Lyryn Yacoe - CASD Region 3

Website/ social media handle: https://www.facebook.com/YacoeCASD

Why are you running for a seat on the CASD School Board?

Being a board member is not a responsibility to take lightly. It requires much devotion of time and is a job for someone passionate about their school district. Anyone who knows me, knows how passionate I am about Coatesville and our success. Like so many proud alumni, I believe that the education and experiences that I had in Coatesville prepared me well for adulthood. That sense of pride in our school and community needs to be fostered.

As a parent and community member, I am continually looking for ways to be actively involved in this district, consistently advocating for district transparency and improved communication with all stakeholders.  School board members have a unique opportunity to work alongside the district employees and stakeholders to advocate for families, engage community organizations, and inspire our students. All stakeholders- community organizations, parents, district personnel, as well as students - must be partners in this endeavor if we are to be successful.

 

What experience and/or background will assist you in being a successful school board member?

I have attended nearly every school board meeting since 2017. Founding CCAP (Coatesville Community and Area Parents advocacy group for CASD)  allowed me to form many relationships and afforded me many opportunities to partner with CASD. I have a complete understanding of the duties of school board members, the rules and procedures required by Pennsylvania School Board Association (PSBA), and the dedication necessary to be an effective school board member.

What involvement have you had in CASD schools or our community? 

• Founded Coatesville Community Area Parents (CCAP).  CCAP began as an advocacy group to analyze the negative trends that began to surface in CASD. The most important quality of CCAP is the responsibility to truth in communication. Our leadership worked diligently to ascertain facts and conduct statistically sound surveys to determine what was working and not working in CASD.  Through CCAP, we published Monthly School Board Updates for the community from 2018 to 2021.  CCAP's public blog and Facebook page as well as the private Facebook group continue to thrive today.
  
  
• Accepted responsibility of and facilitated “Adopt a Coatesville Teacher” Program (2019 to 2022)
  
  
• Worked on Discipline & Code of Conduct Task Force, Comprehensive Planning Team, Technology Task Force Team, and Master Facilities Planning Team
  
  
• Worked together to organize “Preschool Partnership” program for the district
  
  
• Partnered with CASD’s Food Services Supervisor on Covid Meal Distribution - CCAP organized immediate daily distribution to students during COVID quarantine.  Organized volunteers, packing, and distribution on an ongoing basis, including home deliveries
  
  
• Founded (and currently the head) the non-profit Coatesville High School Alumni Association
  
  
• Organized Hurricane IDA Relief Efforts - CCAP quickly organized food and clothing donations, 100’s of volunteers for the cleanup effort on 5th Ave and raised money for immediate hotel stays, gift cards for those impacted, and remediation efforts

• Assisted in the creation of the Community Partnership/Engagement policy 
  

 

What do you believe are the top two or three issues CASD is currently facing? 

 

Leadership  

• Over the last couple of years, we have had a great turnover in leadership positions such as the Superintendent.  It is critical that our leadership, improves communication with all stakeholders, engaging them in meaningful conversation, allowing for input into impactful decisions.
  
  
• We have remarkable teachers and staff working with our students. It’s essential for us to demonstrate that we value all employees and re-establish our commitment to them to help strengthen their morale to allow the school board to work harmoniously and productively in improving our district.

Academic Progress    

• All of our students are deserving of the very best services and education that we can provide.

• Many strides in the last few years have enhanced and enriched the happenings in our schools, but there is still so much more to do.  We must continue mapping a course that will provide the necessary opportunities that students need to reach their full potential in CASD schools and beyond. 

Fiscal Accountability

• Board members must review and request information to make informed decisions to ensure the district is fiscally responsible and includes equitable improvements to our educational programs. It is essential for us to become proactive instead of reactive.

 

Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve?  If elected, what will you prioritize?

 

Board and Community Relationship  

• Board members are elected officials from the community. They must be responsive and receptive to parents, staff, students, and the community at large, encouraging open dialog. The board must seek input from all groups and weigh all the facts before making a decision.
  
  
• Board members have an obligation to the public to be transparent, to ask questions and discuss decisions made for the stakeholders. Board members should hold one another accountable to examine different perspectives in order to make the best decisions.
  

 

What role do you believe the community should play in our schools?

 

Our community is the backbone of the district.  Without the community, we wouldn’t have a school. Therefore, they should be as involved as much as they can.  However, I also understand that it can be extremely overwhelming to figure out where to start.   I created CCAP because I was one of those parents who didn’t know how to get involved and as I learned and then our team learned we realized how important getting the community informed and involved really was.   

When I wrote ‘What Does the Coatesville Area School Board Do?’ four years ago, I wanted to explain how important the community’s role was in selecting and keeping our school board accountable. This is just a tiny way for someone to be involved… I still believe this today. 

We as a district need to better engage the community to ensure representation for all of our students.

Is there anything else you would like to share with voters?

Coatesville is one of the most diverse school districts in the country (26th in the nation). It’s important to embrace that diversity. We can do more to celebrate and leverage this important quality in our district for improvements. We must do better to address the diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in our schools.

I proudly support our district through various tasks and committees.  If I am elected to serve, I will continue to advocate for the district by thoroughly researching any information brought before the board, working with community organizations, and speaking up for our students to have the best and most equitable education CASD can provide.