Jennettie Marshall

Education Parents are a child's first and most important teacher. Actively promoting and supporting meaningful parental involvement in schools and in their child's education is vital. Taxes / Budget An accountability system must provide clear, understandable information to parents and the public about how schools are performing academically and fiscally. Education Addressing the rising issue of chronic absenteeism in schools is needed, as it directly impacts student learning and academic achievement. Collaboration with communities can re-engage students and families. Education Focusing accountability measures on indicators that truly reflect student learning and growth is essential, ensuring that all schools are supported to improve. Education Championing policies that facilitate open and respectful communication between parents, teachers, and school administrators, building strong home-school partnerships. Education Ensuring that parents have easy access to information about their child's curriculum, learning materials, and academic progress. Taxes / Budget Streamlining processes within the OSDE can reduce administrative burdens on local school districts and educators, allowing them to focus more on instruction. Wages / Job Benefits Championing initiatives to support and mentor new teachers can reduce turnover and foster long-term careers in Oklahoma classrooms, rather than solely focusing on signing bonuses that don't address underlying issues. Education Reviewing current curriculum standards can ensure they are academically rigorous, free from political influence, and truly prepare students for college and careers. Wages / Job Benefits To address Oklahoma's critical teacher shortage, prioritizing increased teacher salaries to be competitive with neighboring states and the national average is vital. Taxes / Budget Re-evaluating spending and staffing at the OSDE can ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely and reach classrooms where they are needed most, rather than being diverted to political operatives or unnecessary bureaucratic functions. Taxes / Budget Ensuring that districts are transparent about how taxpayer dollars are spent, particularly regarding the proportion of funding that directly benefits classroom instruction. Wages / Job Benefits Improving working conditions for educators by reducing excessive administrative burdens, providing adequate classroom resources, and creating a supportive professional environment is needed. Education Advocating for policies that reduce the caseload burden on Special Education teachers, allowing them to provide the individualized attention and services students deserve. Taxes / Budget A top-to-bottom review of the OSDE can ensure it operates with maximum efficiency and transparency, focused entirely on supporting Oklahoma's students and teachers. Education Guaranteeing that every student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) receives the services outlined in their plan and that districts are held accountable for fulfilling these legal requirements. Education Focusing schools on core academic subjects like reading, writing, and math is essential, as Oklahoma students are falling behind in these areas. Taxes / Budget Ensuring that state funding allocated for Special Education reaches the students who need it, transparently and effectively, supporting appropriate staffing and resources in every district.