Be the change by putting students first

Lyndsay and her family were delighted to land in Brighton in 2016 because of the highly regarded schools and sought-after community. She has always strived to “be the change” and believes in affecting change where she lives. Lyndsay’s two young daughters are her main inspiration for running for school board and she is invested in their education as students in Brighton Area Schools. Based on her educational background and work experience, Lyndsay has the skills and expertise to listen and make sound decisions as a board member. She is committed to supporting decisions and policies that put students first, and will not contribute to the divisive political atmosphere.

An enthusiasm for learning

Lyndsay has spent most of her life as a Michigander. At Michigan State University, she completed her bachelor’s in social relations and policy and master’s in curriculum and instruction. Lyndsay taught in Chicago for about 10 years and currently works at the University of Michigan partnering with faculty to design online courses for global learners.

Education, educational policy, and educational access are deeply rooted in Lyndsay’s career. She is excited to bring this enthusiasm for learning and the desire to create equitable, inclusive education to the students of Brighton.

As a third generation educator, Lyndsay considers her parents to be her first and best teachers. They taught her the values of commitment, perseverance, and follow through, all while instilling a deep drive to do the right thing. These hard earned traits will serve her well as a member of the Brighton school board. Lyndsay’s biggest fans are her girls, Natalie and Meredith, and her husband Jeff, because her candidacy would not be possible without his unwavering support and behind the scenes encouragement.

Safe Schools

Children should be physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe while at school. They should have nothing to fear when they walk into school each morning. Children are unable to learn and process new skills unless their emotional needs are met first. Therefore, making schools safe for all students is critical for Brighton’s children to grow and develop as thinkers and leaders. Lyndsay will work to make sure policies adopted by the board are inclusive and value the lived experiences of all students.

Teacher and Staff Support

Lyndsay feels it is vital to recognize and honor the expertise of teachers. She knows that the last couple of years have put undue stress on all school staff and that they deserve to be supported for the incredibly important work they do. To this end, Lyndsay will support policies that respect educators for the professionals they are.

Additionally, Lyndsay understands that teachers, parents, and the board have the same goal: to educate our children. Therefore, she will respectfully listen, collaborate, and problem solve to help reach this common goal. All parties need to commit to working together to make this happen. Parents, teachers, and board members need to be allies and not adversaries.

Freedom to Learn and Develop Critical Thinking Skills

School should be a place where children have the space to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions, and develop critical thinking skills, in a respectful and protected environment. Students should feel empowered to learn from the past, reckon with the present, and prepare for their futures in the world of work and society. Lyndsay will work hard to make sure that students graduating from Brighton High School have the skills and knowledge needed to be successful.

Mental Health Resources

The pandemic has uncovered blistering inequities in many areas, and access to mental health resources is just one example. Brighton currently has robust emotional learning opportunities, including the amazing Pack of Dogs. But, it is imperative to continue this hard work for the mental health of children and staff. It is critical to value and support the work that these mental health professionals are doing. Students and their families need access to support in ways that reduce stigma and shame. It’s imperative for children to have good mental health as part of educating the whole child and preparing each student for a lifetime of success. Lyndsay’s effort will be spent on allocating more resources for mental health for students.

The pandemic has also put enormous stress on our teachers and Lyndsay will always support, work with, and encourage teachers who spend their days supporting, working with and encouraging our children.