I am a strong supporter of public education because strong public schools build a strong future for Duluth and its future generations.
Within the walls of our public schools we are investing in people who someday will be the mayors, the carpenters, the police officers, the teachers, the nurses (and so on). We ought to give them the best we have to offer.
My motivation in running to represent the entire district is to serve the community. I believe that serving on the School Board is the best way I can serve.
As a public health nurse, I have worked with the Duluth public schools for the last four years. I have met and have worked alongside principals, teachers, school staff, parents, and community members who are leading the charge to innovate so the Duluth district can become a regional model of education.
The parent-teacher home-visiting project and the adoption of the community-schools model at Lincoln Park Middle School are examples of efforts that I look forward to supporting as an elected leader. These unique approaches to student and family engagement, along with the added capacity of community partners in our schools, will make an impact.
ADVERTISEMENT
There are challenges facing Duluth's public schools, including vacated buildings. There are several Duluth school sites that have not been sold to developers and one site that has been sold but not redeveloped. These are opportunities for our community; these properties could provide much-needed housing, recreational opportunities, and property-tax revenue. I will work in partnership with the city of Duluth, St. Louis County, and surrounding communities to support the sales and best uses of these properties.
Another challenge is the achievement gap. We must continue implementing best practices, as recommended by the Minnesota Department of Education. I will work to support best practices for reducing the achievement gap while working with community partners to support the vision put forth in the 2016 Our Duluth Racial Equity Agenda report.
The Duluth school district also must do better at attracting and retaining students. I am encouraged by the development of the language-immersion program at Lowell Elementary and the strong vision for Stowe Elementary School that will support outdoor environmental education. The addition of the community-school model at Lincoln Park Middle School and Denfeld High School will build new opportunities before, during, and after school for students - just as the Myers-Wilkins Community School model was first developed to provide affordable, accessible, after-school programing for students.
I look forward to fostering community partnerships that support the needs of families and students in public schools while championing all of the wonderful things that happen within our public schools.
I am a servant leader and a parent of students who attend the Duluth public schools. I will be accessible, actively listen, and do what is appropriate in my role to support responsive action. It would be a pleasure to serve you. I will do so with integrity and a positive voice.
Josh Gorham is a candidate for an At Large seat on the Duluth School Board.
About this race
Five candidates are vying for two open At Large seats on the Duluth School Board. The top four vote-getters in the Sept. 12 primary election will advance to Election Day on Nov. 7. Commentaries from each of the candidates are being published Tuesday through Saturday this week on the News Tribune Opinion page. The five candidates are Josh Gorham, Bogdana Krivogorsky, Loren Martell, Sally Trnka, and incumbent Harry Welty.
