Education is the bedrock of any successful society, yet our school district is currently grappling with significant challenges that are jeopardizing the future of our children. Our students are not performing at the level we know they can, our budgets are spiraling out of control, and the safety of our schools, the sanctuaries of learning, are increasingly under threat. These are critical issues that require immediate, focused attention.

Ericka is committed to the successful future of our children and our community. She believes that excellence in education can be achieved when we focus our efforts on the core tenets of education – Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, Mathematics (STEAM), Reading, Writing, History, and Financial literacy, among others. She advocates for an education system that hones skills, fosters critical thinking, and empowers students to succeed in the rapidly changing global landscape.

However, the journey to educational excellence doesn’t end at the school gates. Ericka recognizes the invaluable role parents play in the education of their children and is passionate about partnering parents with teachers. This partnership will serve to reinforce accountability, protect the rights of parents, and build an education system that is transparent, cooperative, and most importantly, conducive to the optimal growth of our students.

In addition, Ericka recognizes that financial prudence is not merely an option, but an absolute necessity. The current budgetary landscape is unsustainable and is taking valuable resources away from where they are needed most – in our classrooms. Ericka proposes a robust review and restructuring of the current budget, with the primary aim of reducing administrative costs and channeling more funds into actual teaching and learning. This fiscal responsibility will ensure that every dollar spent yields maximum value for our students and our community.

Lastly, but by no means least, Ericka is deeply committed to school safety. It is our collective responsibility to ensure our children learn in an environment that is not only conducive for learning but is also safe and secure. She champions the adoption of proactive safety measures, hardening soft targets, and fostering a culture of safety and security within our school district. The safety of our students is non-negotiable, and she is steadfast in her commitment to make our schools safe havens for learning.

Ericka Lalka is not just running for a position on the school board. She is running for a brighter, safer, and more prosperous future for our children and our community. Together, we can make this vision a reality, ensuring our children are well-prepared, our budgets are well-managed, and our schools are safe spaces for learning. It’s a commitment to transformation, accountability, and the future of our society.