BY SECILLI KEELER

Disclaimer: I am speaking as a resident of Los Alamos and not as the Vice President of LAFSE or in my role as a Special Education Teacher for LAPS.

I am writing a letter in support of Lauren Coupland for school board. I have known Lauren in multiple capacities since 2018. She has always been a strong advocate for  students with disabilities. The knowledge that Lauren brings to the table as both a parent and an educator will be vastly different than any other candidate that is running for the position.

Lauren Coupland can meet the current needs of our schools. With her experience as a teacher and an organizer, she is the fresh voice that we need. She stands out for her emphasis on communication with all stakeholders, and her commitment to optimizing procedures and policies to streamline workflow and reduce teacher burdens. It is difficult to focus on what teachers are there to do which is connect and teach students when there is one more thing that is added to their plate.

Furthermore, Lauren is a strong proponent of equity and inclusion, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the same high-quality education. She is also a staunch supporter of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), advocating for the rights of students with disabilities to receive a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, whatever that may look like for each student.

In addition, Lauren values clearly defined roles and responsibilities for teachers and other staff members, recognizing the importance of clarity in expectations to create a positive and productive work environment. I appreciate that Lauren values teacher prep time as well as school staff collaboration and effective strategies.

I encourage every resident of Los Alamos to get out and vote especially for the School Bond. A yes vote for the bond, only helps better the environment that the students spend their days learning in. A yes vote for Lauren will diversify the school board and best support students and staff members that she serves.