Jamale Nafiso – School Board Candidate

What made you decide this was the right time to run for the school board?
I believe the current challenges facing our schools require a fresh perspective grounded in both professional experience and a deep understanding of our community. My involvement with the PTA and various community boards has illuminated the need for bold leadership that prioritizes educational equity and mental health support for our students. Now is the time to elevate those discussions and take actionable steps toward real change.

How do you want residents to feel about your approach to leadership?
I want residents to feel that I am approachable, transparent, and truly invested in their concerns. My leadership style is collaborative, and I aim to create an environment where all voices are heard and valued. I want our community to feel confident that I am making decisions that reflect our shared values and priorities.

Can you walk me through the moment you realized the funding issue was deeper than just numbers?
It became clear to me during discussions at PTA meetings and community forums. When parents expressed their worries about how funding impacts their children’s education, it was evident that these numbers represent real lives and futures. Understanding the human impact of these financial challenges shifted my perspective; it’s about providing the resources necessary for every student to thrive.

What part of the levy rejection stood out to you most—and what do you think it reflects about community sentiment?
The overwhelming response from residents showed a deep concern for fiscal responsibility, but it also highlighted a desire for more transparency and dialogue from the board. It indicates that while people want to support the schools, they are looking for assurance that their money will be used effectively and equitably.

How has that public response shaped your thinking about the district’s financial future?
The public response underscores the importance of fostering trust and open communication with our community. Moving forward, we must prioritize transparency in our budgeting processes and actively engage residents in discussions about financial decisions. It’s clear that we need to work collaboratively to find sustainable solutions.

What’s something from your life or career that prepared you to face a challenge like this?
My experience as a Licensed Medical Social Worker has trained me to handle complex challenges with both empathy and strategic problem-solving. Additionally, as a parent of a child with an IEP, I have firsthand experience advocating within the education system. Working closely with diverse families has strengthened my ability to listen, understand different perspectives, and ensure every voice is considered—all of which are essential for supporting and serving our school community effectively.

When you imagine earning the trust of voters who are skeptical of taxes, what does that look like to you?
Earning trust means demonstrating accountability and showing how tax revenue directly benefits students. I envision regular updates to the community about how funds are allocated and the positive outcomes from those investments. Building relationships and engaging in honest conversations will be key.

What are some ways the board could improve to demonstrate transparency and foster community confidence?
The board can enhance transparency by offering regular public forums, creating clear and accessible reports on budget allocations, and inviting community input on major decisions. Utilizing digital platforms for updates and feedback can also help bridge the gap between the board and residents.

What do you think people misunderstand most about how school funding works?
Many people think funding comes solely from local taxes, but it’s a complex system involving state and federal contributions as well. Additionally, the reliance on property taxes can create disparities that disproportionately affect lower-income families and communities, which is why we need to advocate for more equitable funding solutions.

What’s one thing you think the board must protect at all costs—even in tight budgets?
We must prioritize student mental health and support services. Ensuring our students have access to resources that promote their well-being is non-negotiable, as it directly impacts their ability to learn and succeed.

How do you balance listening to financial concerns with fighting for what students need?
I believe in a balanced approach that considers both financial realities and the needs of students. By facilitating open conversations with both financial experts and educators, we can develop strategies that are fiscally responsible while also ensuring that student needs remain at the forefront of our decisions.

If you could change one part of the board’s process to reflect what you’ve learned from the community, what would it be?
I would implement a more participatory budgeting process, allowing community members to have a direct say in how funds are allocated. This would empower residents and foster a sense of ownership over our schools.

What result would make you feel like your time on the board was worth it?
I would feel my time was worth it if we successfully implemented policies that lead to improved educational equity and mental health support, and if we fostered a stronger sense of community trust and engagement in our schools. Seeing tangible improvements in student outcomes would be the ultimate measure of success.