As a Schodack Board of Education member:
- I want ALL students to feel safe.
- I want ALL educators to have the resources and support they need.
- I want ALL our children to leave the SCSD prepared for life as a global citizen.
As a career civil servant and social worker, I believe in and practice the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. These core values define and shape my approach to challenges faced in both my personal and professional life. Below are responses, rooted in those values, to common issues many of you have asked about.
School Safety
I welcome any and all efforts to prioritize the safety and well being of students (including my girls) by the district. I understand decisions, like hiring a full-time School Resource Officer, require considerable debate and all possible unintended consequences should be thoroughly researched before rendering. However, the safety of all our children must remain a priority whenever and wherever possible.
Please note: I support the existing NY Penal Law § 265.01-a: Criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds.
Educators
Our children will spend more than 2,000 days in school by the time they graduate. That’s nearly 13,000 hours in a classroom. It is imperative that the educators who we task with spending that much time with our students have the resources and support needed to foster a welcoming, challenging and ever-adapting learning environment.
In addition, erollment in New York State Teacher Education Programs have declined by 59% since 2009 and with more than 1/3 of teachers eligible to retire in the next five years, it is crucial educator support and competitive teacher wages remain a priority when possible.
Please note: The average teacher salary in the Schodack Central School District is only approximately 200% of the federal poverty guidelines for a family of four.
Curriculum
I fully support the current Standards and Instruction outlined by the New York State Education Department and welcome any curriculum that incorporates the NASW values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.
I do not support efforts to restrict inclusive curriculum content, including the banning of books, without considerable research, engagement and discussion. No teaching effort is ever wasted when materials are used to nourish, enlighten and foster compassion and understanding.
Please note: Critical Race Theory (CRT) is not part of the NYS Social Studies Learning Standards.
Get Engaged:
Want to learn more or have questions, reach out through the platforms linked below. Get engaged, stay involved, and don’t forget to vote!
Blake Kush - Schodack Boe 