Questions & Answers
Why are you running?
I would like to serve the community. I believe I possess the necessary skills and wisdom which would allow me to be a valuable member of the school board. Over the past 11 years my children have been enrolled in VUSD schools and they have been blessed to have some of the most extraordinary learning opportunities, phenomenal educators and caring adults helping them to blossom into their most authentic self. I have given back to the district in many ways over the years, and I feel the time is right for me to contribute at a greater level now.
Why do you consider yourself qualified to be a school board member?
I have over 28 years experience in education, most notably as a teacher for the last 24 years in Hueneme Elementary School District. In addition to classroom experience, I hold a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from California State University, Northridge, where I was grateful to study under local educational leaders such as former VUSD superintendent, Dr. Trudy Arriaga and current VUSD Board President, Dr. Jerry Dannenberg. Furthermore, I have held many leadership positions during my career including District Leadership Team and School Site Council. I am an active member of Hueneme Education Association, and am currently chairperson of HEA Scholarship Committee.
I am the proud parent of two students currently enrolled in Ventura Unified School District: Jack is a junior at Buena High School and Lauren is in 8th grade at De Anza Academy of Technology and the Arts. They have attended VUSD schools since TK and I have actively participated in parent leadership throughout those years. I have been involved in PTO leadership, co-chaired Outdoor Education twice, led fundraising campaigns, and volunteered countless hundreds of hours in classrooms and at school events.
What is your vision of the future of Ventura Unified School District?
As stated on the boardroom wall, “In the Ventura Unified School District all students will receive an exemplary and balanced education fostering a lifelong passion for learning and engagement.” I agree with every word! Learning should never end upon exiting a classroom door. I hope that all students will feel well prepared, hopeful and motivated to meet their future dreams.
What do you feel are three top concerns facing VUSD?
School safety is of upmost concern to many parents. The district has made efforts to improve student safety through both policy as well as physical changes on campuses. This does lead to a subsequent concern of changing culture on campuses as we push parents outside fences to keep kids safe. Many parents are already disenfranchised from their child’s learning experience due to language barriers, financial disparity or cultural incongruence. We need to find balanced ways to welcome families onto campuses without jeopardizing student safety. As always, effective communication among all parties will lead to meeting everyone’s needs.
Providing competitive compensation for staff in order to recruit and retain the best and brightest education stars remains a top priority. There are many areas in regard to compensation whereby the district has their hands tied. To quote the great John Wooden, “Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.” The district has an opportunity to think outside the box and push their understanding about what compensation entails. With unused properties in the district’s possession, collaborating with the local public housing agency to create affordable housing options for low-income staff or possibly students could be a game changer. We need to be open to exploring a variety of options, and courageous enough to blaze trails if needed. That having been said, the greatest way we can show our respect and appreciation for staff is by ensuring fair and competitive salaries across all jobs and all levels.
Declining enrollment is a huge concern across the county and much of California. Declining enrollment creates budgetary challenges for school boards as income through ADA decreases, but costs continue to grow. As such, the district needs to consider a two pronged approach to balancing future budgets, both searching for additional revenue streams and judiciously monitoring spending. Voters generously approved our most recent bond measure which allowed for major facilities improvements going forward, however, it is not an ongoing revenue stream. Housing costs have driven some families out of our area, we need to work with City Council looking at the ways local housing ordinances can be changed to improve stock and reduce costs for hard working families. I would also like to empower our community to advocate for increased education funding in the future.
How can we ensure Measure E funds are spend judiciously?
I am very grateful to voters for having passed Measure E which will allow the district the ability to make major facilities upgrades. It has been 30 years since the last bond measure and these facilities upgrades are desperately needed. I am happy to serve on the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee which will oversee and ensure all expenditures are in line with the board resolution. The upgrades on the multi-year schedule will meet needs on every campus, and positively impact the life of every student. This summer I was able to tour many schools across the district and see the new science labs, cool roofs, LED lighting, security upgrades, and playground/field improvements. Over the next few years these dollars will bringing new more energy efficient heating and much needed air conditioning to classrooms, solar powered energy to offset electric use, athletic field improvements from track resurfacing to scoreboards, inclusive playground equipment, new aquatic centers and security cameras. Students will benefit from these upgrades for decades to come.
What are your views on the Arts for All movement?
I am a huge proponent of arts in the classroom. I have seen students blossom through music, drama and fine art curriculum—both my students and my children. The arts are adaptable and relevant to children of all ages and abilities. I have seen students develop creativity, confidence, commitment and determination—arguably vital life skills—through direct instruction in art curriculum. Thanks to Measure E our athletics programs are getting much needed funding. I would support increased funding of art programs such as dedicated art and music programs starting in elementary school and expanded art, music and drama programs in middle and high schools.
What steps should be taken to address record levels of anxiety, depression, and substance use among our youth today? What resources should be brought to bear to improve student mental health?
Socio emotional awareness is a skill that needs to be taught from TK/Kindergarten all the way through graduation. Students need the tools to deal with complex emotions that arise even at very early ages. Research shows that people with social cognition and emotional regulation skills have greater happiness and well-being, form close relationships that can help buffer them during times of hardship, and have better long-term health. These skills need to be taught directly, so students have support and resilience to succeed in life.
We also need onsite resources at every campus, including counselors and mental health centers. I am excited to see VUSD take the lead in revamping their model of support for therapeutic and behavior needs. I fully support Katie McKarrell in her new leadership role as Director of the Education & Behavioral Services department. This wrap-around approach to helping students and families will be a game changer in helping all students succeed.
Schools are increasingly becoming facilities for meeting student needs beyond reading, writing and math…we must lean into the community’s needs. We must provide resources where we can, connect community members to outside services, and advocate at all levels for the benefit of our community.