03/25/2026
SAABSE Members Emphasize Advocacy, Student Support, and Community Engagement at March 24 Meeting
Special Report by the NAACP Sandusky Unit 3199
SANDUSKY, Ohio — Members of the Sandusky Area Alliance of Black School Educators (SAABSE) gathered Tuesday evening at the Community Foundation to discuss their mission, share personal motivations for involvement, and address ongoing challenges facing students, families, and educators in Sandusky City Schools.
Throughout the meeting, speakers highlighted a shared commitment to student success, increased community engagement, and the need for stronger support systems within the district.
Motivations for Joining SAABSE
Several members spoke candidly about why they joined the organization and what they hope to accomplish.
Raquel Pace emphasized vigilance and advocacy as key reasons for her involvement.
“Why I joined SAABSE is because keeping an eye on our children in the school district is important to me,” Pace said.
Monicia Pearson-Hall, financial secretary for SAABSE, described her involvement as rooted in both personal and community responsibility.
“I’ve been a member…for three years… I have a passion for kids, and I want to be able to touch them and help them out with the kids that are in need right now, because that’s what’s most important,” Pearson-Hall said. “I got grandkids… and I see a lot of kids out here that don’t have that help, so I want to help them out.”
Pearson-Hall also underscored the importance of collective action.
“I think philanthropy is necessary now more than ever… it truly takes a village,” she said. “We’re not only just helping students, we’re helping teachers, we’re helping parents.”
Looking ahead, SAABSE leadership emphasized growth and sustainability as priorities.
Kiera Ford, president of SAABSE and a ninth-grade English teacher at Sandusky High School, said:
“This year, I really hope that we can build our numbers and really get some groundbreaking foundational programming that we can turn into annual staple events.”
Focus on Early Intervention and Student Motivation
Members also stressed the importance of reaching students early in their academic journeys.
“Just to help the kids and help them to understand the importance of education and trying to give them a chance to start off right,” one member said. “Focusing on the younger students… if we start with them young and we reward them early, they’ll want to continue to do well.”
The speaker pointed to past initiatives such as attendance incentives as evidence of success.
“We got more complaints from parents about students not getting that perfect attendance certificate… they needed that… so we made those things relevant and getting them there.”
Changing Challenges in Education
Betty Maceo, founder of SAABSE more than 25 years ago, reflected on how educational challenges have evolved.
“Now what’s different is they don’t want you to say anything about history,” Maceo said. “They need to see more of Black people succeed… there’s people out there that look like them… and wanting them to succeed.”
Maceo, who also serves as a counselor with the Sandusky Digital Learning Academy, highlighted the interconnected struggles of students, families, and educators.
“A lot of these children are… hurting. Parents are hurting,” Maceo said. “They don’t have the tools necessarily to effectively help their children succeed… and it’s frustrating for them, and it’s frustrating for the child, which makes it frustrating for the teachers.”
Concerns About Student Behavior and Community Conditions
Zana Rice, an administrative assistant at the Sandusky Digital Learning Academy, spoke about the urgency of guiding students toward better outcomes.
“I try to talk to students all the time… I want to see these children do good. I don’t want to see them in the streets,” Rice said.
Rice also expressed concern about potential safety issues in the community.
“We have police officers that come to our building every day… they’re already talking about what a crazy summer it’s gonna be… possibly deaths this summer,” Rice said. “All I could do was pray that that doesn’t happen.”
Rice emphasized the importance of helping students think long-term.
“You can’t just think about today or tomorrow. Think about your future,” Rice said.
A Shared Vision Moving Forward
Across all speakers, a common theme emerged: the need for collaboration, accountability, and sustained engagement to improve outcomes for students.
Members reiterated that SAABSE’s role extends beyond education, serving as a bridge between schools, families, and the broader community.
