Written by: JR Robinson

As the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) district gears up for the upcoming school board elections on August 1, 2024, candidate Danielle Huggins is making waves with her platform focused on accountability, equity, and community engagement. Running for the District 7 seat, Huggins brings a unique perspective as both a product of MSCS schools and a current educator within the system.

Born and raised in the Alcy Ball Neighborhood, Huggins' roots in District 7 run deep. She attended Alcy Elementary, Corry Middle, and graduated from Hamilton High School in 2004. This firsthand experience as a student, combined with her current role as an elementary teacher in MSCS, gives Huggins a comprehensive understanding of the district's strengths and challenges.

"As someone who has been both a student and an educator in MSCS, I've seen our district's potential and its struggles up close," Huggins stated. "I'm running for the school board because I believe we can do better for our students, our teachers, and our community."

Accountability at the Forefront

One of the cornerstones of Huggins' campaign is a call for greater accountability within MSCS schools. She emphasizes the need for transparent, data-driven decision-making to improve educational outcomes across the district.

"We need to take a hard look at where inequities exist in our schools and implement targeted solutions," Huggins explained. "This starts with comprehensive data collection and analysis."

Huggins plans to compile and analyze data on key metrics such as:

• Graduation rates
• Academic achievement levels
• Participation in extracurricular activities
• Access to advanced courses
• Discipline rates
• Teacher demographics and retention

By examining these factors, Huggins aims to identify areas needing improvement and develop evidence-based strategies to address them.

Equity as a Guiding Principle

Central to Huggins' vision for MSCS is a commitment to equity in education. She defines this as ensuring all students have equal access to high-quality education, resources, and opportunities, regardless of their background.

"Equity in education isn't just about treating everyone the same," Huggins clarified. "It's about recognizing that different students have different needs and providing personalized support to help every child succeed."

To achieve this goal, Huggins proposes several initiatives:

• Implementing a fair funding formula that considers each school's specific needs
• Enhancing professional development opportunities for teachers to better serve diverse student populations
• Ensuring equitable distribution of resources across schools
• Providing targeted support programs for marginalized student groups

Huggins' approach aligns with MSCS's own Equity in Education Plan, which emphasizes the importance of applying an equity lens to all aspects of education, from classroom instruction to district-wide policies.

Community Engagement and Stakeholder Input

Another key aspect of Huggins' platform is the emphasis on community engagement and stakeholder input. She believes that meaningful change can only occur when all voices are heard and considered.

"We cannot make sweeping changes without fully engaging with our stakeholders – the teachers, parents, and students who are at the heart of our educational system," Huggins stated. "Open dialogue and collaboration are essential to ensure that any decisions made truly benefit our community."

To facilitate this engagement, Huggins proposes:

• Regular town hall meetings in District 7 to gather community input
• Creation of advisory committees comprising teachers, parents, and students
• Increased transparency in board decision-making processes
• Utilization of surveys and feedback mechanisms to gauge stakeholder satisfaction

Early Childhood Education: A Foundation for Success

Recognizing the critical importance of early learning, Huggins is also advocating for expanded access to quality early childhood education programs in District 7.

"We need to level the playing field and ensure all children have the opportunity to build a strong educational foundation," Huggins emphasized. "Quality early childhood education has a tremendous positive impact on K-12 outcomes. It improves school readiness, helps close achievement gaps, and fosters a love of learning from an early age."

Her proposals for early childhood education include:

• Increasing funding for public preschools
• Partnering with community organizations to offer more programs
• Advocating for policies to make early education more affordable and accessible
• Working towards universal preschool to maximize participation

Supporting Teachers for Student Success

Drawing on her experience as an educator, Huggins understands the challenges teachers face and the critical role they play in student success. Her platform includes several initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering teachers:

• Reducing class sizes to allow for more individualized attention
• Investing in classroom technology and resources
• Providing tailored professional development opportunities
• Establishing mentorship programs for new teachers
• Implementing support systems to help teachers meet diverse student needs

"By investing in our teachers, we invest in our students," Huggins stated. "I'm committed to creating an environment where educators feel valued, supported, and equipped to help every child succeed."

Measuring Progress and Ensuring Accountability

To ensure that her proposed initiatives lead to tangible improvements, Huggins plans to implement robust systems for measuring progress and maintaining accountability. This includes:

• Setting clear benchmarks for equity and achievement goals
• Conducting regular equity assessments across the district
• Establishing transparent monitoring mechanisms
• Providing regular updates to the community on progress towards goals

"Accountability isn't just about identifying problems – it's about taking concrete steps to address them and being transparent about our progress," Huggins explained.

Challenges and Opportunities

As MSCS faces significant challenges, including recent announcements of position cuts and ongoing budget constraints, Huggins believes her approach of data-driven decision-making, community engagement, and focus on equity can help navigate these difficult times.

"We're at a critical juncture for MSCS," Huggins noted. "By working together, being transparent about our challenges, and focusing on evidence-based solutions, we can emerge stronger and better equipped to serve our students."

Looking Ahead

As the August 1 election approaches, Huggins continues to engage with District 7 residents, sharing her vision for a more accountable, equitable, and community-focused MSCS. Her campaign emphasizes her deep roots in the community and her commitment to leveraging her experiences as both a student and educator to drive positive change.

"I'm running for this seat because I believe in the potential of our students, our teachers, and our community," Huggins stated. "With the right leadership and a commitment to accountability and equity, we can ensure that every child in District 7 and across MSCS has the opportunity to thrive."

As voters prepare to cast their ballots, Huggins' message of accountability, equity, and community engagement offers a compelling vision for the future of MSCS. Whether this vision resonates with District 7 voters remains to be seen, but there's no doubt that Huggins' campaign has sparked important conversations about the future of education in Memphis and Shelby County.