(Source: emailed from candidate)
The following response was sent to our survey. It has been edited to include the questions for clarity:
Sorry for the delay,1. Why are you running for School Board?
1. I am running for school board because I believe that education is the great equalizer in society. As a product of Delaware public schools myself from Cape Henlopen (C-High!), I know firsthand the power of education to transform lives. I am committed to ensuring that all students have access to a quality education, regardless of their background. I will work to make our schools more equitable and inclusive, and I will ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
2. What personal connections do you have to your local school district and community?
2. I am a volunteer in the Newark Fire Department, a former Big Brother at Stubbs Elementary, and a licensed realtor. I have children who are currently enrolled in the Christina School District, and I understand the concerns that potential parents have about the district.
3. How should district policy balance student privacy against parental rights?
3. Our school policies are part of a living document that needs to be nurtured to reflect our diverse communities. To strike the proper balance, we must continue to ask ourselves whether it is safe? Is it lawful? Does it respect the families, the educator/staff, and the community? A single misunderstanding could easily cascade into a catastrophic event. We must work hard to improve trust and understanding amongst stakeholders.
4. What should be the district’s approach to overseeing curriculum, reading material, and lesson planning in the classrooms?
4. The district should make every effort to foster a safe and welcoming environment for all students and families. This includes being transparent about policies and procedures, showing empathy for all students, and ensuring that all students have access to the information they need. Additionally, the district should work with schools to design curriculum that reflects the rich and diverse backgrounds of the student body.
5. How well do you feel that your district currently serves students who are gifted, learning disabled, or who have other special needs? What policies does your district follow that should be improved, or adopted more widely?
5. Speaking as a parent of a child that receives special education services, I believe that the Christina School District does an exemplary job of serving students with special needs. The district has a variety of programs and services in place to support students with different learning styles and abilities. For example, the district has a gifted and talented program, a special education program, and the school for the Deaf.
However, the nationwide challenge with a literacy issue in American primary and secondary schools that was exacerbated by the pandemic has negatively impacted many students, especially those with special needs and socio-economic challenges. We definitely have a lot of opportunities to close that achievement gap.
Yunfei Lou (he/him/his)
2023 Candidate, Christina School District Nominating district E
Website: What can Y.F. Lou do for you? (yflou4csd.org)
Email: lou4schoolboard@gmail.com
Facebook: (1) Lou for Christina School District | Facebook
To Donate: https://paypal.me/lou4CSD?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US
Cell: 302-722-5193
