Issues

As a parent of three children who have gone through the Hamilton Southeastern Schools system, I have seen firsthand the challenges that our youth face. I want to talk about an issue that is close to my heart and that I am deeply committed to addressing as your school board member: Mental Health.

Our children and teens are facing an epidemic of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in six U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. These numbers are staggering, and they demand our urgent attention.

As your school board member, I am committed to making mental health a top priority in our schools. We cannot ignore the impact that mental health issues are having on our students. When our children and teens are struggling with anxiety, depression, or thoughts of suicide, it affects every aspect of their lives, including their academic performance, their relationships with peers and teachers, and their overall well-being.

That's why I am committed to implementing policies and programs that support the mental health of our students. This includes increasing access to mental health resources in our schools, providing training for teachers and staff to recognize the signs of mental illness, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

I also believe that we need to involve parents and the wider community in this effort. By working together, we can create a support network for our students that extends beyond the walls of the school.

As a parent who has experienced the challenges of navigating the school system with children who are struggling with mental health issues, I understand the importance of this issue on a personal level. I am committed to making sure that every child in our district has the support and resources they need to thrive.

Thank you for your support,

John Stewart

Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board Candidate 

I am committed to providing our students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in today's ever-changing world. One of the key pillars of my platform is the importance of career pathways in our education system.

In today's rapidly evolving job market, it's no longer enough to simply earn a high school diploma. Our students need to graduate with a clear vision of their career pathway, whether that leads them to a four-year university, a trade school, a community college, the military, or a job apprenticeship.

That's why I am passionate about providing more career exploration opportunities to all students in our district. By exposing our students to a wide range of career options early on, we can help them discover their passions and interests and develop a clear plan for their future.

As Mike Rowe so eloquently stated, "we are sending kids to colleges they can not afford to prepare for careers that no longer exist." It's time to change that. We need to prepare our students for the jobs of tomorrow, not the jobs of yesterday.

My vision for Hamilton County Schools is that every student will graduate not only with a solid education but also with a clear sense of their life's calling and purpose. Whether they choose to pursue higher education, enter the workforce directly, or pursue a career in the trades or the military, I want to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

By investing in career pathways and providing our students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, we can ensure that every student in Hamilton County has the chance to reach their full potential.

Thank you for your support,

John Stewart

Candidate for Hamilton County School Board - Wayne Township