About Me
I am a 14 year resident of Fox Point and a pediatrician in the community. I have sent all four of my children to the Fox Point Bayside School District. My oldest daughter graduated from the district and is currently a sophomore at Nicolet High School. My other three kids are in eighth grade and sixth grade at Bayside Middle School. I am currently the president of the Fox Point Bayside School Board. I am running to serve a second term on the board to continue the important work we began over the last three years and guide the district using a steady thoughtful approach.
David Melbye, MD
Fox Point Bayside
School Board Candidate
Goals
1
MENTAL HEALTH
The pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of all of us, including our children. I would first like the district to assess the level of need in our student population. After this assessment, I would support the district in adding additional curriculum and staff resources to focus on the social and emotional well-being of our students.
2
EQUITY AND DIVERSITY
I was fortunate to participate along with many members of the community in the "Framework for our Future" district event this past fall. One of the many helpful things that came out of this event was the community's strong desire for the district to have equity and inclusion as a pillar of our district's strategic plan. A new and diverse lens is needed to ensure equity and inclusion are part of the curriculum and that policies include fair treatment, equal opportunity, and fair access to resources that give every student what they need to succeed. We also want to continue to build a culture of belonging by actively inviting the contribution and participation of all students.
3
IMPROVING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP
Researchers have consistently found that teacher effectiveness is the critical component in improving student achievement and closing achievement gaps. I'm an advocate for continued professional development, and I believe this applies to all school staff including support staff so everyone can be as effective as they can in both behavioral and educational interventions.
CURRENT ISSUES
Covid -19
Throughout my time on the board I have taken a thoughtful and science-based approach to the pandemic in order to ensure the safety of all students and faculty. I have done this by reviewing current public health information and guidelines, as well as statistics regarding the virus. Through this approach, we have prioritized in-person learning. These principles will also guide us toward a return to normalcy when the time comes.
Pandemical Education Deficits
The results of standardized testing have shown that virtual learning during the pandemic was not as strong as in-person learning. Some kids will have struggled more than others. I feel it would be helpful to identify the kids who have not made the expected recovery this school year and provide additional services to catch them back up to their academic potential. The pandemic has also taken a toll on social and emotional education as well as resilience. This is another area the district should make a priority.
QUALIFICATIONS
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AROUND EDUCATION
I AM AN EDUCATOR
I HAVE A HISTORY ON THE BOARD
I HAVE A CAREER WORKING WITH CHILDREN
Growing up my father and aunt were both teachers. My sister is currently teaching and my wife was also a teacher, so I have been around education my whole life. I understand the importance of attracting, retaining, and supporting high quality teachers and staff.
I am an associate professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I help educate young pediatricians during their residency. My part time role in education gives me even more respect for the time and dedication it takes to be a full time educator.
I have served on the board for the last three years, including two years as the president. I would be able to continue to guide the district to build on its exceptional reputation and status among K-8 districts.
I am a pediatrician and have dedicated my career to the health and well-being of children. The decisions I make on the board will be student focused, both for our current and future students.
