Sheila believes that increasing student engagement and providing more challenging work will decrease chronic absenteeism and truancy.

Improving Literacy Rates for All Students: Sheila recommends implementing OSSE's Early Literacy Task Force 2023 recommendations. These include requiring structured literacy training for teachers and administrators, providing more support to teachers, and recommending high-quality ELA curriculum based in the science of reading. These recommendations are in light of the latest NAEP report which showed improvement in math and reading among the District’s fourth and eighth graders, but also a decline in reading proficiency among eighth graders and no significant changes in math scores.

Improving Math Proficiency for All Students: Sheila recommends funding a comprehensive citywide strategy.

Expanding Vocational Training: Expanding vocational training options within schools can help more students transition successfully into the workforce. These programs provide hands-on experience and practical skills in fields like healthcare, technology, construction, and automotive repair—areas where there's often strong demand for skilled labor.

By offering multiple pathways to success, vocational training can engage students who may not be planning to attend college or who learn better through hands-on experience. It also helps address skills gaps in the labor market and can reduce unemployment among young adults.