Grosse Pointe Schools Race Profile: Lauren Nowicki

Lauren Nowicki, a Grosse Pointe Park resident is running for Grosse Pointe Public Schools.

Age: 38
Party affiliation: N/A
Family:My husband, Michael and I moved to Grosse Pointe Park a little over two years ago for an opportunity to send our four children ages 10, 8, 7 and 3 to the Grosse Pointe Public Schools.
Occupation:I have served as an educator for seven years before deciding to stay home with my children. I taught both second grade and middle school science. During my career I also had the opportunity to work as a Science Instructional Coach as well as an Academic Interventionist.
Previous elected experience:n/a
Family members in government:no
Campaign website: https://92550.campaignpartner.net/home

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The single most pressing issue we are facing at this moment is a safe return to face to face instruction for out teachers and students. As the pandemic ensues we as a district have the impossible task of educating our kids in a safe manner on the same budget as a regular school year. Our goal needs to be returning students to full time instruction as soon as possible weather its virtual, face to face or a combination. Obviously kids thrive in the classroom environment, and to get there we need to come together as a community to plan a safe return. By taking concerns of all parties into account we can build trust that will allow us to return more quickly and with fewer issues.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I believe we should keep all of our elementary schools open, keep our 5th grade in elementary school and implement the early childhood proposal to grow revenue. As a district we must prove ourselves to be transparent, honest, proactive and innovative to both earn back teachers trust and students that have left as well as attract new students.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I believe my experience in education gives me a unique skill set to serve on the board. In just five years of teaching, I was selected as an instructional coach and then an interventionist both administrative roles. My leadership and listening skills along with my willingness to work with others to arrive at solutions will help me be an effective member of the board.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
n/a

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?
Freedom of speech is a powerful right we all have as citizens of the Unites States. I believe that all people regardless of race, religion or socioeconomic status should be treated in the same manner. On a school board level, I will work tirelessly to address the inequities that surface and push for training for staff to help them understand the disparities.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:
If elected I will:
Start thinking OUTSIDE the box:
Survey teachers and community members for innovative ways to grow our district while enhancing student educational opportunities.
Create a comprehensive plan that is innovative, researched and has buy in from all groups effected as it will better our district, not limit it.
Reconnect with the donor to implement the ECC as it was originally intended, filling empty classrooms at each of our buildings with tuition-based childcare. Barns is a great program and should be expanded to fill the need for childcare in our community.
Keep 5th grade in elementary school. Research shows that the longer children can be keep in primary school there is an increase in achievement across the board.
Create a positive work environment for our teachers and staff. This can happen by inclusion of teacher ideas with frequent and direct input by teachers to both administration and the board and Increasing teacher salaries as soon as it is feasible.
Get back to achieving excellence by expanding/reimagining the multi-age program, magnet program, middle school honors classes, as well as overhauling our special education programs and services.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
As a mother of four children I am heavily invested in the district. It is never too late to look back at what's been done and make it right. If elected I hope to do just that.