My passion is our children. For 38 years, I have dedicated my professional and personal life to advocating for children and families, supporting their well-being, and helping create meaningful opportunities for them to succeed. As a proud 35-year resident of Oak Park, I have a deep and longstanding commitment to this community. Oak Park is more than where I live—it is my home, and I have a personal stake in its continued growth and future. As a mental health professional and School Social Worker, I work directly with students and families. I listen to their concerns, advocate for their needs, and help connect them with the resources and support they need to thrive. This experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of the social, emotional, behavioral, educational, and family factors that influence student achievement. I also bring valuable board leadership experience, with demonstrated strengths in governance, collaboration, strategic decision-making, accountability, advocacy, and community engagement. My commitment to service is further reflected through my membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Service, advocacy, and leadership are not new to me—they have been the foundation of my life’s work. I am running for the Oak Park School Board because I understand the needs of our students and families, the critical role our schools play in the community, and the importance of thoughtful, transparent, and accountable leadership. I am prepared to bring my 38 years of advocacy, professional expertise, board leadership experience, and unwavering commitment to supporting every student and advancing educational excellence throughout Oak Park. I am Melonie T. Barnes, and I respectfully ask for your support for Oak Park School Board.
I'm Melonie Barnes, and I am running to focus on the real, practical issues that affect our schools and our community every single day. My priority is to build a stronger foundation for our children's future, and that starts with three key goals. First, I am committed to securing true financial stability for our schools, ensuring that our resources are managed responsibly and directed where they matter most. Second, we must work together to increase student enrollment, welcoming more families into our classrooms and making our schools a first-choice destination. Finally, I will work to deeply improve our parent partnerships. When parents and schools collaborate closely, our children thrive. With your support, we can achieve financial strength, grow our student body.
I'm Melonie Barnes, and I am running to focus on the real, practical issues that affect our schools and our community every single day. My priority is to build a stronger foundation for our children's future, and that starts with three key goals. First, I am committed to securing true financial stability for our schools, ensuring that our resources are managed responsibly and directed where they matter most. Second, we must work together to increase student enrollment, welcoming more families into our classrooms and making our schools a first-choice destination. Finally, I will work to deeply improve our parent partnerships. When parents and schools collaborate closely, our children thrive. With your support, we can achieve financial strength, grow our student body.
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!
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916 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274