Byrd Park talks with Mamie Taylor running for 5th District School Board
Maurice Henderson (who earned the wrath of many, myself included, Patrick Henry parents for his behavior last winter was going to run unopposed for the 5th District School Board seat. That was, until Mamie Taylor through her hat in the ring. Byrd Park sent her some questions and one of the answers are below. You’ll have to head to this link to read more.
1) Why do we need a new School Board representative in the 5th district?
A new School Board Representative in fifth district is needed because our current school system is failing our children and we need a representative who is willing to take a hands-on approach to help turn things around. Richmond Public Schools has some of the lowest test scores in the state and our current representative says that there is no need for concern and that we are moving in the right direction. We need a representative who is going to support Charter Schools, and not work behind closed doors to take away viable options. We need a representative who is going to address the lack of overall parental involvement in our schools and the social issues that many of our students are confronted with and that therefore contribute to a high dropout and low graduation rates. With 83.1 percent of the budget going to salaries and health care, we need a representative who is willing to cut from the top, and not the areas that directly impact our students; like teachers, plant services and transportation. We need a strong leader who is committed to putting the needs of our children first, and I am confident that person is me. I have children who have graduated from and currently attend Richmond Public Schools and I sincerely believe in public education in this city. I am also a former educator, and I know that it is imperative that we include parents, students and overall citizenry, as well as the business community, in the decision making process.
If you live in District 5 and care about our schools then vote for Mamie Taylor. #RVA http://t.co/NVslIxQb
I would vote for a paper clip if it was running against Maurice Henderson.
Me too Pedro. Fortunately, Mamie Taylor is much better than a paper clip. She would do a much better job than Henderson. Henderson is just a cheerleader for Brandon. What we need is a school board that will challenge the school administration and all it’s dysfunction, not praise the chief source of the dysfunction.
Ms. Taylor sounds like she would be a huge improvement over Maurice Henderson. I hope the residents of the 5th vote for her – she would certainly have my vote if I lived in the 5th.
Mamie understands the needs of our children and families…Mamie is prepared to do what is right…Mamie will speak to progress and accountability with the school administration.