Many Racine Unified School District (RUSD) families face significant barriers, including inconsistent access to support services, economic hardship, and difficulty meeting basic needs such as housing, food, and healthcare. In addition, ongoing financial constraints within the district have limited its ability to respond effectively. Recent low rankings across Wisconsin state report cards reflect serious challenges that go beyond the classroom. These ratings are not simply a measure of academic performance—they highlight deeper, systemic issues affecting students and families. When students are struggling outside of school, it directly impacts their ability to succeed inside the classroom.

My approach to improving education outcomes addresses the full picture of a student’s life. We will:

• Strengthen District-City-County Partnerships: Create a coordinated support system for families between schools, city, and county agencies

• Integrate Wraparound Services: Leverage community organizations and local nonprofits to expand support, including mental health care, food assistance, housing support, and after-school programming—directly into school communities, without overburdening school staff.

• Make Information Clear: Establish clear processes for collaboration between RUSD and local government to ensure families can easily access the resources they need.

• Focus on Long-Term Sustainability: Advocate for sustainable funding solutions to stabilize the district and ensure long-term success, while accounting for the current student body population and immediate needs of students and families.

Education works best when responsibility is shared. Student success cannot rest solely on educators. It requires strong alignment between schools, families, and community resources. By strengthening these relationships, we will expand access to critical support services, close opportunity gaps, and build a stronger future for our youth and our community. When these systems work together, we can remove barriers to learning and give every child a fair opportunity to succeed.