Empowering Education and Advocacy for Salt Lake City
Welcome to the official website of Richard Whitney, candidate for the Salt Lake City School Board Precinct 7. Discover his vision for educational excellence, public service values, and dedication to diversity, inclusion, and shared governance.
Mission Statement:
To help facilitate and provide quality education based on equal access, and equity to learning needs.
**Commitment to Teacher and Student Voices:** - Believes in the importance of listening to teachers and students to shape educational policy.
- Supports collective bargaining to protect teachers' rights and promote their professional growth.
**Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion:**
- Strongly supports AP African American Studies courses and inclusive curricula that reflect diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Opposes book banning and advocates for age-appropriate materials without censorship by a small minority.
**Proponent of Shared Governance:**
- Believes in involving every school employee, parents, and the local community in the educational process to foster ownership and transparency.
**Focus on Teacher Pay and Resources:**
- Advocates for competitive salaries for teachers to attract and retain top talent.
- Prioritizes ensuring teachers have the resources they need to be effective educators.
About Richard
Educational Background and Experience
**Extensive Educational Experience:**
- Worked in Special Education, At-Risk programs, Boy's and Girl's Club, and with Horizonte students from preschool to high school.
- Developed and implemented an advanced Technology/Computer curriculum at the Boy's and Girl's Club.
**Strong Educational Background:**
- Holds a BA in English with a specialization in Education and a minor in Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties.
**Dedication to Public Service:**
- US Marine Veteran and leader in non-profits such as DRAC and The American Legion.
- Currently Chair of the Salt Lake County Democrat Disability Caucus and Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for DRAC, actively involved with ADAPT.
Dedicated to public service, Richard has actively contributed to community initiatives, advocating for educational reforms and equitable opportunities for all students. His collaborative approach emphasizes the importance of diversity, inclusion, and transparent governance in shaping a brighter future for Salt Lake City's educational landscape.