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Greetings Parents, Students, Families, Supporters and Voters of District 2 (New Orleans East/Kenilworth, Gentilly, Pontchartrain Park, and parts of the 9th Ward)
I am Eric “Doc” Jones, a lifelong New Orleanian dedicated to ensuring access to quality education for all children in New Orleans. I have committed to running for the Orleans Parish School Board District 2 because of many issues, including teacher shortage and retention, low performing charter schools, a lack of resources and an alarming level of parental concerns about busing our children all over the city instead of having opportunities to attend their neighborhood schools.
Throughout my career, I have made a significant impact by teaching in the New Orleans public school district, serving in various leadership and administrative roles, contributing to Upward Bound programs for 9th-12th grade scholars at Loyola University, and serving on boards such as the New Orleans East Matters, Downtown Development District (DDD) Board, and the Industrial Development Board. I have been elected twice to the Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee for District E where I served as chairperson. I am also a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, and a member of the Prince Hall Masonic. I served on education committees for former Governors Blanco and Jindal, and I have worked with traditional and non-traditional school leaders on professional development, and topics such as restorative practices, and cultural responsiveness, which reflect my commitment to the fundamental issues that students and teachers are experiencing every day in schools as they exist today.
Most importantly, I have been an advocate for parents, families and students.
I strongly believe that all children deserve a high-quality education.
New Orleans’ school system is unique, given that we are the only school district in the country with a 100% charter school district.
Therefore, it is imperative that we develop policies around school accountability for all schools, support successful charter schools, and provide necessary resources to those who are struggling.
I believe that every school must be strong and equipped with highly qualified, certified school leaders and teachers.
I believe we must also revisit what the term neighborhood schools means, and not use the term “community schools” so loosely. With that being stated, we need to establish neighborhood schools for neighborhood children, rather than busing students across the city. I assisted in the return of George Washington Carver High School and LB Landry High School back to their neighborhoods because I know that New Orleans is neighborhood proud, and I believe that children would be better served going to schools in their neighborhoods. By saving children hours each day that are now being spent getting up earlier, going to bed later and being transported to schools across the city, we will see a
reduction in destructive restlessness, an increase in focused learning and we will then be able to turn well educated children loose on the world to succeed.
It is crucial that we evaluate what is working, what is not working, and make necessary adjustments.
As your Board member for District 2, I will be committed to advocating for your children and addressing the system's inadequacies with concrete solutions.
I promise to be an accessible, transparent and dedicated representative for families and all taxpayers in District 2.
I will work with parents, families and community leaders in District 2 to ensure that our schools receive the adequate resources they need and deserve.
I believe that my past and present dedication and my experiences around education, advocating for parents, children, and families of District 2 equip me to represent every child in New Orleans effectively.
Our children are our responsibility, and I need your support to make a difference.
My strong character, dedication, and energy and, importantly, my recognition of what needs to change, fortify my commitment to providing the best educational solutions and policies around equity for all children in District 2.
Together, let's build better schools!
Endorsed by teachers, parents, students, families, pastors, and numerous civic and community leaders.
I am Eric “Doc” Jones, your candidate for the New Orleans School Board, District 2.
Let's work together for a better future for our children.
Thank you for your support, which I will earn every day.
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