Advocating For Inclusive And Equitable Education For All Students
Elect Talisha Sutton-Kennedy to the Ypsilanti Community Schools Board on
Election Day: Tuesday, November 5th, 2024
Key focus areas
Issues That Matter
These are some key focus areas I will advocate for, listed in no particular order.
01
Equitable School Funding
Equitable school funding ensures that all schools receive the resources they need based on their specific student populations and challenges, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This is important because it helps close the opportunity gap, supports underserved communities, and ensures every student has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background or zip code.
02
Culturally Responsive Curriculum
A culturally responsive curriculum incorporates diverse perspectives, cultures, and histories into the learning process, making education more relevant and inclusive for all students. This is important because it fosters a sense of belonging, improves student engagement, and prepares students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.
03
Educator Compensation
Educators are undervalued and under-compensated, often not earning a living wage. Improving compensation is important because it attracts and retains high-quality educators, boosts morale, and acknowledges the major role they play in shaping the future of students and communities.
04
Student Achievement
Far too many of our students are not meeting proficiency standards in key areas like literacy and numeracy, which are essential for their academic and future success. We must prioritize improving student achievement and closing achievement gaps to ensure all students have the opportunity to excel.
05
SEL & Mental Health
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and mental health supports equip students with essential skills like self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and responsible decision-making. These supports are important because they foster a safe and nurturing learning environment, improve academic outcomes, and help students build resilience, preparing them for personal and academic success.
06
Increasing Enrollment
Increasing student enrollment in the district involves attracting more families to choose Ypsilanti Community Schools, especially retaining families already in district. This is important because higher enrollment leads to increased funding and the ability to expand educational programs and resources, ultimately enhancing the quality of education for all students.
More Candidate Information and Events
Ypsilanti School Board Candidate Panel (VIDEO)
The Washtenaw County Democratic Party hosted a panel featuring all the candidates. Watch the recording to learn more about each candidate.
Candidate and Ballot Measure Information
Vote411 has put together a voting guide with responses from candidates and they also share information about what is on the ballot.
Candidate Forum: Ypsilanti Community Schools (VIDEO)
The Ypsilanti District Library and the League of Women Voters-Washtenaw County hosted a forum. Watch the recording to learn more about each candidate.
The Michigan Education Justice Coalition (MEJC) created a questionnaire and has shared detailed responses from the candidates.
Ypsilanti School Board Candidate Forum (VIDEO)
The Student Advocacy Center hosted a non-partisan School Board Candidate Forum. Watch the recording to learn more about each candidate.
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”
John Dewey
Meet Talisha
Educator, Parent, and Data-Driven Leader Committed to Ypsilanti’s Schools
My name is Talisha Sutton-Kennedy. I’m a proud mother of two daughters, ages 17 and 6. Our family moved to Ann Arbor in 2014 when I took a position at the University of Michigan, and in 2018, we found our home in Ypsilanti. My oldest daughter is finishing her senior year at Huron High School, and my youngest attends Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS). We’ve had an amazing experience in YCS, which has deepened our love for our community.
I hold dual Bachelor’s degrees in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, as well as a Master’s in Pharmacology & Toxicology. My research background equips me to take a data-driven approach to decision-making. In 2018, I began shifting my career to align with my passion for education. I started working for an education-based nonprofit and then pursued a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction.
My work in nonprofit operations, legal, and finance since 2018 has given me a strong foundation in governance, financial oversight, policy development, and strategic planning. Having worked for a community-driven organization, I have experience in inclusive and collaborative decision-making.
As a part-time educator (after-school tutor, program director, and previous substitute teacher), I’ve gained some hands-on experience in education. As an active parent, I volunteer at the school in any way I can (science olympiad, chaperone, classroom support, etc.). I’ve also navigated both public and charter schools across Michigan, so I bring a broad perspective on educational environments.
Why The Ypsilanti School Board?
Education is a fundamental right.
I am running to become a board trustee because I believe a high-quality education is a fundamental right for every student, regardless of background, race, gender identity, or otherwise. Our students are the future leaders, innovators, and citizens of our communities.
I deeply value the role of our educators. Education is the foundation upon which students achieve their goals, and shape the world we all share. That’s why I believe teaching is one of the most essential professions in our society. Unfortunately, our educators often face being undervalued and underpaid. I am committed to championing a community where our teachers receive the recognition and compensation they truly deserve.
In general, I am passionate about education. As a lifelong learner, I believe in fostering a love for learning. I enjoy tutoring and helping struggling students in math and reading. When I can get time away from work, I enjoy supporting our educators and students by volunteering in the classroom.
I’m running because meaningful change doesn’t just happen on its own, it requires time, resources, commitment, and often, a collective effort. I am committed to serving all the voices of our community and advocating for policies that support our students and educators.
“Education is the foundation upon which we build our future.”
Christine Gregiore