Five candidates are vying for an at-large seat on the board of the Minneapolis Public Schools. Two of them will advance to the November election. Ahead of the Aug. 11 primary, the Northeaster asked the following questions of each of them:
- Last May, the School Board approved the Comprehensive District Design. How will you help ensure its success?
- In light of the Board’s discontinuing its relationship with the Minneapolis Police Department, what’s your alternative school safety plan?
- COVID-19 isn’t going away any time soon. What are your thoughts on reopening the schools?
Only two of the five responded. Their biographies and answers are below.
William Awe William.awe@outlook.com
Did not respond.
Lynne Crockett Families-empowered.com
Lynne Crockett has been a community advocate for 50-plus years. A North Side resident, she’s comfortable anywhere, having worked all over the Twin Cities. Her experience as a teen parent, single Mom, surviving life’s challenges, and as a communicator and advocate for youth and families on many levels, in education, court and corrections system, and other arenas makes her an experienced, strong voice for families. She has served as vice president of the KMOJ-Radio Board of Directors. She is an appointed member of the State of Minnesota-mandated MPS 20/20 World’s Best Workforce Advisory and the MPS Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory committee. She has also been appointed to the Mayor’s Office of Violence Prevention Steering Committee. She has served on the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Parks for All Advisory Committee and is on the Hennepin County Community Corrections Advisory Committee.
“To promote CHANGE in how money is spent, how parents are engaged and involved, how policies and processes are implemented, student safety and academic motivation.”
Comprehensive District Design: I do not believe success can be assured. Students’ growth and success goals are not clear. Uncertain [about] the future, [the School Board] cries out “Do-Over!” The majority of parents opposed it.
Alternative school safety plan: I was opposed to this vote. I do not have a plan, I just know the one they are suggesting, is definitely, not it.
Reopening the schools: Reopening is extremely risky. Parent/staff concerns should carry the most weight. Decision makers have a lot to consider, keeping the student/staff safety at the forefront.
Michael Dueñes Michaelduenesmps.com
Did not respond.
Kim Ellison EllisonforMplsStudents-Facebook
Did not respond.
Doug Mann socialist2001.wixsite.com/mannforschoolboard
Doug Mann has run for school board many times. He served on the NAACP branch education advocacy committee 1998-1999; was a plaintiff in Xiong, et. al., vs. Minnesota educational adequacy lawsuit; served as Minneapolis Parents Union director 1998-2003; was the lead petitioner in Mann, et. al., vs. Showalter at the Minnesota Supreme Court in 2014, alleging local taxes to pay for state bonds is unconstitutional. He is a Licensed Practical Nurse and a medical legal consultant and his children have been educated through MPS schools.
“I believe that education is a right, not a privilege. A quality public education should be available to all on an equal basis.”
Comprehensive District Design: The CDD like all plans in the past 30 years cannot succeed. It offers no solution for high teacher turnover rates, watered-down curriculum and harsh discipline.
Alternative school safety plan: The functions of the embedded police, School Resource Officers, should be transferred to school employees. Embedded police are not a safety plan.
Reopening the schools: Schools should reopen for full time with in-person instruction. Social distancing, mask mandate are not necessary. Tell the state to allow COVID-19 treatment with hydroxychloroquine.