South Kingstown Election Profile: Stephanie Canter

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Stephanie Canter is running for the school committee in South Kingstown. The 40-year-old Democrat currently serves as the committee's chair.

Canter has two children, David, 8, and Axel, 4. She holds a degree from James Madison University and has spent the past four years working in Educational Technology.

Campaign website

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running because I love South Kingstown, value public education, and embody the balance of leadership, strength, and vulnerability that this position requires. Now more than ever, the world understands what a crucial role the learning community plays in times of need.
The learners in SK deserve modernized methods and applications of learning. Our educators deserve to feel empowered and valued. Our constituents deserve to know that their tax money is being spent in a way that executes on the School District mission. All of this is achievable in right-sized plan centered on children, and I am honored to continue that work.

What do you believe should be done to contain the coronavirus pandemic, and what would you do to lessen its economic impacts?

Safety is the most important goal. We know that most children learn best in an in-person environment, and we also know that schools provide opportunities for parents to work. Neither of those facts can replace one of our community members should we rush to re-open buildings. In my professional life, I work with school districts in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and RI, and I have seen up close the differences in response and planning. Our state directives have been diligent and effective; however, I feel a decision to remain virtual for the first 6 weeks would have afforded our educators the time to appropriately immerse themselves in the blended learning skillset.

Do you believe systemic racism is a problem in America generally and Rhode Island specifically, and if so, what would you do to combat it?

I absolutely believe that systemic and structural racism exists in the US and in Rhode Island, and it continues to oppress students of color in our schools. I suspect that curricula, resources, and content in most districts perpetuate racism and bias. For that reason, I worked with the current school committee to order curriculum audits and contract reviews, create an Ethnic Studies graduation requirement, pass a moratorium of Out of School Suspensions, implement Professional Development for Culturally Responsive Teaching, and ensure transparent data is published to the community at large. Perhaps most importantly, we are creating an Advisory Board comprised of BIPOC community members to inform change moving forward. We have excellent teachers and administrators eager to take on the challenge of being a model district for this work.

Should the words "Providence Plantations" be removed from the state's name?

Yes

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My commitment to public education permeates my professional and personal life, and I have documented success in my commitments to equity, innovation, right-sized fiscal stewardship, strong leadership, and teacher empowerment. I think that I have a unique balance of boldness and vulnerability that allows me to lead the charge in progressive ways, but admit missteps and pivot toward a better solution when necessary.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Throughout the past two years, we have been faced with an exorbitant amount of pressure to show that our committee operates in accordance with general law, and I am proud to say that in all cases, we've proven to be trustworthy and transparent. It is critical to know that elected officials are committed to handing business and expressing beliefs in public. Transparency in government is critical.

Amidst the current global health crisis, the community at large better understands the need for equity, technology, family engagement, and social emotional supports. I live by these goals every day in my work, and with everything I do for the School District.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Our expenses for legal counsel and declining teacher morale indicated an immediate need to address our legal representation. Aligning with a firm that honors teacher voice and has the utmost commitment to students was an important decision and one that I am fully confident in.
I also had the honor of appointing a student-centered Superintendent that has drastically improved teacher morale, streamlined existing process, modernized our leadership organization, and became an immediate leader in the state during distance learning.

This year, we approached the budget process by utilizing a subcommittee with Town Council representation. We requested a zero based budget reflective of building and programmatic needs. Even with the economic stress of a pandemic, the process was supportive and transparent and resulted in a student-centered number we could all confidently stand behind.

Finally, my focus on racial equity work when there are so many outside factors that could encourage a delay shows that I don't want to do what's easy. I want to do what's right.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." Not so much shared advice, but a pearl of wisdom from Shirley Chisolm

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My family moved to Rhode Island in 2012 with our two children- David (8, Peace Dale), and Axel (4). I grew up in a military family in Delaware with a public school education and attended college in Virginia. Through my career in K12 educational technology, I work everyday with public school districts in the Northeast to empower teachers to personalize instruction and allow curriculum leaders to achieve their instructional goals. It's incredible work, and I am honored to do it. When I say that educations permeates my life, I truly mean it.

Public education should provide an equalizing environment that sets students up for whatever their path of success looks like. Not that adversity is neutralized- but background and limitations and hurdles should be a factor that’s limited in all ways possible within our control. It’s our most valuable civil liberty.

“Education then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of men, the balance-wheel of the social machinery.” Horace Mann said this in 1848, and it ages well!