Tina Banks-Gray is a candidate for Hampton School Board. Her name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Banks-Gray, who currently sit on Hampton School Board, is running against four challengers for Hampton School Board.
The first day of in-person early voting at your local registrar’s office for this election is Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. Click here to see who is on your ballot.
10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. If you do not see the candidate listed with a profile, we did not receive one.
Biography: Dr. Tina Banks-Gray has been an integral member of the Hampton City School Board for the past four years, transforming today and leading tomorrow. In addition to her role as Vice Chair of the Hampton City School Board and board duties, she manages all neighborhood centers in the City of Hampton, bringing her comprehensive oversight and community focus to every role she undertakes. As a proud parent of a Hampton City Schools honors graduate, Dr. Tina’s commitment to the district is deeply personal and unwavering.
With over 25 years of experience in education and leadership within community-based organizations, Dr. Banks-Gray is dedicated to revolutionizing the educational landscape of Hampton City Schools. Tina’s goal is to not only build upon the district’s current achievements but also to infuse fresh perspectives on leveraging community resources and implementing cutting-edge educational models.
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for re-election to the Hampton City School Board with a steadfast commitment to maintaining and enhancing Hampton City Schools as a beacon of excellence and innovation. Over the past 4-year term, we’ve achieved significant milestones, such as achieving and maintaining 100% full accreditation of all Hampton City Schools, achieving the highest on-time graduation rates in the region, with an impressive 98% of students graduating on schedule, and achieving a dropout rate below 1% for the past four consecutive years, I want to build on this momentum and continue the legacy of success to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education.
My experience and understanding of the HCS divisions enables me to effectively advocate for policies and initiatives that will further our goals in Hampton City Schools. I am passionate about fostering an environment where students, teachers, and the community can thrive, and I believe that by staying engaged, I can help drive continued success and innovation in our schools. I want to continue the legacy of success that this current school board has successfully achieved.
What is the top challenge facing Hampton Public Schools, and how would you address it?
It is imperative to hear from the HCS community. Based on recent survey feedback, there are four areas that are of concern: teacher recruitment, changes to state accreditation, student safety, and students with disabilities. I will highlight teacher recruitment. Pre-COVID data indicated a downward trend in the number of individuals interested in becoming classroom teachers, a scenario exacerbated by the pandemic. The competition among divisions to hire high-quality teachers has intensified, accelerating the predicted teacher shortage timeline. HCS is committed to offering a competitive benefits package, employing innovative recruitment strategies, maintaining a top-notch teacher induction program, and providing ongoing support to enhance teacher retention. Teachers are the most significant factor in student achievement, prioritizing this issue is crucial for our students’ success.
How do you feel about the politicization of public education?
The politicization of public education is indeed a significant issue that impacts many aspects of the educational system. Political influences can sometimes affect curriculum choices, resource allocation, and educational policies, which may lead to varied educational experiences for students. However, my primary focus is on ensuring that educational policies support effective learning environments for all students. Addressing the core issues of student achievement and educational quality remains crucial. By prioritizing the needs of students and educators, we can work towards minimizing political influences and fostering a more supportive and effective educational system.
How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?
Valuing constituents with whom I disagree is fundamental to effective leadership and governance. My experience in city government and as a school board member has taught me the importance of listening to diverse perspectives, even when they differ from my own views. I believe that open dialogue and mutual respect are essential for understanding and addressing the needs of all community members. When engaging with constituents who hold different opinions, I focus on: listening actively, maintaining respect, finding common ground, and being transparent and accountable.
Ultimately, my goal is to represent and serve the entire community effectively, and that involves respecting and valuing all voices, regardless of agreement or disagreement.
What is your view on the Governor’s Executive Order to ban cell phone use?
The Hampton City School Board members are aware of the Governor’s Executive Order regarding the ban on cell phone use in schools. Hampton City Schools is reviewing and updating its policies to ensure compliance. This may involve revising existing guidelines on cell phone usage during school hours, communicating the new policy to students, parents, and staff, and implementing measures to monitor and enforce the ban.
As a current HCS board member, I am committed to ensuring that the transition is smooth and that all stakeholders are informed about the new rules. This includes providing support and clear communication to students and parents about the reasons behind the policy and its expected benefits. I will remain focused on creating a conducive learning environment that supports student success, and stay committed to adapting our practices to align with state directives while maintaining our educational standards.
