Shannon Williams - Richland One School Board - Seat 4

Shannon’s Campaign Issues

Focus on Teachers: Without the work of great teachers, our schools will never be capable of producing the most accomplished graduates in the state. Research and teacher testimonials show that great teachers want to work in an environment that provides the necessary tools and support/training, and where teachers are treated as valued and respected professionals. The district’s duty and obligation is to set a budget that provides exceptional support for our teachers that allows them to excel.  As a School Board Commissioner, Shannon Edmond Williams will demand the district wisely allocates necessary funding for (i) competitive teacher salaries and benefits; (ii) technology to increase efficiency; (iii) reading specialists and support staff; and (iv) professional development; to allow the best teachers to provide the best education for our students.  

COVID-19: The impact from COVID-19 has affected us in similar, yet differing ways. Our administrators, teachers, students, and of course, parents, have been diligently working to adapt to the drastic changes in their learning, work, and home environment. Their enthusiastic approach in facing the pandemic has been extraordinary. Shannon Edmond Williams will ensure that the district collaborates with teachers, parents, health care professionals, and community partners, to allow for quality education to persist throughout the pandemic.  

A School Board “For the People”: The School Board and district must maintain open and honest lines of communication with citizens and keep them informed on decisions that are made in the best interests of the district.  To foster support for our schools and teachers, parents and citizens should not just be informed of decisions but should understand how and why decisions were made, and even be allowed to take part in certain decision-making processes. School Board Commissioners are elected to serve and represent the citizens in their communities – and should allow all to be included in making our schools and district thrive!

Budget Oversight: Critical to a school district’s educational mission, the dedication of financial resources and their effective management directly impact student achievement.  With a fixed yet robust budget, Shannon Edmond Williams will make sure the School Board allocates funds to properly emphasize that teachers, schools, and students are the most important investment in the district.