ISSUES
BEST INTERESTS OF THE STUDENTS
Our primary job is the education of our students. Every decision made must consider what is best for our students. As a school board trustee, this question will be part of every decision I make for our district. Our students deserve rigorous curriculum, quality teachers, and a safe environment in which to learn. A safe learning environment includes freedom from bullying, cyberbullying, and discrimination based upon gender, race, or disability. Our students have much to process with distance learning and the coronavirus without these additional added stresses. Many students suffer from depression and other mental health issues. We need to ensure the continued availability of partnerships such as Coronado SAFE and afford learning opportunities regarding diversity and inclusion within our district.
COLLABORATION WITH TEACHERS
As a school board member, collaboration with teachers is essential to serving the needs of our students. Teachers are in the classroom, day in and day out. They best know the students’ educational and social-emotional levels. They implement curriculum and see what schedule may best suit the school day. Teachers are an asset to our district and community. I value and respect teachers’ thoughts and opinions and as a school board member I would welcome the opportunity to work with teachers and staff.
TRANSPARENCY TO THE COMMUNITY
Transparency to the community is necessary. Decisions of the school board should be a transparent process and is accomplished through open communication with parents, students, and staff. Being a trustee of the school board is not a one-person job. It is an effort of community and collaboration. As a school board trustee, I will welcome public comment on issues before the school board and communicate decisions I make.
DISTANCE LEARNING AND SCHOOLS REOPENING
I believe in science and following the recommendations from public health experts. At this moment, Governor Newsom has mandated distance or virtual learning until San Diego County is off the monitoring list for 14 consecutive days. The benefits of in-person learning cannot be replaced by distance or virtual learning, as we know how important it is to children’s social emotional development. A big question is how to support the education of our children outside of a traditional classroom model, and how to provide support to our teachers so they can continue to provide lessons and curriculum across different platforms. However, the safety of the students, staff, and their families must be paramount. Our schools can eventually open safely provided the correct measures are in place – including the wearing of masks, social distancing, and ongoing sanitation of common use areas. Watching schools open across the country will provide us with additional data and best practices on how to reopen. The overarching priority is the safety of our students, staff, and their families. Any future decisions start with the health and well-being of those involved in our schools, coupled with the best way to provide educational content to the students. Please follow this link to CUSD Reopening of Schools plan: