Jennifer Hill is a candidate for School Board District 3. Her website is [https://www.facebook.com/JenniferHillTeacher4SchoolBoard/]. She was sent our survey on 7/28/2020 and provided her answers on 7/28/2020.


Question One


The school to prison pipeline continues to impact Black children at disproportionate rates. Children as young as six years old have been hauled out of Florida schools in handcuffs for normal child behavior (like tantrums). Suspensions and expulsions are more likely to impact Black children. As a school board member, how will you combat this racial inequities? *


First off, a resource officer should not be allowed near the school until they have not been trained in pediatric mental health issues or child psychology. The resource officer should be evaluated for mental health issues themselves and be trained in de-escalation techniques. Much like teachers, only certified officers that have studied child behavior in addition to their normal training should be allowed to interact with a student. If a trained officer is not available, the school administrators, guidance counselor or nurse must be held accountable for the safety of the child until a parent or guardian can be reached. No child should be removed from school grounds unless they are given permission by the parent or guardian or escorted by a certified child mental health advocate. I would collaborate with Hillsborough sheriff’s department to determine training techniques especially in the realm of restorative justice. I would also like to create more accurate data-tracking and transparency for student behavior.


Question 2


Gay, queer and trans youth still face bullying, harassment and exclusion in Hillsborough County schools. This is especially true for gay, queer and trans youth of color. How will you advocate for LGBTQ youth in all county schools? *


I would repeal bathroom bills that require students to use the facilities that correspond to their gender. I would request an update to all HCPS documentation asking gender-specific questions (such as enrollment forms etc.) so that students and their families would have control over the pronouns and names used to address their student. Where a student and/or their family has made it known that the student has a name or gender correction request, adults and students that refuse to address a student by the gender and or name provided on these update documents would be encourage to attend equity bias training and/or be disciplined. I would encourage groups such as Queer and Gender Equity Project to create safe-spaces for LGBTQ youth of color in our communities and to talk with me to represent their concerns for our students the school board.


Question 3


Far too often, parents/guardians are forced to work multiple jobs, or for whatever reason beyond the child's control, are not able to be as present in their child's academic life. This is especially true for poor children. How will you ensure that all children, regardless of their socio-economic status or household conditions, have access to a quality education? *


I am a product of this upbringing and personally know the struggle to achieve when survival is the only rung on the hierarchy of needs to which you cling. All students thrive when they are exposed to the wider world and people of character to guide them to their inner strength. We need to expand our mentor programs and provide meaningful internships to students. We need to allow time in the classroom have discussions with students about why what they are learning is important to their education. We need to encourage growth for students that show a passion or talent for a particular area and give them the tools to follow their passions. We need to listen to students when they ask questions and answer honestly. In short, relationships with students from trusted adults in the school will insure access to quality education for each individual child.


Question 4


Mental health is a growing crisis in the United States. Children are often put into stressful situations in their homes, communities, and the world at large. Often times, there are little to no resources for their mental health. How will ensure children who are struggling with trauma/mental health are cared for and valued within Hillsborough County schools? *


All too often the child that is struggling the most is the student that is either invisible or whose behavior is intolerable. Both can be a challenge to identify much less help. By law under the “Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2019” we are required to provide funding for school-based mental health services, staff development, family training of affected students, and establish the relationship between the family of the affected student with mental health services. I would challenge the schools that do not provide services and demand that the district budget is allocated for this growing need.


Question 5


Our educators are undervalued and overworked. How will you advocate for all educators to ensure they have the resources they need, and are supported to help our children not just learn, but thrive? *


I am an educator. I taught in the classroom for 17 years – through COVID, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Hurricane Irma, economic collapse, policy changes, environment calamity, Treyvon Martin, Sandy Hook, etc. I know how my colleagues feel because I am one of them. Every decision I make on the school board will be informed by my deep understanding and strong commitment to make sure that teachers feel heard and believed. The key to thriving is knowing why you (as a teacher) are there. To me, it is all about the relationships you build with the students. I will fight to tear down the bureaucracy that is preventing our teachers from doing what they love…time interact with the student and to actually teach the things that matter!

Check out other candidates in this race by viewing School Board Candidates (2020 Primary).