Emily Statton Smith's Vision for Education in Midland

In an era where educational reform is essential for nurturing young minds, candidates for school boards play a pivotal role in shaping future generations. Emily Statton Smith , a dedicated lawyer and community advocate, is poised to make a significant impact as she runs for the District 4 seat on the Midland Independent School District (MISD) School Board. With her commitment to enhancing educational experiences, prioritizing safety, and fostering community involvement, Emily aims to create an enriching environment for all students, particularly those at the elementary level. Recently Emily sat town with Ryan Shewchuk ??? to discuss why she is running for a spot on the school board.

A Parent's Drive for Change

Emily's motivation stems from her personal experience as a mother. She is the proud parent of an eight-year-old daughter, who is currently enrolled in the MISD system. Recognizing the importance of a robust education, she is determined to ensure that every child benefits from early intervention strategies. Emily's aim is clear: address learning gaps during formative years to prevent future challenges such as dropping out or encountering the school-to-prison pipeline. This focus on holistic development underscores her vision for a more effective educational system.

Tackling Educational Challenges

Championing Early Intervention

Emily passionately advocates for early intervention in education, believing it to be crucial for long-term student success. Her primary goals include:

• Support for Struggling Schools: Emily is committed to addressing the needs of underperforming schools, ensuring that all students receive the quality education essential for their growth and future prospects.

Prioritizing Safety and Security in Schools

Acknowledging the increasing concerns surrounding the safety of students, Emily emphasizes the need for effective measures to protect those in educational institutions. Her approaches include:

• Innovative Security Technologies: She advocates for implementing advanced technologies, such as weapon detection systems, to create safer school environments. Importantly, Emily stresses that safety measures should enhance the school atmosphere without making it feel like a prison.

Engaging the Community

Emily believes that education is a collective responsibility, extending beyond school walls and into the community. She calls for:

• Active Community Participation: Encouraging students, parents, and community members to assist in schools through volunteering, tutoring programs, and mentorship opportunities, such as aligning with groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Strengthening Parent-Teacher Relationships

A key component of Emily's strategy is to foster better communication channels between parents and the school administration. By facilitating open dialogues, she aims to empower parents to express concerns and contribute to their child’s education more effectively.

Innovative Plans for School Improvement

Emily envisions a proactive approach to addressing educational challenges by seeking partnerships with turnaround charter schools and other innovative programs. By collaborating with these partners, she believes MISD can find creative solutions that help struggling schools succeed.

• Effective Communication: Emily plans to make use of social media platforms to engage with the community on educational developments and share successes, thus building a more informed and involved public.

Infrastructure Development and Bond Initiatives

With Midland's growing population, the need for modernized facilities has never been more pressing. Emily supports the recent school bond focused on rebuilding high schools and upgrading educational infrastructure.

Thoughtful Repurposing of Facilities

Her vision includes exploring the future use of current buildings to accommodate educational needs while preserving the historical significance of existing structures within the community.

A Vision for Teacher Retention and Continuous Improvement

Emily's commitment to education extends to the vital role teachers play in student success. She aims to implement policies that:

• Enhance Working Conditions: By advocating for better environments and support systems for educators, Emily hopes to retain high-quality teachers who are motivated to foster positive learning environments.
• Foster Collaboration between Parents and Teachers: By creating a culture of teamwork that empowers both parents and educators to work together for students' benefit.

Join Emily in Her Mission

As she embarks on her campaign for the MISD School Board, Emily Statton Smith represents the hopes of an engaged community. Her advocacy for students, teachers, and parents reflects her deep involvement in the Midland educational landscape.

For those interested in supporting Emily's mission or learning more about her campaign, visit emily4MISD.com . Join her in working towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all Midland students.

Best of Midland Texas podcast is produced by Forty Wolves in Downtown Midland Texas.

This podcast is recorded at Second Story Coworking in Midland Texas.