Meet The Candidate: Adams-Stafford Runs For Board Of Education

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — The presidential race gets the most attention, but Prince George's County has several local contests as well. Five school board seats are up for grabs in this year's election.

It's time to get to know one of the candidates. Meet Shayla Adams-Stafford. She is running to represent District 4 on the Prince George's County Board of Education.

Adams-Stafford is running against Bryan M. Swann. More information about Swann can be found here.

Before we meet Adams-Stafford, you have to know what district you live in. Follow the instructions below to see if Adams-Stafford is on the ballot in your town.

What District Am I In?

Your school district determines who represents you on the board. Head to this website to see what district you live in.

The county also has a searchable map that lists federal, state and local representatives, but it takes longer to load. Punch your address into the map to find your delegates.

Shayla Adams-Stafford

Age (as of Election Day)

34

Town/City of Residence

Glenarden

Office Sought

County School Board

If you are a congressional candidate, please indicate for which district (District 1, District 3, etc.)

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Husband and Daughter

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Wellesley College B.A, Duke University, M.A.T.

Occupation

Currently, I am the CEO and Founder of AdaptiveX, an award-winning professional development and software company focused on training teachers nationally and internationally on Cultural Responsive Teaching and Learning. For the past decade I have worked in classrooms as a teacher and instructional coach.

Campaign website

www.shayla4schoolboard.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

NA

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

My top three priorities while serving on the board would be reducing class sizes through the construction of new schools and renovation of older existing schools. I would also focus on recruiting and retaining the best and brightest teachers to work in our school system. We are facing a teacher shortage and we will ultimately need more teachers in order to meet the logistical challenges presented by reopening to COVID 19. Lastly, I would prioritize ending the school to prison pipeline by supporting the training and expansion of restorative practices, and alternative disciplinary measures.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

My company is dedicated to transforming school districts to be more equitable for all students. One issue we tackle is ending the School to Prison Pipeline (STPP). I would urge for the removal of armed police officers and police from school buildings. I would also work with each school to conduct an audit of their disciplinary policies to determine how they reinforce the STPP. I would also lead racial bias, and implicit bias training for school leaders. I would also mandate that every school has a Positive Behavioral Intervention Plan in place. I would also ban punitive policies that reinforce corporal punishment such as silent lunch.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?

No response.

What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?

No response.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have spent my entire career focused on education and issues of educational equity. I began teaching over 10 years ago in North Carolina using project-based learning. While there I obtained my National Board Teaching Certification. I then moved to Maryland where I worked in DCPS and became an award-winning educator and instructional coach speaking at the White House on behalf of teachers using project based learning in urban settings. I now travel nationally and internationally training teachers and school leaders on equitable, culturally relevant practices. I also operate a non profit, RemixEducation which has supported over 200 students across several states with mentorship and access to technology. In this role I have managed large teams and a budget of large grants. I presently manage a software and consulting company where we work at the state level providing services to teachers and leaders. I am encouraged by the immense resources and opportunities we have here in our County. With access to the nation's capital and growing technology sector I think we are perfectly positioned to be the best district in Maryland. However, I am realizing there is much work to be done to truly make this district equitable for all students. As I talk to parents in my community, many are frustrated with the disrepair of our schools, lack of support for Special Needs students and years of corruption and mismanagement. I am running because I believe that with my perspective as a national leader in education, I can leverage my networks and experience to bring innovative and proven solutions to our issues.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

He has not made any budget amendments since he has been in office.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I am very adamant about creating a tech pipeline for students from our school system to the high wage, high demand tech careers in our region. I also fully support the Community Schools model in which schools become the hub of important resources for families. This would include providing full wrap around services - i.e. health information, housing, workforce development, open after hours. I would explore partnerships with local area food banks and organizations like Martha’s Table to provide food distribution points at various school sites.

One of the biggest challenges we face is the amount of un-certified teachers within the county. The school district should invest, train and support our conditional teachers. In return for helping our conditional teachers via tuition assistance, PRAXIS training, and professional development our conditional teachers should be required to stay with our school district for a number of years. Tuition assistance is vital for conditional teachers because they are our lowest paid teachers. I believe our top priority should be the recruitment and retention of the best teachers. This includes providing opportunities for teacher leadership, collaborative planning and raises in teacher pay. The Board of Education needs to provide supports for teachers that are not certified to achieve their certification. The school system should prioritize renovations in schools that have unsafe conditions for our students and educators; for example mold, lack of soap, water etc.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

No response.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

No response.

Why should voters trust you?

No response.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

No response.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No response.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

No response.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

No response.

RELATED:

• Prince George's Voter Guide 2020: Candidates, How To Vote, Dates

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