ABOUT THOMAS

I have believed from the very beginning our biggest opportunity and most important asset is the rich diversity of culture, talent, and passion we can find in every corner of our large district.  With a continually growing community both in population and racial diversity, I set out in 2020 to make a positive impact on the culture of our district and ensuring equity is considered in every decision we make.  Now less than two years later and following a global pandemic that challenged the resilience of all of us, we find ourselves eagerly ready to press forward addressing the academic challenges and opportunities that continue to face our staff and scholars.

Over the last couple of years, the school board has managed to navigate a global pandemic, multiple public emergencies due to racial injustices, challenges in the community, and the growing needs of staff and scholars.  The school board successfully:

• Established a new collaborative Strategic Plan and updated mission statement balancing our desire for high academic achievement for all scholars and ensuring equity, inclusion, and belonging are central creating a consistent safe and welcoming school climate across the district.
• Supported a multi-year implementation of improved curriculum in math, science, history, and English Language Arts across all grade levels
• Influenced the implementation of updated relevant career pathways for our secondary scholars across the district so they graduate and enter adulthood several steps closer to career readiness
• Raised the priority and focus of mental health, special education, and behavioral support, one or all of which impacts so many of our scholars across the district
• Passed a resolution condemning harm and violence to our Asian American scholars, families, and community members
• Adopted a Gender Inclusion Policy, directing fair and equitable treatment of our transgender and non-comforming scholars across the district too often at the highest risks of bullying, harassment, and homelessness
• Passed a LGBTQIA+ History and Culture Resolution focused on inclusion and belonging to benefit all of our scholars and staff

I am a dad, coach, volunteer, and relentless advocate for equity in a number of systems from local government to state government and nationally. Growing up in a family of six, with one consistently working parent on a very modest income, education was everything; and the only reason I am able to serve as a school board member today.  Attending a different school almost every year of my life as a student, I was a kid that would easily fit into that highly mobile category.  It was teachers along the way that made an imprint and fueled me to continue forward in working toward some version of my success.  Our schools and community play a vital role in propelling the success of our kids.  

Unfortunately, the data shows the success of too many of our scholars is already dictated and predetermined by intentional and unintentional exclusionary policies and systems.  It takes all of us, school board, district staff, scholars, and community to change the system so that none of our kids slip through the cracks.  I believe with some continued persistence and innovation, we are well on our way, as seen in all of the successes we’ve witnessed in our scholars from academics to sports to music and performing arts.  

Aside from the opportunity to be a dad of 4, serving as a District 279 school board member has been the biggest honor of my personal and professional life.  Time sure flies! I thank you all for the continued support and collaboration as we continue to press forward this November.

Thomas Brooks, ISD 279 - Osseo Area School Board Member