MEET CORENIA SMITH
Corenia Smith is a dedicated advocate, community organizer, and nurse running for the Columbia Heights School Board. As a first-generation high school graduate, Corenia knows firsthand the transformative power of education. Growing up in a family where her parents did not graduate high school, Corenia faced significant challenges on her educational journey. Despite being an honors and AP student, she was told that her only path to college was through the military. It was the intervention of a caring adult that changed her trajectory, helping her apply to colleges and ultimately setting her on a path to success.
Corenia’s experience inspired her to pursue a career in advocacy and public service. She holds a master’s degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership and has dedicated her life to serving her community in various roles, including as a nurse, community organizer, and lobbyist. Her passion for education, health equity, and social justice drives her commitment to creating a school system where every student is supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
Running for the school board, Corenia is focused on advancing educational equity, supporting educators, and ensuring that all students in Columbia Heights, Hilltop, and Fridley have access to safe, inspiring, and inclusive learning environments. She believes that with the right support, every student can succeed, and she is determined to make that vision a reality.
MY VISION
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Why It Matters: Ensuring students’ mental health is crucial for their overall success. We need to foster a supportive and understanding environment that prioritizes mental well-being and reduces the need for harsh disciplinary actions.
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Why It Matters: Many students, including my nephew, have fallen behind during the pandemic and online learning disruptions. By investing in robust support systems, we can help them regain lost ground and excel academically. This includes expanding English language learning programs to ensure all students have the tools they need to succeed.
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Why It Matters: Engaging with the students and families in our community and prioritizing their input helps create an education system that truly reflects and meets the needs of those it serves. Ensuring their voices shape our educational policies and programs.
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Why It Matters: Our educators are the backbone of our school system. By providing them with the resources, professional development, and support they need, we can ensure they feel valued and equipped to inspire and educate our children effectively.
HOW TO VOTE FOR CORENIA SMITH
2024 VOTING DATES
VOTE EARLY - Sept 20th through Nov 4th
ELECTION DAY/LAST DAY TO VOTE - Nov 5th
FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE HERE
And find out more about:
Pre-registration for voters who will be 18 prior to Nov 5th.
Absentee Ballot process
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