Milan Board of Education LGBTQIA+ Questionnaire

We sent a questionnaire to each Milan Board of Education candidate regarding their stances and values with particular focus on LGBTQIA+ matters. Read the responses we received below.

Cassie Prior

Would you be open to a policy specifically protecting LGBTQIA+ Kids in our district?

Yes. While I appreciate the efforts our school makes to support LGBTQIA+ students, having a specific policy would be vital in clearly expressing our commitment to inclusion and welcoming in the district. It would affirm that everyone has the right to an education here and can do so in a safe environment.

How do you view the creation of a DEI committee and how it would benefit our community?

I understand that this initiative was once in place and that considerable effort went into strengthening it, but for various reasons, it has since been neglected. I believe it's essential for our district to support our goals of inclusion and accessibility. A committee dedicated to enhancing our district's accessibility and inclusivity would not only benefit our community but also foster a greater sense of connection. By being recognized as a proactively welcoming city, we could potentially encourage community growth.

What are your measurable goals around equity and inclusion?

My specific goal is to increase representation across all our populations—teachers, staff, and students—by 10% over the next six years. As we strive for a more diverse student body, it’s crucial for those students to see themselves reflected in our educators and staff. Additionally, we need to enhance diversity in our lesson planning and the media we use, including literature, posters, music, and films

What plans do you have to work with the Superintendent to implement professional development programs that equip teachers and staff to create inclusive environments that support the well-being of every student (including LGBTQ+ students)?

Our district currently has a strong professional development plan for educators, with monthly training sessions. However, limited time is dedicated to addressing inclusion, largely due to the volume of information that needs to be covered. To enhance understanding in this area, we should encourage peer-led training and collaboration with other districts to share resources. Ongoing education will also be essential to ensure we provide the right support consistently.

What experiences or skills make you qualified to serve on the board?

I offer a year of dedicated service on the board, including extensive board training, coupled with the perspective gained from having my children educated within our district. 

In addition, nearly 14 years of professional experience with a government-funded organization in the area of child welfare, specifically through my employment with the state of Michigan. This contributes to my qualifications by giving me insight to how large entities are managed. In addition, I have a deeper love for our community I don't want to make the education of all the students in military schools the very best it can be.

Besides meetings, how can the BOE be accessible to the community and organizations in the community?

In addition to the meetings the board strives to offer opportunities for the community to learn from and interact with them through Big Red Board chats, having a presence at school and community events as well as other committees specific to school initiatives. It's always important to remember that the board works as a unit and no one member can speak for the entire board but information obtained by each board member through individual conversations can be shared with the rest of the board. 

Would you be willing to attend SEAB meetings and how will you support their efforts to create a positive sexual education program for the MAS?

I'm open to attending these meetings, but I want to emphasize that the group's goal is to gather diverse community input to make recommendations to the board. I wouldn't want to hinder creativity if the group feels that having a board member present might come across as more of a controller.

What steps will you take to help strengthen anti-bullying initiatives or policies to protect all students from harassment and discrimination, with particular attention to vulnerable groups?

First, a review of current policies is essential, as they haven't been updated since 2017, prior to the strategic plan's creation. These policies need to be reassessed and revised to align with our district's commitment to providing a safe and supportive educational environment for all learners. To support all students, I strongly advocate for the ongoing development of a curriculum that reflects the diversity and uniqueness of the U.S. population, as well as continuous training and strategies to empower students and staff as proactive allies. In my experience, fear and mistrust can lead to bullying, but understanding others can alleviate that fear and promote a sense of shared humanity. By equipping our district with the necessary tools to create this environment, we can benefit everyone within our community.