By Annie Tucker, Iowa City
I strongly support Jayne Finch’s re-election to ICCSD school board. For eight years, she has been an advocate for students, families and staff. That is what keeps our schools strong.
She championed a pay raise differential for paraeducators supporting students of higher needs. She also championed the addition of fine arts improvements to our facility master plan. She introduced a code of ethics for the board and improved the transparency of capital project spending. To me, all that sounds like she is making decisions that I want to see, on issues and on the board’s process.
I knew her initially through restorative justice, which is rooted in fairness, empathy, and trust-building. She says these values guide her in board discussions and in making decisions that affect the students, families and staff. She is committed to creating an environment where every voice is heard, especially those that have historically been marginalized. She is a good listener and brings a commitment to justice, equity and responsiveness to the board. She is committed to transparency and accountability in the board’s work.
With public education under fire, her experience with the board and school district and her commitment to fairness, equity, and safe learning environments will contribute to our schools being resilient so they can continue to best serve our children and their families, the district staff, and our community into the future.
