Lauren Jewett

Education

Support Mental Health of Students, Teachers, and School Staff: Student achievement and learning progress are big priorities, but they must be addressed alongside the mental and emotional health of students and teachers. Our students and educators have continued to push through extraordinary and uncertain circumstances both with COVID and hurricanes as well as witness events in our constantly evolving world. I will advocate for proper and adequate resources so that our school systems can address and respond to trauma and facilitate ongoing healing. This means more emphasis on anti-bullying and social skills initiatives, more social workers and guidance counselors in schools, more wrap-around supports, sustainable workloads for our educators, and supports that address families' needs. Learn more

We cannot create a state worth living in unless our education system is robust and that starts with having qualified, trained, and well-compensated teachers and school staff in our schools. Over the past few years, Louisiana has passed teacher and school staff pay raises. However, we have consistently trailed behind the educator pay raises that other neighboring states have passed. This past legislative session, the legislature voted to pay educators one-time stipends rather than permanent pay raises. As a school board member, I will advocate for increased and competitive pay for teachers and school staff, specifically ensuring that this year's education funding is secured into next year’s MFP (minimum foundation program), the funding mechanism for Louisiana K-12 education. I will also work to ensure there are standards in place to create holistic evaluation protocols as well as fair and sustainable working conditions that treat our educators with professionalism and dignity. Learn more