Franklin-McKinley School District

Hong Ha Hoang

My mission is to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed by creating inclusive, safe, and supportive educational environments. I will champion policies that address the needs of all families, invest in teachers, and prioritize access to quality education, affordable housing, and community resources for a brighter future.

1. Over 80% of voters polled say they want elected officials to prioritize children and families. What are the top three issues affecting our children and families and how will you make our region a place where all families can thrive?

   The top issues are access to quality education, affordable housing, and community safety. I'll close the opportunity gap by providing students with the resources they need, supporting affordable housing policies, and improving communication between school systems to ensure safe, thriving neighborhoods. I'll advocate for holistic education that includes academics, arts, life skills, and career pathways, partnering with local organizations to bring in community support. I’ll also work with local officials to create safer routes to schools and enhance collaboration within the K-12 system. Through advocacy and collaboration, I’ll help make our community a place where families can truly thrive.

2. High quality childcare improves school readiness and parents' workforce participation. What will you do to improve access to high quality childcare and preschool programs in our diverse communities?

   I will advocate for expanding affordable, high-quality childcare and preschool programs by supporting increased funding for early childhood education. I'll work to partner with local organizations and community centers to offer more accessible options, particularly in underserved areas. Additionally, I will push for fair wages and training for childcare workers to ensure they can provide the best care and support. By improving access to these programs, we can enhance school readiness for children and help parents balance their work and family responsibilities, creating stronger, more resilient communities.

3. Much of the student achievement gap has been linked to the opportunity gap that children in low-income families and children of color confront (e.g., lack of access to healthy food, preschool, tutors, and enrichment activities). If elected, what will you do to increase equity of opportunity?

   I will work to close the opportunity gap by advocating for equitable funding in schools, ensuring that students from low-income families and children of color have access to essential resources like healthy meals, preschool, tutoring, and enrichment programs. I’ll partner with community organizations to bring more support services into schools and push for after-school programs that provide academic and extracurricular opportunities. By fostering inclusive environments, we can help all students thrive, regardless of background, and build pathways to success for every child.

4. What steps will you take to improve inclusion and outcomes for children with disabilities and their families in our community?

   I will advocate for increased funding and resources to ensure children with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed. This includes smaller class sizes, specialized staff, and inclusive classroom environments that meet diverse learning needs. I’ll work to strengthen partnerships with community organizations that provide services for families and ensure that individualized education plans (IEPs) are fully supported. By improving access to these resources, we can create a more inclusive system that fosters success for every child and their family.

5. If elected, how will you use the resources of your new role to improve children's well-being and access to mental and behavioral health services?

   I will prioritize expanding access to mental and behavioral health services in schools by advocating for increased funding for counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals. I'll work to build partnerships with community health organizations to bring services directly to students and reduce barriers to care. I’ll also promote social-emotional learning programs to support students' well-being and reduce stigma around mental health. By improving access to these resources, we can create safer, healthier learning environments where every child can thrive.