Three weeks before I launched this campaign, issues of mental health and substance use in APS were brought into sharp relief. Parents and community activists had been sounding the alarm, but it took a tragic loss and other traumatic events to bring full community focus and the necessary urgency to these concerns. 

So what have I been doing?

On the Friday Wakefield closed, I joined in a march of love and support organized by the Arlington Schools Hispanic Parents Association (ASHPA) leaders. The following Monday, I and the rest of Green Valley Civic Association executive leadership heard from Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) and began discussing ideas to support Green Valley students and residents, a discussion that continues.

At the recent Arlington Dems Second Saturday breakfast, I sponsored the event and coordinated a moderated discussion on mental health in our schools, featuring a county board member and ASHPA leader.

There is much more to do. Our upcoming budget cycle must prioritize mental health and APS needs county support. APS must have a concrete plan for in-school safety and communication with parents. I will be following these issues closely.