Name: Page Lewis
Campaign website: pagelewis.com
Date and place of birth: 03/02/1967
After five years, the school district’s state rating fell from A to B in 2023. What specific steps are needed to restore an A rating?
We need to focus on teaching our children to read. Only 48% of our students read on grade level in 3rd grade. Acquire and retain teachers through better pay and treating them as professionals. We need to get back to the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic to ensure a firm foundation for comprehension of other subjects.
What do you think of plans to install metal detectors in Palm Beach high schools? What else should be done to ensure school safety?
We need metal detectors and we need to increase the number of school police in all of our schools. We also need to have very specific training for staff and students so that we know what to expect in case of an active shooter event.
The Legislature in 2024 passed, and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed, a law allowing voluntary chaplains in public schools (HB 931), subject to district approval. Do you support or oppose this law and why?
I support this law because we are short on mental health professionals in our schools. While a Chaplain may not have the same credentials as a licensed mental health clinician, parents can opt in for children to have someone to talk to.
In June, the district revealed three plans to comply with a new state law mandating later school start times. Do you favor any of these plans, and if so, which? If not, what is your plan to comply with state law?
Unfortunately, this late start will be a burden on parents and will eliminate extra curricular and job opportunities for those who would have liked to participate. Out of the 3 options, option 1 with elementary start time as 7:30, HS 8:45, and MS at 10:15 looks to be the best of the 3 options. From July to September there will be public comment so I think it is very important that we pick the option that works the best for parents and transportation.
How would you assess the performance of Superintendent Michael Burke?
We went from an A rating to a B. Our reading scores have declined.
List in reverse chronological order each college or university attended with years of attendance.
Meyerson Academy Ohio 2 year Reading Practitioner Certification
Palm Beach State College A.S. Youth Development 2019
Grand Canyon University M.S. Addiction Counseling 2014
Virginia Wesleyan B.A. Communications 1996
List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
Director of Literacy Urban Youth Impact
Admissions Counselor Unity Recovery
Owner/Operator Blue Parrot Cafe
Real Estate Broker
Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details of the case and disposition.
no
Have you ever been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
no
Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
I have a background in education, mental health, and small business which gives me a varied experience to assist with a multitude of decisions that will be made on the board.
What in your life experience best qualifies you to serve as a school board member?
I am a problem solver. Every time I see a problem I educate myself and find solutions. I have a background in education, mental health, and small business which makes me well rounded for the various decisions that will need to be made on the school board.
