Term 1 Board Member Highlights
1st Year | 2021-2022
My first year was focused on learning about the various systems, structure, and curriculum, as well as building relationships with Park Hill staff and community. Self-education was a priority and weekly task to be an effective school board member.
Highlights:
● Park Hill Board Member and MSBA Delegate Alternate
● Community Meeting: Masking in PHSD
● Hired new Superintendent, Dr. Mike Kimbrel.
● September 2021: Inducted into the Winnetonka High School Hall of Fame for community work and election to the Park Hill School District Board of Education
● Member of School Health & Wellness Advisory Council
● Attended all MSBA meetings and conferences.
● March 2022: MSBA Legislative Day in Jefferson City, MO
● Park Hill South DEIB Family Advisory Council (Parent)
2nd Year | 2022-2023
Year two is when I found my comfort and strength to lead with confidence. As more community members reached out and asked questions, as well as my increased understanding of Park Hill operations and programs, my “board member focus” was honed. I identified the alignment of students, families, and staff needs and how policy and the CSIP addressed them.
● Park Hill Board Treasurer (Executive Officer)
● Achieved MSBA Advanced Board Member Certification
● Achieved MSBA Master Board Member Certification
● Book Study:
○ Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain by Zaretta Hammond;
○ The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Revised and Updated: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, Jim Huling, Scott Thele, and Beverly Walker
○ Blindspot by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald; and
○ Columbine: A True Crime Story by Jeff Kass
● Park Hill and Park Hill South High Schools’ Veterans Day Services
● Missouri State Representative Jamie Johnson presented Missouri House of Representatives Resolution No. 240 for recognition of career and community achievement and distinction as the first African American elected to the Park Hill School District Board of Education in April 2021.
● City of Parkville, MO presented Proclamation-Women’s History Month in Parkville: Recognized for trailblazing, achievement, and breaking the barrier as first Black board member in Park Hill and District 12.
● The City of Kansas City, MO presented Proclamation of March 19th being “Brandy Woodley, Jamie Johnson, and Shereka Barnes Day.” My recognition specifically was for being the first woman of color/African American woman elected to the Park Hill School District and other community work.
● Member of PHSD Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Council
● Member of School Health & Wellness Advisory Council
● Member of Northwest Missouri State University Booth School of Business Advisory Board
● Certified Women, Peace, and Security Gender Focal Point (U.S. Army)
● Banneker School Foundation & Historic Site Supporter – Parkville, MO
● New Board Member Mentor
3rd Year | 2023-2024:
I was voted to the role of Board President unanimously by my fellow board members, becoming the first person of color to hold this position. My immediate goals were to build stronger relationships between the board and district leadership and foster good governance among board members. Community engagement, process improvement, student and staff wellness, belonging, facilities, and more were consistent facets that I thought about during each board meeting agenda review. I genuinely want to leave a positive mark and legacy on Park Hill’s district and community.
● Park Hill Board President (Executive Officer) and MSBA Delegate
● Speaker: Park Hill School District 2023 Convocation at HyVee Arena for over 2000 Park Hill Employees
● Facilitator: MSBA 2023 Annual Conference Lunch and Learn: “Sharing Our Collective Wisdom: Addressing the Challenges of Urban and High-Poverty School Districts” (Suburban, Urban, and Rural Districts)
● Jackson County Legislators of the City of Kansas City, MO presented Resolution No. 21277 on May 15, 2023, for accomplishments to the Park Hill schools, community, education and the Department of the Army and being the first Black school board president of the Park Hill School District.
● Member of PHSD Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Council
● Member of School Health & Wellness Advisory Council
● Member of Northwest Missouri State University Booth School of Business Advisory Board
● Community Engagement: Park Hill 2034, Restorative Practices, DEIB, Elementary 12 Naming
● New Teacher Welcome Speech
● Park Hill High School’s Veterans Day Service
● Park Hill South Speaking Invitations: Black Student Union, Young Dems, Women’s Student Union
● Submitted testimony to Missouri State Legislature Hearing opposing Open Enrollment to support public education and its resources and opportunities.
● Banneker School Foundation & Historic Site Supporter – Parkville, MO