ISSUES

Communication

• There is not a clear line of communication between the district, unions, and parents.
• During the strike, parents were left in the dark about what the strike was about, childcare options, and whether the school would make up the days.
• Parents reached out to the current board and were met with radio silence.
• This lack of communication & lack of transparency furthered the divide and broke trust. I’m committed to speaking the truth and giving everyone clear information regardless of whether it’s good or bad news.
• I will ensure that I remain responsive and communicate with parents, students, teachers, and staff so that everyone knows what is happening in the district.

Accountability

• Our current board asked teachers to take a $10,000 salary cut while almost simultaneously voting to give the superintendent a salary raise. Since he was elected, his salary has gone up nearly 45%. This superintendent has a 90% vote of no confidence.
• I would ensure that folks who are not performing at a level adequate to our children’s needs in this district are not let in such powerful positions of power.

Equitable spending

• We have over 100 million in reserve funds. Yet, we have a funding formula running on a scarcity model. I want to ensure we put money where it belongs. To help teachers receive good pay, professional development, mental health services, and anything else needed to recruit and retain the folks who are caring for our children.
• We have 150 vacancies for a district of 40,000 kids whereas neighboring Elk Grove has 20 vacancies for 60,000 kids. We need to work collaboratively and understand what other folks are doing better, and spread our funding to children and schools with the most need.