Rhonda Stovall West
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
Rhonda Stovall West ran for election for an at-large seat of the Columbus City Schools Board of Education in Ohio. She lost as a write-in in the general election on November 7, 2023.
Stovall West completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Rhonda Stovall West was born in Columbus, Ohio. Stovall West's professional experience includes working as an educator. She has been affiliated with the New Directions Career Center, E3, and Dress for Success.[1]
Elections
2023
See also: Columbus City Schools, Ohio, elections (2023)
General election
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Nonpartisan primary election
The primary election was canceled. Incumbent Jennifer Adair, incumbent Carol Beckerle, incumbent Tina Pierce, Sarah Ingles, and Brandon Simmons advanced from the primary for Columbus City Schools school board.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Endorsements
Stovall West received the following endorsements.
2023
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Rhonda Stovall West completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Stovall West's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am an individual deeply committed to the betterment of our community through advocacy, education, and fostering positive change. With a background in community outreach and a strong passion for education, I have dedicated my life to improving the lives of others.
My journey has been marked by overcoming personal challenges, including childhood trauma and self-doubt, which instilled in me a profound appreciation for resilience and the power of support systems. These experiences have fueled my dedication to advocating for mental health support, equity, and inclusion in our district's policies.
I firmly believe in the transformative potential of education and the importance of creating an inclusive and safe learning environment for all students. My years of community involvement have honed my skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and advocating for positive change.
As a prospective school board member, I aspire to leverage my experiences and values to champion equitable access to quality education, mental health resources, and a welcoming and inclusive school environment. My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting legacy of positive change, where every student has the opportunity to thrive and our community flourishes as a result. - My unwavering commitment is to elevate Columbus City Schools, leaving no room for failure.
- Together, we can improve the conditions and opportunities for our students, ensuring their success and a brighter future.
- With determination and collaboration, we can make a lasting impact on our educational system.
I am personally passionate about education, mental health support, equity and inclusion, and community development. These areas of public policy align with my values and commitment to fostering positive change and well-being in our community.
As an author, motivational educator, and fierce advocate for youth and literacy, with a career spanning over four decades, my journey has been marked by a deep passion for inspiring students to take control of their academic, personal, and professional futures. My commitment to nurturing young minds extends beyond traditional educational boundaries, recognizing that true empowerment involves not only imparting knowledge but also instilling the confidence and motivation to succeed in all aspects of life.
Throughout my extensive career, I have exemplified unwavering dedication to the cause of youth development. My body of work serves as a testament to the belief that education is the key to a brighter future for individuals and communities alike. Countless students have benefit from my guidance and training, feeling the positive impact of my commitment to their growth. My mission is to ensure no one is left behind because failure is not an option in my book.
The most important characteristics and principles for an elected official include integrity, transparency, responsiveness to constituents, a commitment to equity and justice, the ability to collaborate effectively, and a strong dedication to serving the best interests of the community. Elected officials must embody these qualities to earn the trust and confidence of those they represent.
I possess qualities of integrity, strong communication skills, a commitment to equity and inclusivity, an ability to listen and collaborate effectively, and a genuine passion for education and community well-being. These qualities, combined with my dedication to serving the best interests of the district and its students, would contribute to my success as an officeholder.
The core responsibilities of someone elected to this office include representing the interests and concerns of their constituents, making informed decisions on policies and budgets, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance, advocating for equitable access to quality education, fostering a safe and inclusive school environment, and continuously working to improve the overall well-being and educational outcomes of students in the district.
I aspire to leave a legacy of positive change, where educational equity is prioritized, students are empowered to reach their full potential, and our community thrives as a result. I hope to be remembered as a dedicated advocate for education, a unifying force in our district, and someone who worked tirelessly to create a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
I began my career at the age of 17 as a librarian aide at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, where I developed my love for reading.
As the author and illustrator of the Always Be Charming children's book series, I am best known for my portrayal of the fictional character Miss Always Be Charming (ABC). Through ABC, I have educated young people of all ages about the importance of self-esteem, aiming to empower them to not only nurture their own self-worth but also to share this valuable knowledge with others.
A significant struggle in my life has been overcoming childhood trauma, personal self-doubt, and building self-confidence. This journey of self-discovery and growth has taught me the importance of resilience and the ability to overcome challenges. It has also inspired me to reach out and encourage others facing similar difficulties.
In my view, the primary role of a school board member is to oversee and shape the educational policies, direction, and overall governance of the school district. This includes making decisions that ensure the well-being and success of students, effective allocation of resources, hiring and evaluating district leadership, and fostering a strong connection between the school district and the community it serves. Ultimately, a school board member's duty is to advocate for the best interests of both students and the community, striving for excellence in education.
My constituents include, incumbents Jennifer Adair, current president of CCS, who is seeking re-election and Tina Pierce, who is serving her first term and is seeking re-election, and newcomers Sarah Ingles and Brandon Simmons.
I would support the diverse needs of the district's students, faculty, staff, and community by fostering an inclusive environment that values and respects diverse perspectives, implementing inclusive policies and practices, providing resources to address specific needs, and actively seeking input and feedback from all stakeholders to ensure equitable decision-making.
I will build relationships with the broader community by actively engaging with various groups, including local businesses, non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, educational institutions, and cultural organizations. My goal is to collaborate with these stakeholders to address community needs, foster inclusivity, and align educational initiatives with the broader development goals of our district. Open communication, collaboration, and a commitment to community service will be key in forging these vital connections.
Good teaching is marked by effective communication, the ability to inspire and engage students, adaptability to diverse learning styles, and a commitment to fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. To measure this, I would consider student outcomes, feedback from both students and peers, and classroom observations. Supporting advanced teaching approaches involves investing in professional development, encouraging innovative teaching methods, and providing resources and mentorship opportunities for educators to continuously improve their teaching practices.
I would like to expand curriculum in areas that prepare students for the rapidly evolving job market and foster well-rounded skill sets. This includes advanced technical training, apprenticeships, and innovative programming in fields like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and environmental education. I believe in promoting interdisciplinary approaches that equip students with both technical expertise and critical thinking skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
To ensure schools are properly funded, I would advocate for a comprehensive approach that includes:
Equitable Funding: Push for equitable distribution of funds, addressing disparities in resource allocation among schools within the district.
Community Engagement: Engage with the community to build support for school funding through bonds or levies when necessary.
Grant Opportunities: Pursue available grant opportunities to secure additional funding for special programs or initiatives.
Advocacy: Collaborate with local and state government officials to advocate for increased education funding at the legislative level.
Efficiency: Promote cost-effective practices and transparent budgeting to maximize the impact of available funds.
Partnerships: Seek partnerships with local businesses and organizations for financial support or in-kind contributions to schools.
Long-Term Planning: Develop long-term financial plans that prioritize both immediate needs and future sustainability.
By pursuing these strategies, we can work to ensure that our schools have the necessary resources to provide a high-quality education for all students. The principles driving my policies for safety in schools are prioritizing the physical and emotional well-being of students and staff, promoting a safe and inclusive learning environment, implementing evidence-based safety measures, fostering a culture of communication and preparedness, and continuously adapting policies to address emerging safety concerns. Safety is paramount, and our policies must reflect a commitment to providing a secure and supportive atmosphere for all members of the school community.
I would support the mental health needs of students, faculty, and staff by advocating for comprehensive mental health programs, destigmatizing mental health issues, providing access to counseling and support services, offering professional development on mental health awareness, and fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and open communication. Prioritizing mental well-being is essential to creating a healthy and productive school community.
I would like to prioritize several key areas in policy development:
Equity: Implement policies that address equity gaps in education, ensuring all students have equal opportunities and resources.
Mental Health: Develop policies to bolster mental health support for students and staff, destigmatizing mental health issues.
Inclusivity: Promote policies that celebrate diversity and inclusivity, creating a welcoming environment for all.
Technology: Update policies to embrace modern technology in education, ensuring digital access and privacy safeguards.
Safety: Strengthen safety policies to protect students and staff, with a focus on crisis preparedness and response.
Curriculum: Advocate for policies that offer a dynamic, well-rounded curriculum, including STEM and financial literacy.
By addressing these areas, we can enhance the quality of education and well-being of all members of our school community. My ideal learning environment for students is one that is inclusive, diverse, and equitable. It fosters a sense of belonging, values each student's unique background and abilities, provides access to modern resources and technology, encourages critical thinking and creativity, offers personalized learning opportunities, promotes collaboration and communication, and prioritizes the well-being and mental health of students. In this environment, students are empowered to explore their passions, develop essential life skills, and achieve their full potential as lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.
As a school board member, I believe our district made a commendable effort in responding to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. We prioritized safety, remote learning options, and access to technology for students. However, there's always room for improvement. In the future, I would advocate for even more robust contingency plans, improved communication with parents and staff, and enhanced mental health support for students and educators. Flexibility and adaptability will remain key principles in navigating any future crises.
As a school board member, I would build relationships with parents by fostering open and transparent communication, attending meetings and events, actively listening to their concerns and ideas, engaging with the community, organizing educational workshops, and implementing inclusive practices to ensure all parents feel valued and heard. My commitment would be to create a welcoming and collaborative environment where parents are essential partners in their children's education.
My preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment include conducting thorough and inclusive hiring processes, emphasizing diversity and inclusion, offering competitive compensation and benefits, providing professional development opportunities, and creating a positive and supportive work culture that values the contributions of all team members. By focusing on these strategies, we can attract and retain top talent to ensure the success of our educational institution.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 30, 2023
