I'm Sherlett Hendy Newbill and

I'm living proof that education is a ticket to a better life.

 

I was a poor kid from South LA. A child of immigrants whose parents struggled to put food on the table for their five children. I am a graduate of the Los Angeles Unified elementary, middle, and high schools who went on to college and the American Dream.

 

I understand how important education is for our community.

 

I am Sherlett Hendy Newbill and I want to be your next LAUSD School Board Member from District 1.

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I am from this community. Born and raised in the heart of District 1, near Cimarron and 26th St., I know this community’s needs and perspective first-hand. I went to school here and was a first-hand witness to all the possibilities – and challenges – our schools present.

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Education was a cornerstone value in my family. My parents believed in the promise of America – that if you worked hard, you could succeed no matter who you are or where you come from. I took their wisdom to the prestigious Susan Miller Dorsey High School, where I graduated in 1990.

 

I received a scholarship to attend Xavier University in New Orleans. I earned my degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Kinesiology in 1994. I could have made my life elsewhere. But I didn’t. My heart and my home is in District 1 and I returned here to ‘pay forward’ the gift of education that I received from my parents and my public schools. I came home to teach and coach at my alma mater.

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I did more than educate in the classroom. As a high school basketball coach, I taught students teamwork, discipline, and hard work – all qualities that are essential to academic success. Since 1998 I have been at Dorsey High, motivating thousands of students toward college and a brighter future and bringing home numerous basketball championships!

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I also understand the challenges of leadership. I have been a Lead Teacher at one of Dorsey’s Innovative Small Learning Academies—developing curriculum, school programs and personalizing learning for our youth is a passion of mine. As the Dorsey girl's head basketball coach for 20 years, I coached leadership, hard work, and teamwork. I also have worked closely with, and organized, teachers, parents, and administrators to improve our schools and empower our students.  Most recently, I was selected to participate in the EMERGE leadership development program for rising California leaders.

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I helped develop curriculum to improve the teaching of physical fitness for our children. I have been an instructor in the prestigious Teach the Teachers Collaborative at the Thacher School.

 

I was inducted into the Dorsey High Hall of Fame in 2012.

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I value family. I have been fortunate to be accompanied on my journey by my wonderful husband, Ivano Newbill, a former NBA player, a smart, supportive, and empowering partner. “Newby,” (as we call him) and I are active in our church and community.

 

As parents to two sons, we have both a personal and professional reason to be devoted to the cause of children’s empowerment through education. We are also passionate about the struggle for educational justice.

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I will be your voice for schools. As a Board Member, my heart and my door will always be open to working with you, whether you are a parent, teacher, administrator, or concerned community member. Reach out to me, email me with your ideas or make a donation to our cause. Together we can make a new voice for change heard in Los Angeles!

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My core priorities

Making education a team effort.

I understand  that academic excellence for all students is attainable when resources are anchored by programs such as community schools, parent engagement, and comprehensive health and student safety. 

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Wrap-around support.

Education is a team effort. To succeed, we need increased counseling and mental health supports for students on campus, and more involvement from parents (and grandparents!) off campus. Research shows that students who have close relationships at school and strong connections with family and peers are less likely to report mental health concerns or engage in destructive behaviors. 

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Keeping students safe.

Communities deserve a voice in schools and this is particularly true when it comes to school safety.  There is no 'one-size-fits-all' solution to how we ensure campus safety.  Let's work together on tailored solutions that fit the needs of the community.

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Supportive school environments.
Safety means safe spaces as well.  I will make compassion a core priority for all schools.  Among my recommendations:

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• A student-led organization with anti-discrimination policies and gender-sexuality alliances ( student-led groups that are also known as gay–straight alliances or GSAs) to help all students create more supportive school environments. These groups are catalysts for positive change in schools by improving school safety, inclusiveness, and student civic engagement. 

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• Support schools identifying “safe spaces” for students, such as a counselor’s office, designated classroom, or student organization where LGBTQIA youth can receive support from administrators, teachers, or other school staff.

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• Invest in professional development on how to support LGBTQIA students. 

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Black student achievement
Establish a consistent Funding Line for our Black Student Achievement Programs (BSAP).

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Alternative pathways
Create Sustainable Apprenticeship Programs for non-traditional careers.