Partnering together for a great education for Norfolk kids.
As a passionate advocate for education, I believe that collaboration and partnership are essential in creating meaningful and impactful changes in our community. Let’s make a difference in our children’s education!
Meet Rebecca
Rebecca is a devoted mother of 2 children, a daughter of a long-time educator and a passionate advocate for our public schools. Both of her children have been enrolled in Norfolk Public Schools since first grade, so Rebecca has a deeply personal investment in the success of our schools.
Drawing on her career experience as a Board member and marketing and communications professional at many local Norfolk businesses, Rebecca understands how to work with multiple stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to get things done.
Volunteer service inside and outside of the school system is a hallmark of Rebecca’s commitment to students and the community. She is currently Secretary of the Blair Middle School PTA, an active member in the Maury Boosters Club, served her community as Civic League Vice-President and served on the Mallory Country Club board.
Rebecca graduated from William & Mary with a degree in History and Economics. She has lived in West Ghent since 2008 and is currently the Communications Director at First Presbyterian Church.
Her vision is to transform the Norfolk School System into a beacon of excellence, a district so highly regarded that families aspire to be part of it. She is eager to work in partnership with the community, knowing that together, we can make a lasting difference in the education and future of our children.
the why? reasons why to vote rebecca
CELL-PHONE FREE EDUCATION
Cellphones are the number one complaint of every teacher I’ve spoken to, especially in middle and high school, and school districts across the country are taking action. Research shows that cellphones directly affect mental health issues arising from children’s social media and cellphone addiction. I will champion building new norms around eliminating cellphone use during instructional time, working with parents and educators to enact new cellphone-free policies and procedures creating healthier and more focused educational environment.
IMPROVING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
The success of our city is largely based on the success of our schools. We must implement new and improved strategies to boost student enrollment and attendance and increase academic performance, including literacy rates. With only 1/3 of Norfolk’s schools accredited, tough decisions must be made with a new level of transparency and accountability. I will work with colleagues to create a long-term action plan that explores the root cause of chronic absenteeism, low literacy rates and test scores. I will also continue to improve on the skilled trades curriculum and workforce tracks available throughout the city.
ENGAGING & CONNECTING
Teachers can’t do it alone. When families and caregivers are engaged in a student’s education, the outcome is higher academic achievement and higher teacher satisfaction. Communication is not a one-way street. In order to fully engage, we need to connect for times of listening, as well as speaking. I plan to implement Listening Sessions, as well as strengthen district level ties with PTAs and other existing school organizations and City Council. My goal is to create a community of listening that bridges the gap and strengthens family-school relationships.
IMPROVING THE SCHOOL
ENVIRONMENT FOR
TEACHERS & STUDENTS
Teacher morale is at an all-time low and some call it a “profession in crisis” because of burnout. While Norfolk Public Schools pays competitively, we still struggle with retention and unfilled positions. I will advocate to improve the teacher experience by exploring solutions like more family engagement and improved teacher appreciation efforts at the district level. School safety is also a top priority, and we can work to build on existing strategies for prevention, response and recovery, as well as a focus on mental health and wellness. Our teachers and students need to feel safe. And, lastly, our buildings need to support the changing needs of education. I’ll support reviewing all Norfolk school facilities for safety, modernity and usefulness.