What does Terri stand for and what does she bring to the table? 

Terri is a retired educator with 32 years of experience in the public schools as a teacher and leader. She has long been a student and teacher advocate who has worked tirelessly to provide quality educational opportunities for all types of children. She is the only candidate who has successfully led her own schools through comprehensive school reform models as a full time curriculum coach and School Improvement Team Chair. These efforts improved learning for students, improved working conditions for teachers, and developed partnerships between schools, parents, and the community. Teacher retention improved in these schools, student performance increased, discipline issues dropped, and parent satisfaction grew.  She then went on to work as the JCS Beginning Teacher Coordinator to assist teachers through their first years, along with providing tools to their mentors to grow themselves and their novice teachers into teacher leaders. As she finished her career, she was the Public Information Officer, who from time to time, made lots of children happy whenever she called their homes to say, “Due to snow and icy conditions, schools are closed for students today”. 

It is easy for Terri to say that she loves children and the people who work for them. But what does that really mean? 

“Love is an action word. I know that’s a very 1980’s kind of thing to say, but I am very results oriented.  Love is not just a warm and fuzzy feeling.  It is about how I support those who are working to reach the target. If students, teachers, and principals are not successful,  I look at where I failed as a leader to create success. My ultimate goal is that every child and every employee be successful and I truly believe that if people are given the correct support, they will be exceed expectations.”

“So here is an acronym using the 4 “S”s in my name (SeSSomS ...Cheesy right? I am a teacher and could not help myself :) )”

“The following outlines what I bring to the table:  experience and knowledge gleaned from 32 years in NC public schools, numerous leadership opportunities, and as an educational consultant in 47 states. “

Here are the 4 things Terri will work hard to ensure:

S - School Safety - Prioritized spending so that buildings are secured. All children and staff   should be safe from harm. Supporting mental health for every student is a must. This includes the eradication of bullying and making sure that students are receiving adequate mental and behavioral treatment. This may mean repurposing how we use existing resources and building partnerships with the mental health community. It is no longer enough to treat students as “discipline problems” and send them home.  It is not enough to operate with an “efficiency” mindset. Effectiveness should now be the goal. Every child should feel safe at school and every parent must know that his or her child will safely return home each day.  It does not matter how awesome the curriculum is, if children are not safe, the system has  failed. Terri will fight to ensure that schools are safe for learning and living.  

 

S- Success for EVERY Child  - As a retired literacy consultant and public school educator,  Terri know that “basics” are critical.  She will work to broaden our PreK services to educate more and younger children through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies. Research shows that services are needed to target 2 and 3 year olds in high poverty communities.  Language literally wires the brain for learning and that is why it must begin before the age of 4. Terri believes that EVERY child is born with gifts and a purpose. Therefore, she values a rigorous and relevant curriculum. It is the job of the school system to work with parents to discover and develop the gifts their children bring so that the purpose of each child is actualized.  By doing this, schools are ensuring that students will leave JCPS prepared for fulfilling and successful careers.  She will support efforts to build partnerships with businesses, Johnston Community College, and local universities to provide a broad array of career pathways.  This looks like financial savings for parents and a career focus for each student. EVERY child can and will succeed as a responsible, contributing member of our community.

 

S-Support for Employees - No one works harder than those who work with and for kids. Teachers, teacher assistants, bus drivers, child nutrition employees, custodians,  coaches, guidance counselors, social workers, nurses, administration, facilities and clerical staff are the “Boots on the Ground”.  These dedicated individuals not only serve in their various roles, but they build the relationships with students that motivate children to be their best each day.  When Terri moved to Central Services, she worked to serve the schools across Johnston County. She knew her job was to remove barriers so that schools could serve children, as was reflected by annual job goals which were anchored by impact results for students.  An example of this was a marked reduction in teen vehicular deaths through an awareness campaign which included partnerships with parents, students, NC Highway Patrol, JCC, local law enforcement, the District Attorney’s office, and county commissioners. Those who work for kids are the heroes in our system!

 

She never forgot what Total Quality training taught her about leadership. 

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1. If you aren’t getting the results you want... 96% of the time, it is a process problem, not a people problem.

2. If you want the best solutions, ask the people who work closest to the product.  They will improve the processes and the results will meet or exceed expectations. 

3. People come to work everyday, intending to do the best job they can. They will meet or exceed expectations if they are given the proper tools, training, and recognition. 

 

Terri will ensure that employees have quality professional development, resources for their jobs, quality planning time for quality implementation, and recognition for the hard work they do for our children. The school system must increase wages if high quality personnel is to be recruited and retained. They should feel valued and know they have a voice. She will attend monthly meetings with employee representatives to listen so that adjustments can be made as needed. Those who have worked with Terri will attest that this is just how she does business. 

 

S - Strong Communities - Research shows that when the needs of employees and students are met, schools improve performance. This leads to business and industry moving into the area, which leads to jobs, which leads to local spending, which boosts the economy and grows the tax base, which provides more funding for education, which leads to improved school performance! This self-perpetuating cycle builds economically strong communities!  When we achieve student success through building career pathways, we create stronger economies by building a future for students where they will be gainfully employed. Research shows that when more adults are gainfully employed, crime rates drop and we have safer communities.  As our communities continue to grow in population, new schools must be constructed and current facilities must be maintained to provide safe and equipped buildings with a focus on safety and learning. Small class size important and so is school size. Smaller community schools provide the opportunity for children to be better supervised, as well as provide the opportunity for staff to build positive relationships with students and their families. 

By the way...

Some folks have said that Terri is an “Insider” - like that is a bad thing. 

Terri’s perspective is that having been on the “inside”, she understands how the system works, how budget works, how public school law works, how money is regulated by federal and state regulations, etc. She knows the rights which are in place to protect people. This knowledge will keep her from chasing ideas that are prohibited by law or budget regulations. She knows the limitations that are self imposed and how to remove barriers.  She knows the questions to ask before taking action. She knows that listening is learning and knowledge is key. 

Terri has demonstrated leadership for success.

Terri has the knowledge and experience to make a difference!  

Terri has common sense! Common sense is not always common practice.  

Vote for Terri Sessoms on Nov. 6.   If you have another candidate you want to vote for, not a problem!  There are 3 seats up for election. Vote for your favorite and vote for Terri!  She only wants 1 seat!  No other favorite, not a problem. Make Terri your favorite and vote for Terri - one and you are done!

Please feel free to email Terri at terrijocoschoolboard@gmail.com

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