Say asomething short and sweet here

Fighting for our public schools and ensuring that our communities' voices are centered in education decisions are what drove me to public service. As a City Councilmember, I am committed to winning the resources that young people need to thrive — both inside and outside of the classroom.

In my first-term, I fought for unprecedented investments in the community services that children and families need to thrive: fully-funded parks and recreation centers, libraries that open on evenings and weekends, public pools for all, and language-accessible, affordable youth summer programs and jobs. Programs like these are not only key to supporting young people in healthy development and year-round learning but are critical to preventing violence and giving children and teens safe, engaging places to spend their time. And these programs must be funded through fair and equitable tax policy that demands those with the most pay their fair share for our public schools, which is why I have spearheaded efforts to make mega-nonprofits make PILOTs, reduce the ten-year tax abatement, and remedy the unconstitutional, racist state school funding formula. In my second term I will build on this work by continuing to advocate for increased funding for our schools while also pursuing funding increases for programs like a youth jobs guarantee in the neighborhoods most impacted by violence.

Inside of the classroom, I will continue fighting to keep public schools open, fully-staffed, and free of harmful toxins. In my first term, I worked closely with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Unite Here Philly, SEIU 32BJ, CASA, and others to support our school staff and ensure their rights are protected. I’ve also advocated alongside the Our City Our Schools coalition for a transparent, accountable School District and School Board. And I’ve partnered with my Council colleagues and our state partners to demand a comprehensive plan to fully fund our schools and ensure our students are learning in safe, healthy classrooms. It’s clear that creating the safe, well-resourced school environments our families deserve will take concerted effort and collaboration from all of us. Our city is only strong if we are equipping younger generations with the tools they need to thrive. Demanding more for our students and our public schools will always be a top priority for me.