President Rima Mohammad
Q: Tell me about the work of the Board of Education.
A: Our primary focus is to review, revise, and set policy. We review and approve the school budget and if there’s any big curriculum, changes, or higher administration position approvals. We listen to the community and provide feedback to the superintendent.
Q: Tell me about your role on the Board of Education.
A: My role right now is the president of the board. I’m usually the first person to make statements for the board and communicate with the media and community. I also work together with the board and the superintendent.
Q: What did the process look like to become president?
A: Becoming president was a transitional move. I ran for being elected to the school board in november. The past president stepped down, so as vice president, I filled her role.
Q: How does this president role differ from your previous vice president role?
A: There is a lot, especially [because I’m] leading the board, especially in any kind of major decision. I can’t make a single action, the board together has to make an action. As the president, [I’m] trying to listen to all the trustees, hearing their thoughts, and really coordinating this team of trustees to work with one goal: to help the district.
Q: What are some goals you’re working toward this school year?
A: [There are] three big goals that I’m hoping to address this school year. A big thing that I feel really strongly about is the equity plan, [so I want to] get a solid plan in place. [I’m also] looking at the achievement gaps we’re seeing, especially in the underrepresented populations. Also mental health. I’m a health care worker – a pharmacist – so I understand there is a crisis in mental health and I would love to continue looking at how we can improve services and address the crisis.
Mohammad did not want to comment on the current changes going on.
Vice president Krystle DuPree
Q: Tell me about the work of the Board of Education.
A: Primary responsibilities of the board of education is to develop policy and legislation for our district. We also provide oversight for the district, looking at our budget, programs, costs, all of that. [We work] alongside our superintendent to do all that.
Q: Tell me about your role on the Board of Education.
A: As vice president, one of my primary responsibilities is to support the president in any goals she is looking to achieve and to review superintendent evaluations.
Q: What did the process look like to become vice president?
A: I was nominated by one of our senior board members and then voted for by our board.
Q: How does this vice president role differ from your previous trustee role?
A: It’s definitely different being the VP versus being a trustee. [I] have an opportunity to work closer with the president and be a unifying voice. I really do appreciate my colleagues trusting me in this position.
