expansion of video surveillance, radio system migration and enhancement, upgrade of the intercom system and implementation of new risk management framework. However, I think we need to invest more in mental health and also have more collaborative efforts between our safety and mental health team seeing both areas as interconnected even though they are funded separately.
How would you assess the performance of Superintendent Vickie Cartwright?
Superintendent Vicky Cartwright is fairly new and so I look forward to evaluating her overall performance over a longer period of time examining the impact of changes and initiatives over time. Just like prior Superintendents, it is important that as she learns the district that transparency and community involvement are paramount to any decision-making process. This is a very large district and it does take some time to learn the community and how decisions impact overall perception. I think it would be fair to see how our Superintendent Cartwright adjust to the District over time.
Grand juries for decades have accused the district and School Board members of corruption or incompetence. How do you change that culture?
I think in any School District it is important to do everything we can to have full transparency and community involvement in any decision making processes to build trust.
How would you assess the district’s implementation of the $800 million bond issue that voters approved in 2014?
Many aspects of the SMART bond have been completed. However, the renovation part of the bond has faltered. I think the district should do everything possible to expedite to completion of school renovations.
Do you support or oppose the School Board’s decision to defy Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order on mask mandates in schools, and why?
Keeping our students and their families safe is top priority. If I believe there is a serious danger to children’s lives and their families due to extremely high cases of covid then I would support the decision to defy the Governor’s executive order on mask mandates in schools.
The governor advocates an agenda for school board candidates that emphasizes “parental rights” and “combatting the woke agenda from infiltrating public schools,” as quoted on his website. Do you support or oppose this initiative and why?
Being a parent, I understand the importance of parents’ involvement in decision making processes. However, we have unfortunately politicized the educating of our students it seems to excite political bases for political gains. I do not like this angle or approach to student learning outcome. I also believe that we need to have more meaningful dialogue on all sides to amicably find solutions to the needs of our families and children. I do not believe our School District is engaged in any form of indoctrination. So, while I do support parents being involved in decision making processes in schools, I believe the governor’s initiative is too politically driven and divisive and we should seek more collaborative approach to meeting the academic needs of our students.
Should Florida’s commissioner of education be elected or appointed, and why?
I think Florida’s commissioner of education should be elected. I believe it is important to have the voters make that decision as to who will represent them and the issues surrounding their children’s education.
PERSONAL
List in reverse chronological order each college or university attended with years of attendance.
Nova Southeastern University – Doctor of Education – 3 years
Nova Southeastern University – Master of Education – 3 Years
Florida Atlantic University – Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) – 2 years
Broward College – Associate of Arts/Associate of Science – 2 Years
List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
Kumon of Coral Springs South – Director/Owner
Broward County Public Schools – Teacher/Assistant Principal Designee
Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details of the case and disposition.
No
Have you ever been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
No
List current and former memberships in civic, fraternal or social organizations.
Member of Broward County’s Consumer Protection Board
Member of Greater Sunrise Kiwanis Club
Member of Greater Sunrise Democratic Club
Member of West Broward Democratic Club
Member of East Sunrise Resident Association
Member of West Sunrise Resident Association
Member of Central Sunrise Resident Association
Member/President, Kiwanis Club of Lauderhill
Plantation Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chair
Member of Plantation Summer Scholarship Committee
Member of Plantation Kiwanis Club
Member of the Plantation Park East HOA
Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
The next school year is on the horizon. The County needs to elect a Board member who will bring to the table the expertise to navigate the stormy waters of this era and lead all our children to a safe, successful and sound future. I have a track record of hitting the ground running from day one. My skills acquired during my tenure as a teacher along with my community leadership experience, advocacy for children and involvement at the administrative level in Broward County School system give me the knowledge, experience and leadership needed. I have the right passion, the right experience, the right education, the right dedication and the energy to make a positive difference in Broward Schools. Further, I am the only candidate who holds a leadership degree in education and certified by the State of Florida Department of Education in Educational Leadership. I also have the unique knowledge of completing Broward County Schools required school administration programs including LEAD, LAMP and SALT.
Additionally, I am bringing to the table the experience as well of owning and operating a highly successful learning center in Broward County; Kumon of Coral Springs-South thus bringing a business professional background of dealing with varying stakeholders as well as an educational approach. As a successful business owner, I understand how a business operates and how crucially important it is to adapt to changes quickly and put into practice workable solutions. When the Coronavirus hit in 2020, I successfully transitioned my Kumon Math and Reading Center to an online live instructions format with over 20 staff and over 200 subject students. The center succeeded as a vibrant, successful live synchronous online program with a small student to instructor ratio until we transitioned a year ago back to our normal onsite instruction. I will bring these same creative solutions and business expertise to the table that will add value to Broward County School Board in these critical times.
Furthermore, when elected I will be the only father on Broward County School Board. As a father of two boys, I believe I can bring a unique and diverse perspective to the Board that will enable an inclusive input in decision and policy making process that will be beneficial to our children and families.
Children and families are living in unprecedented times. Electing someone with a tested and proven track record of strong school leadership experiences and who can adapt and grow quickly will be beneficial to Broward County School Board. My history shows a consistent and strong upward trajectory of leadership acquired skills and accomplishments in a fairly short period of time. For example, within my first 7 years as a Broward Schools’ teacher, I quickly developed extensive school leadership experiences and started leading programs that positively impact the lives of thousands of children.
What in your life experience best qualifies you to serve as a school board member?
My depth of relevant experience in education and business, many years of community service, educational background, and proven commitment and fervent desire to help children succeed best qualifies me to serve as a school board member.
I have spent my entire career dedicated to the education and wellbeing of our children. I have focused primarily on taking on school leadership roles and continued to grow year after year receiving numerous recognitions for students’ success including department Teacher of the Year for two middle schools and Broward County Department Teacher of the Year Finalists. In addition, I have always been very involved in serving my community and have held several roles serving on many boards in Broward County. I have demonstrated throughout my career my passion and commitment to children and my community. I am the most qualified and best candidate for this seat at this time.
