Bethany’s Priorities

Our kids deserve the very best we can give them—yet our schools are under attack. I am committed to delivering an outstanding school system through strong leadership and focusing on:

Teaching and Learning

Ensure that APS graduates are ready for college, career, and civic life. Improve outcomes for all students while reducing gaps among student groups, including students with disabilities, English Learners, economically disadvantaged, and students of color.

Strategies:

  • Maintain strong expectations for students–double down on teaching phonics and reading, invest in new math textbooks, and revisit the guidelines for homework;

  • Expand opportunities for AP classes, dual-enrollment, and advanced academics;

  • Fight back against federal threats to our schools and vulnerable students, especially those in our LGBTQ+ community;

  • Reduce the use of devices, especially for younger students, and keep cell phones and smart watches out of school to build a culture that keeps kids focused on learning;

  • Continually invest in an environment in which student learning is grounded in evidence-based teaching practices.

Student Health
and Well-Being

Support student learning by investing in their mental and physical health and social-emotional growth. Ensure students and staff feel safe in school.

Strategies:

  • Expand bullying prevention programs and training;

  • Deploy behavioral interventionists with attention to areas of greatest need;

  • Provide more professional development on classroom management strategies;

  • Explore new ways to address food and housing insecurity for students;

  • Support and expand outdoor learning opportunities;

  • Partner with Arlington County for early childhood development and preparation for kindergarten.

Support teachers and staff by investing in resources and compensation that reflect their value.

Strategies:

  • Equip every school to address student needs effectively;

  • Protect time for planning and collaboration;

  • Provide teachers with mentors, coaches, and curriculum specialists;

  • Reduce state and federally-mandated training requirements;

  • Support our unions to strengthen our relationships and make improvements for teachers and staff that reflect genuine needs and interests;

  • Enhance pathways for advancement into leadership positions.


Teachers and Staff

Infrastructure

Provide positive, healthy learning and working environments for students, teachers and staff.

Strategies: 

  • Address aging building systems like HVACs and roofs;

  • Increase accountability for the completion of work orders and for addressing minor building issues to prevent them from becoming major problems;

  • Upgrade public address and safety notification systems and ensure that safety protocols and systems are being used consistently;

  • Work creatively and collaboratively with Arlington County on transportation options, bus routing systems, and safe routes to schools for walkers and bikers.