Issues

Together we can build a strong union that fights for a bright future for educators in Newport News.
These focuses and values will define my leadership.

Collective Bargaining:

We will educate and agitate our members towards passing a school board resolution in support of collective bargaining, securing our right to have a say in our working conditions.

Governance:

I will lead meetings that are collaborative, democratic, action-oriented, and to the point. I will make sure that we function using policies and procedures that are transparent, fair, and based upon best practices for union democracy.

Building Representation:

I will ensure that each building has a responsible elected representative individual or team, forming the backbone of our union by connecting members to each other and to the work of our larger movement.

Democracy:

I will launch worker assemblies where members and non-members can share their experiences, solutions, and workplace grievances with NNEA leadership and each other.

Communication:

I will use clear, direct communication, and establish norms and routines for communication between members and the Executive Board.

Relationship with Administration:

We will meet administration as equals, respecting their position as elected and appointed leadership of the district, and knowing our power as the people that make this school system run.

Government:

I will actively engage our union in the local political process, pressing local elected officials on the Newport News School Board and City Council, as well as our state delegates and senators, to pass legislation and budgets that increase educational funding and rights for educators and our students.

Outreach:

I will build relationships with civic and community organizations on the Peninsula to increase solidarity and widen our circle of connections.

Consciousness Raising:

We will train new leaders for our union by strengthening members’ opportunities to lead and organize. We will also facilitate education about workers’ movements and goals, globally and historically.

VEA Partnership:

We will build relationships with nearby chapters – including York, Hampton, Poquoson, and Williamsburg and James City County – to support our neighbors in their organizing towards collective bargaining and collaborate on building strong VEA chapters in our region.