Candidate Profile: Lauren Christenson For P-CCS Schools

Lauren Christenson, a Plymouth resident is running for Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.

Age: 36
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Family:Alex (husband) Julian (7 years) Claire (5 years)
Occupation:Senior Interior Designer (11 years)
Previous elected experience:None
Family members in government:No
Campaign website: https://www.laurenforpccs.com/

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
COVID-19. As a parent of two elementary students, I truly want my children back face-to-face. Yet I believe we need to follow science and data and ensure safety protocols put forth by our district follow federal, state and local guidelines. The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is number one. The board recently approved a hybrid plan and it's a good start. There are students who are thriving in the current model and there are also students and parents who are significantly struggling with remote learning. We need to ensure our students and parents have the support in place to ensure success. It is important to engage the community, students, and staff for their input within the decision-making process as well. All stakeholders voices need to be heard throughout the process to make well informed decisions that support our students.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I’m a proud Plymouth resident, born and raised in Canton, and a mother of two elementary students starting their educational experiences at Smith Elementary. I am a P-CCS alumna. We need diversity on our board and we're missing representation for working families with young children. I hope to fill that void.
I am a professional Interior Designer specializing in educational facilities. At my previous employer, I had the joy and honor to work with P-CCS on the 2013 bond, where we built Liberty Middle School, created safe and secure entrances, and enhanced learning environments including STEM additions and technology upgrades throughout the district. I actively work with school boards, administrators, educators, students, and parents in school districts across Michigan and Ohio. My expertise is in transforming interior spaces into modern learning environments that support curriculum and now I’m helping districts transform facilities to navigate our evolving health crisis.
I also proudly serve on the leadership team of our local Moms Demand Action chapter, supporting our community and advocating for gun sense legislation.
I am running because I know the value of a P-CCS education and want to represent my district and community to ensure all students have the best educational experience and opportunities available.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As an educational interior designer, I work with multiple stakeholders with differing viewpoints on projects daily. Designers are problem solvers. I work with school boards, administrators, students, parents, and staff of school districts throughout Michigan and Ohio. My ability to listen, research, collaborate, communicate, and think on my feet will serve well on the board. I plan to work hard and collaborate with fellow board members and superintendent to make informed decisions for our students.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
I believe citizens need to do their part to wear masks, wash their hands, and physically distance to weather this storm. We are better when we work together.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?
We need to continue our diversity, equity, and inclusion work at P-CCS. We need ongoing professional development of our teachers and staff to include diversity, equity, and inclusion training. Support services need to be in place to shrink the achievement gaps, which greatly affect our minority populations at P-CCS. Our curriculum should reflect the diversity of our students and be woven throughout the curriculum, not just highlighted during a small portion of the school year. Our teaching staff should also reflect the diversity of our community. We need to continue improve our restorative justice practices to address misconduct that focuses on healing rather than punishment and values accountability over exclusion. These initiatives collectively can help create safe and inclusive environments for our students.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:
As a board member and parent my priorities include:
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Education is the lifeline of a community and I will ensure every student has opportunities to succeed. I believe this can be accomplished through policy, continued professional development of P-CCS faculty and staff, improved support services for students, and creating a more inclusive curriculum.
• Excellence through measurable goals to recruit and retain quality educators.
• Better school safety through COVID precautions, promoting connections between students and staff, building upon restorative practices, and providing support services for students in need.
• Community input. We all should feel represented and take pride in our schools and my transparent communication will bring more seats to the table.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I want to call our community to action. Please remember to research your school board candidates and support those who truly want to make education and our community a top priority. Additionally, I would like to urge our community to support the Wayne County RESA millage on our November 3rd ballot. This is a significant funding source that will bring resources directly to our students.

This article originally appeared on the Detroit Patch