All of the presenters did an excellent job, and given the nexus between education and criminal justice, I want to highlight Dr. Nicole Carr, Pinellas County School Board Member.
Carr made it very clear her observations and conclusions regarding the education of black and brown children in Pinellas are based on many years of work within the district and her position as a school board member.
The lack of urgency by district leaders is another area board member Carr indicated needed to improve.
Enrollment in advanced courses, genuine collaboration, improved elementary reading scores, and commitment to equity are areas Carr listed as district improvements.
Her performance is noteworthy for the reasons previously discussed and for another critically important reason — the board member we elected to represent us has to my knowledge, never acknowledged to the African- American community, the shortcomings with district policies and practices.
