Melissa Wyatt On The Issues
I ran as an Independent Candidate, so I can focus on what's best for our students, staff, and WCS families and not partisan politics. You can confidently call me a moderate – I am considerate and collaborative. People like working with me and I’m open to others’ opinions. I will push back against extremism from both sides.
Safety
I believe all students should feel safe at school. I do not support arming teachers in Williamson County Schools. I agree with the district’s thoughtful decision, made in collaboration with law enforcement, not to arm teachers.
Books
Age-appropriate materials in both the curriculum and our school libraries are important to me. While I stand against book banning, I believe parent-teacher partnership is key. I support the current WCS policy that gives parents the opportunity to opt-out.
Retaining Our Teachers
I would support the proposed raise (and future raises!) for our teachers with county commissioners and state legislators. I believe we need to continue to support our teachers with great training and advancement opportunities.
Recruiting New Teachers
We need a strong recruiting program in our high schools to encourage students who are interested in teaching. Our state offers a Governor’s School program for prospective teachers – we should encourage those high school students and help them prepare for a teaching career.
Vouchers
I wholeheartedly agree with the WCS Board’s resolution to denounce a voucher program. As proposed, vouchers will harm our public schools. State funding for our public schools is determined based on our enrollment, which would decrease with the offering of vouchers. Many of our costs are fixed, so a decrease in funding due to lower enrollment would be detrimental to our schools.
Technology
I will consider how we use technology in the classroom and the impact it has on our students’ learning and mental health.
I ran for Williamson County School Board because I am FOR our schools. A lot of things are working in our schools, and I am eager to problem-solve the areas that need improvement.
Please be in touch with your questions about school board issues.