Joshua Wiley

Where Wiley stands

Topic headings are Vote Book’s; quoted words are each candidate’s own, with the source under each one. “As reported” items are a news outlet’s description, not an exact quote.

Education

What top two issues motivate you to serve on the State Board of Education?

My top two priorities are expanding opportunity for every student and preparing students for what comes next. Every student deserves access to rigorous instruction, strong educators, and meaningful opportunities that allow them to succeed, regardless of their school or neighborhood. I also want to ensure our education system keeps pace with a changing world. That means strengthening academic achievement while ensuring students graduate prepared for college, careers, and life through career pathways, technology and AI literacy, and real world learning experiences. These priorities align directly with the State Board’s work on academic standards and graduation requirements.

How do you intend to hear from, respond to, and balance the needs of students, parents, and teachers?

I believe the best education policy is shaped with communities, not simply presented to them. I will regularly engage students, families, educators, and school communities through school visits, community meetings, office hours, surveys, and conversations throughout Ward 6. I will also intentionally seek out voices that are often missing from traditional public meetings. These groups will not always agree, so my responsibility is to listen, understand the impact of decisions from multiple perspectives, and communicate clearly about how community input informs my work. I want Ward 6 residents to know not only that I heard them, but what I did with what I heard.

Do you have school-aged children?

No, I do not have school aged children. However, as an educator and school leader, I work with students and families every day, which gives me a firsthand understanding of the experiences, needs, and challenges facing our school communities.

Background & priorities

What specific experience or skills prepare you to serve as a Board member?

I bring the perspective of an educator and school leader who works directly with students, families, and teachers every day. As an Assistant Principal, former instructional coach, and mathematics educator, I understand how education policy translates into classroom practice. My experience includes strengthening instruction, developing educators, analyzing student achievement, supporting students with diverse needs, and building strong school communities. I bring both a policy perspective and practical experience implementing change in schools, which will help me ask thoughtful questions and keep the impact on students and educators at the center of decisions.