Four seats on the Minneapolis Public Schools Board of Education are up for election on Election Day, Tuesday, 5 November 2024.
Two candidates are running unopposed >>>>>
>>>>> Sharon El-Amin is running unopposed for the District 2 seat, which she has held for four years.
>>>>> Adriana Cerrillo is running unopposed for the District 4 seat, which she also has held for four years.
The other two seats are contested, as follows >>>>>
>>>>> Kim Ellison is running again for the At-Large seat that she currently holds; her opponent is Shayla Owodunni.
>>>>> Lara Bergman and Greta Callahan are candidates for the District 6 seat vacated by outgoing MPS Board of Education Director Ira Jourdain.
Thus, the candidates in the 5 November 2024 election are as follows >>>>>
District 2 >>>>> Sharon El-Amin
District 4 >>>>> Adriana Cerrillo
District 6 >>>>> Lara Bergman
Greta Callahan
At-Large >>>>> Kim Ellison
Shayla Owodunni
The following provides key information and
personal statements from Shayla Owodunni’s website >>>>>
From Shayla Owodunni’s Website
CLEAR SKIES IN MPS
Welcome to my vision for Minneapolis Public Schools! As a candidate for the Minneapolis School Board, I am committed to fostering an educational environment where every student's potential blooms. My vision is inspired by the students I've served, and successful models like Union City Public Schools in New Jersey, rooted in the urgent need for improvement in our district.
CULTIVATING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Education is the seed from which future success grows. My vision focuses on creating a learning environment where every student can thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. By prioritizing literacy and math proficiency and setting high expectations in our schools, we can lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning and achievement.
SUPPORTING OUR EDUCATORS
Teachers are the gardeners of our educational ecosystem. By providing them with the support, resources, and professional development they need, we can ensure that they are equipped to nurture and guide our students toward success.
EMPOWERING PARENTS & GUARDIANS
Parents and guardians play a crucial role in shaping a successful school environment. My vision includes empowering parents and guardians with resources and platforms for active participation in their children's education, thereby strengthening the home-school connection.
ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY
A thriving school system requires active participation from the entire community. My vision includes fostering strong partnerships between schools, parents, and local stakeholders to create a supportive and collaborative educational environment.
ENSURING FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Financial integrity is crucial for the sustained growth of our schools. My vision includes transparent management of school finances and contract rigor, fiscal accountability, and securing sustainable funding to support our educational programs and initiatives.
A NOTE FROM SHAYLA OWODUNNI
Hi there! I am so thrilled you've taken the time to come learn more about me and my campaign! As a dedicated advocate for educational excellence and community engagement, I am passionate about planting seeds of change within Minneapolis Public Schools. Last August, I saw a flyer on my sister's dining table calling for early learning volunteers, and quite unexpectedly, here we are today.
From serving in the classroom I was immediately made aware that we have the most innovative, creative, quick, and personable students and educators in our district - fully capable of academic excellence. I also learned that 'everyday' community members (like me) can help cultivate an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and bloom. If you have any questions along the way, please do not hesitate to reach out. I'm in this field for the long haul! Together, I firmly believe we can make a lasting difference for the futures of our Minneapolis children.
Forever rooting for MPS,
Shayla
GROW WITH SHAYLA
Advocate for Educational Excellence
Shayla Owodunni is a Minnesota native with a deep commitment to educational excellence
and community engagement. With expertise in early learning, corporate finance, and IT governance, risk, and compliance (IT GRC), Shayla brings a unique and multifaceted perspective to her candidacy for the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) School Board Member At-Large position. She is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students, regardless of background or circumstance.
Shayla is a proud graduate of the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) with a focus in Accounting and Entrepreneurial Management. She currently serves as a Carlson School of Management Alumni Board Member and Chair of the Carlson 360 Network Affinity Group for alumni of color, leading efforts to advance inclusivity and support diversity initiatives within the Carlson School community.
Shayla is also a trained children's etiquette instructor and the founder of Social Heirlooms, a business that provides modern etiquette education. Her entrepreneurial spirit extends to her flora-inspired lifestyle blog turned biophilic design business, The Plant Penthouse, and her management consulting firm, Corporate Carpentry Consulting, which focuses on IT GRC and program management. These ventures highlight her innovative approach and dedication to creating positive change in various fields.
Beyond her professional journey, Shayla is actively involved in community engagement. She volunteers with the Hennepin County Master Gardener program and is trained in Children's Garden in Residency programming, further nurturing her love for growth and development.
A LIFE DEFINED BY PURPOSE
Passion for Education
Shayla's commitment to education is both professional and personal. As an Early Learning Corps volunteer, she has witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs of students and educators. Her passion for literacy led her to create a YouTube channel, "Ms Shayla Reads," aimed at inspiring a continuous love for literacy among children.
Shayla's vision for Minneapolis Public Schools is rooted in academic achievement, community collaboration, and financial integrity. Her platform is designed to address the urgent needs of the district while fostering an environment where every student can flourish
Vision
My vision for Minneapolis Public Schools is rooted in academic achievement, community collaboration, and financial integrity. After serving in the district and seeing what can be achieved when a strong community is established, I am committed to creating a thriving educational environment within MPS, at-large, where every student can bloom.
BENEATH THE SURFACE
Priorities
Grounding my campaign for the Minneapolis School Board is a commitment to nurturing the growth and development of every student. Drawing inspiration from successful educational models and my own diverse experiences, my priorities are designed to create an environment where students, educators, and the community can thrive together. By focusing on academic excellence, strong community partnerships, and financial integrity, we can cultivate a vibrant and inclusive educational ecosystem.
PRIORITIZE ACADEMIC GROWTH IN LITERACY AND MATH
· Enhance Literacy and Math Proficiency: Advocate for targeted programs, personalized learning, and equitable access to resources to improve literacy and math skills.
· Foster a Culture of Excellence: Establish high expectations and instill confidence in students by believing in their potential and providing the necessary support.
· Implement Individualized Instruction: Utilize a consistent application of technology and personalized learning plans across MPS to cater to each student's unique needs and pace, ensuring every child can thrive.
Despite the efforts of the intervention triad program, recent winter assessment data revealed a concerning decline in proficiency rates among Minneapolis students. Overall, only 44% of second through eighth graders are reading at or above grade level, and just 39% demonstrate proficiency in math. The most alarming gaps are seen among Black and Hispanic students, emphasizing the urgent need for effective interventions. In Union City, the belief in high expectations for all students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, was key to their success. We can replicate this by maintaining a strong belief in our students' abilities and providing the necessary support to help them succeed.
SUPPORT AND DEVELOP EDUCATORS
· Promote Professional Development: Offer continuous learning opportunities to help teachers grow and excel.
· Competitive Compensation: Ensure teachers receive fair pay to attract and retain top talent.
· Supportive Environments: Create environments where teachers have the resources and support needed to deliver high-quality education.
My experience as an Early Learning Corps Tutor revealed the challenges our educators face, from inadequate resources to the need for more effective support systems. By investing in our teachers, we invest in our students' future.
EMPOWER PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
· Provide Resources: Equip parents with the tools and knowledge to support their children's education.
· Foster Active Participation: Create platforms for parents and guardians to engage actively in the educational process.
· Strengthen Home-School Connections: Encourage collaboration between families and schools to enhance student success.
Engaging parents and guardians is crucial for creating a supportive and collaborative educational environment. By empowering families, we can build a stronger community and can better support our students' growth in, and out, of the classroom.
FOSTER COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
· Build Strong Partnerships: Foster robust collaborations between schools, parents, and local stakeholders to enhance educational opportunities.
· Align Community Needs: Work with the community to ensure school resources meet the needs and priorities of local families.
· Support Services: Coordinate with local organizations to provide comprehensive support services for students and families.
My community engagement involvement, including roles with the Carlson School of Management, Early Learning Corps, and the Hennepin County Master Gardener program, underscore my commitment to fostering strong community ties. By building partnerships and collaborating with local stakeholders, I aim to listen to learn—and create a supportive and collaborative educational environment that benefits all students.
ENSURE FINANCIAL INTEGRITY AND EFFICIENCY
· Ensure Transparency: Advocate for clear and accessible management of MPS finances.
· Prioritize Fiscal Accountability: Focus on responsible budgeting and spending to maximize the impact of every dollar.
· Advocate for Sustainable Funding: Secure ongoing financial support to maintain and grow essential educational programs and initiatives.
As a corporate finance and IT governance, risk, and compliance (IT GRC) professional, I have a keen understanding of the importance of financial integrity (with most of my years spent in both financial and IT internal audit). Through review of the district's budget and contracts, I have identified areas for greater transparency and efficiency.
Platform Roots
01.
Prioritize Academic
Growth in Literacy & Math
02.
Support & Development for Educators
03.
Empower Parents and Guardians
04.
Foster Community Collaboration
05.
Ensure Financial Integrity and Efficiency
Grow Your Vision
GROUNDED FOR CHANGE
Join me in planting seeds of change for Minneapolis Public Schools. Together, we can nurture every student's potential to thrive.
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