Courtesy Photo-Lavonté Heard candidate for Lansing School Board
Lavonté Heard is a dynamic candidate running for the Lansing School Board, bringing a vision deeply rooted in community, empowerment, and the well-being of every student. As a parent, educator, and advocate, Heard’s campaign is centered around the idea that true educational reform starts with the involvement of families and communities—what he calls
Parent and Family Engagement: The Village as Key Stakeholders
Heard passionately believes that parents and families are not just participants but essential drivers in the educational journey of their children. "The Village knows exactly what our babies need," Heard emphasizes, advocating for a more significant and meaningful role for families in the educational process. He argues that bridging the gap between schools and student learning outcomes begins with giving families a powerful voice, recognizing them as the cornerstone of student success.
Empowering Teachers as Partners in Education
Lavonté Heard is equally committed to empowering teachers, viewing them as the experts who can bridge the cultural and educational gaps that often exist between schools and communities. He envisions a strengthened partnership between "The Village" and teachers, where relationships are built on mutual trust and respect. Heard advocates for a paradigm shift that honors teachers' expertise while recognizing the community’s role in the self-determination and success of its youth.
Improving Educational Outcomes: A Community Responsibility
For Heard, improving educational outcomes is not just the responsibility of schools—it’s a collective mission. He calls for the community to take an active role in addressing the gaps in student achievement. "We must take our babies' academic, cultural, emotional, and societal literacy into our own hands," he asserts. Heard’s vision includes a partnership between school communities and families to ensure that every student not only crosses the graduation stage but does so with the tools to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society.
Supporting Student Well-Being in a Post-Pandemic World
Recognizing the unique challenges that students face in the current climate, Heard is an ardent supporter of initiatives that prioritize mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. "Our babies are screaming, telling us they need more support," Heard says, pointing to the need for more enrichment and mental health resources in schools. He is committed to advocating for policies that address these needs, ensuring that students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Lavonté Heard’s candidacy for the Lansing School Board is a call to action for the community. He believes that by empowering families, supporting teachers, and focusing on holistic student outcomes, Lansing can create an educational environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed. "We know what to do to promote the achievement of our community," Heard declares. His voice on the School Board promises to be a powerful advocate for ensuring that education officials listen and respond to the needs of "The Village."
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