Mar. 23, 2019

I’m LaShonda Orkes and running for Raytown School Board in the April 2, 2019 Election.

I’ve been married to my wonderful husband for 19 years. We have six amazing children. We are a Christian family and I served as church secretary at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, my husband is a deacon and our children sing in the choir and served as junior ushers.

We’re Raytown residents for over 16 years. Our oldest daughter is a district alum and our two youngest children, currently attend a school in the district.

I’ve been a member of the PTA for the last 12 years and served as a president and a treasurer. As president of one of our elementary schools, we successfully raised thousands of dollars, that were used to sponsor school events, such as: Movie and Bingo Night, School Carnival, Trunk or Treat, Ice Cream Social, RIF (Reading is Fundamental) where we gave away a free book to all students, twice a year and numerous other events. From 2015-2017, I was PTA council president, which provides leadership to all other PTA units in the district. As the PTA council, we were responsible for our annual STEM in the Gym event, that secured vendors in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields to involve students in hands-on activities and demonstrations, as a way to spark an interest in these fields. We also gave away thousands of dollars in prizes each year to students in attendance.

Throughout my time serving in the district, I worked hard to build strong relationships with educators, students and administrators, all while serving with Compassion, Dedication and Integrity and ensuring that Children were our number priority.

As a Parent of two teenage students and a candidate, the issues closest to my heart are, ‘smaller classrooms’, ‘elevating academic scores’ and ‘preventing school violence and bullying’. I feel with smaller classrooms, it’s easier to identify struggling students and offer more one-on-one time. Favorable academic scores are vital to seeking higher education; whether it be college or a vocational or trade school such as the Herndon Career Center in Raytown. Which is an excellent source for continuing education. Last and certainly not least, the prevention of school violence and bullying is extremely important. School should be a safe-haven, a place for our children to learn, a place to better themselves and plan for a brighter future. It should never be a place of fear or concern for one’s safety. Our children should be allowed to learn without fear of attack, educators should be able to teach without disruption and as parents, we should send our children to school knowing, they will make it home safely.

My priorities will focus on:
• High quality education
• Keeping our schools safe
• Support the education of anti-bullying
• Continue to increase preschool enrollment
• Active support for our teachers
• Encouragement of parent participation in their child’s education

Endorsements:
• National Education Association (NEA)

Don’t Be Mislead
The Raytown 2018 APR score is 85.4% and headed in the right direction.

Let’s keep the trend going.

I kindly ask for your support and your vote on April 2nd.

Thank You!
mrso2270@hotmail.com
Paid for by LaShonda Orkes for Raytown School Board, Nicole Johnson, Treasurer