Freeman-Belle for School Board ~ Ward C ~ Waynesboro, VA
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YOUR CART

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​Candidate's Overview
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​*Waynesboro native
*Waynesboro Public Schools Alumnus (Pre-k through 12th)
*Parent of 6th, 7th, and 9th grade WPS students 
*Following a divorce, was a single mom of 3 while working 2.5 jobs

*Recently remarried and focusing on opportunities to serve others
*20+ years experience in a diverse programs for children & adults
​*Additional 5 years of youth employment history in early learning
*Acts as a School & Community Liaison for a variety of services
*Community Advocate for vulnerable populations
*Local nonprofit leader serving Waynesboro and Staunton youth
*Serves, or has served, on several nonprofit and community advisory boards
*Valued as a problem solver with a "can do" attitude
*Has a track record as an effective communicator

*Willing to work with diverse perspectives to address needs
*Respected by peers as a sincere leader & a respectful team player
*Vocal about the reality of living in poverty while building a future
*Experienced in working with federal budgets
*Experienced federal grant writer
*Experienced in working with community and municipal leaders
*Experienced in early childhood education support
*Previous training in private education administration & support
*Previous training in early childhood development
*Trained in Crisis Prevention & Intervention 
*Certificate in Family Self-Sufficiency Case Management
*Certificate in Family Peer Support Services

*Completed a variety of Business Administration coursework
*2016 & 2020 Jean Harris Award Recipient (Waynesboro Noon Rotary)
*2016 National Grant Professionals Association Scholar
*2017 News Leader News Maker
*A friend of countless educators, parents, and community leaders
*Has proven a commitment to a better Waynesboro
*A Little Giant forever 
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​Candidate's Priorities

Debra strongly supports ideas and decisions that promote classroom, school, and community success for the students of Waynesboro Public Schools. Her perspective is rooted in the idea that empowered educators and families develop successful students; successful students help build strong neighborhoods; and strong neighborhoods will build a stronger community. Strong communities don't just survive...they thrive.

To that end, she
 supports efforts of Waynesboro School Board & Waynesboro City Council to responsibly address the ongoing needs of our district. She encourages fellow leaders to consistently prioritize quality and accredited schools filled with educators who are valued and respected. She works alongside other leaders on these important issues and fight for progress and solutions for Waynesboro's schools. This includes, but is not limited to, the following priorities:

For Schools:​
1) Support continued progress, transparency, and accountability for the completion of W.H.S.'s renovation.; and
2) Support the ongoing efforts to address the outdated facilities of 2 of our elementary schools.

For Educators: 
​1) Develop a relationship of respect for teachers as individuals by creating both private and public opportunities to hear their thoughts and concerns; and
2) Help navigate innovative methods that ensure our school personnel feel empowered in their work during the present period of increasing needs and changing school climate.
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For Families:
1) 
Support forward thinking and non-traditional approaches that can accelerate student and school success;
2) Bolster partnerships and relationships with non-school programs and services that increase opportunities for all students; and
3) Speak on behalf of families from all socio-economic statuses when making decisions for the future of Waynesboro Public Schools.

​For the Community:
1) Act as a community advocate during internal and external discussions about the challenges that our schools, families, and community are facing;
2) Provide additional channels of communication for community members who  feel that their concerns and frustrations are not articulated in "top down" decision making; and
3) Incorporate ways for the community to stay informed about the great work that is being done by our school personnel and leaders.

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