What firsthand experience does each candidate bring with the Suffolk Public Schools system they want to help lead? How has that experience shaped their ideas for improving our schools?
 

Board Member Kim Slingluff believes that competition through school choice will drive improvements in public schools. 
(Source: iVoterGuide, 2026 Candidate Questionnaire)
 

But serving on the Suffolk School Board involves more than what happens in the classroom.  It means overseeing a system that families rely on every day, including transportation, special education, school safety, staffing, student support, and school funding.
 

As a parent whose children have attended Suffolk Public Schools, Karima Lockwood knows these systems firsthand. She’s experienced the challenges families face and understand how School Board decisions affect students beyond the classroom. “My philosophy is that public schools are community institutions that should be strengthened from within, with parents, educators, administrators, and the community sharing responsibility for improving student outcomes.”
 

School choice also raises an important funding question. When students leave a public school, some funding may leave with them. But schools still have to pay for buildings, buses, teachers, and special services. How do we protect these services when fewer students attend?
 

Public schools have a duty to serve every student, including children who need extra help or special services.

This isn't about whether families should have choices. It's about how we make Suffolk Public Schools stronger while making sure every child gets the education and support they need.
 

As an SPS parent, I bring firsthand knowledge of the challenges families face. I believe improving our schools starts with listening to those families, supporting teachers, and working together to help students succeed.

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Strong Schools. Strong Community. Vote for Karima Lockwood

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