Why did you choose to serve on your school’s board? I chose to serve on Baton Rouge Bridge Academy’s board because I am passionate about teaching and learning. As a former Speech-Language Pathologist with the Houston Independent School District (HISD), I had first-hand knowledge of the challenges that administrators, faculty, and various other school personnel encounter while striving to provide a relevant and quality education for young people in low socioeconomic communities. As a current higher education professional, I work to ensure that our teachers are adequately prepared to educate students with disabilities to meet the challenges that they will encounter in the classroom. I believe that every child can learn and has the right to a quality education that will allow them access to any higher education institution that they choose to attend. Baton Rouge Bridge Academy Charter School equips all students with the academic and character foundation necessary to succeed in college and lead in the community. By joining the board, I knew I could be an advocate for our teachers and students. My mission and the mission of Baton Rouge Bridge Academy just aligned perfectly!
How did you become involved with your school? I was seeking to donate my time and energy to a charter school that was committed to using research-based strategies in order to prepare students in the Baton Rouge Achievement Zone for college. Therefore, I attended an event hosted by New Schools for Baton Rouge that was designed to create a link between charter school boards and potential board members. After meeting with several representatives from newly proposed charter schools, I made the decision to devote my time and effort to Baton Rouge Bridge Academy.
What leadership roles have you had while serving on the board? In addition to being a Founding Board Member and a current Governing Board Member, I also serve as Vice Chair of the Academic Achievement Committee.
How can people help your school if they are interested? Everyone is invited to assist Baton Rouge Bridge Academy Charter School carry out its mission by donating their time (i.e., volunteering to read to our students, assisting in school maintenance, etc.), and of course, through monetary donations. To donate and to see exactly what your donation will be used for, visit: http://www.bridgeacademybr.org/donate/.