Normandy Schools Collaborative candidates prioritize accreditation, attendance and local control at League forum
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Summary
At a League of Women Voters–moderated candidate forum, four contenders for three Normandy Schools Collaborative board seats pledged to pursue full accreditation, boost attendance and oppose charter expansion while stressing better board communication and community engagement. Voters were reminded April 7 is election day.
A League of Women Voters–moderated candidate forum brought four candidates before Normandy voters to outline plans for the Normandy Schools Collaborative, with all four saying regaining full accreditation is their top priority.
"The primary focus of the board is to help us get to a point of moving forward with our accreditation," said William Humphrey, a current board member, who also stressed improving student attendance and discipline as foundations for academic progress. Humphrey described data-driven decision-making and increased parent engagement as central to his approach.
Viola Taylor, a Normandy resident and board member, said, "My goal for Normandy Schools is to make sure that we regain our accreditation in this district," and emphasized communicating with parents and making the board accessible. Monica Jefferson, a retired speech and language pathologist who serves as mayor of Greendale and chairs a municipal partnership supporting the district, said she did not "have much of an appetite for charter" schools and advocated stronger ties between schools and the community.
Theresa Pearson, a Normandy alum and parent, said she does not support charter schools and wants to "bridge the gap between community, family and the district." Pearson also framed the superintendent as "our one employee," arguing for unified board direction, clear measurable goals and ongoing accountability.
All four candidates voiced opposition to charter-school expansion in the district, citing concerns that charters can pull students and resources away from the public system. Humphrey said charter growth had contributed to financial strain and that the district must stabilize funding while improving outcomes.
On attendance, candidates suggested a mix of strategies: parental outreach and education, incentives for consistent attendance, and using wraparound services. "Maybe it might require some one on one for some of the children," Monica Jefferson said, pointing to local partners such as Beyond Housing to address barriers like transportation or basic needs.
When asked whether students who are not academically prepared should be retained, candidates largely supported retention in early grades where state testing begins, while stressing that retention should be paired with adequate staffing and targeted interventions. "If they're not on grade level, we need to hold them until they get the requisite skills," Humphrey said.
Candidates agreed on maintaining a clear line between board governance and district operations. Several emphasized that the board's role is policy and oversight, leaving day-to-day administration to the superintendent and staff, while holding the superintendent accountable for results.
The forum included a reminder from the moderator that personnel matters and contract decisions typically occur in executive session; candidates declined to answer on-the-record yes/no questions about withholding contracts for cabinet members. The session closed with each candidate offering brief remarks and a reminder that Election Day is April 7.
The League-moderated forum gave voters a direct comparison of the candidates' priorities: full accreditation, family and community engagement, improved attendance, and opposing charter expansion. Candidates invited attendees to follow up after the event and to vote on April 7.
