Why I'm running
A school district is only as strong as its community. The district should engage parents in the “why” of decisions, clarify policy tradeoffs, and listen to the opinions of an empowered public. With a responsive district, every SJUSD family can see themselves as educational decision-makers, not just consumers of what the district provides. The current trustees have failed to meaningfully engage, as they did in the recent closure of five schools and their inaction in response to a scathing grand jury report. The community feels that their input and engagement is not valued, and the school board needs change.
As a school board member, I would connect parents to the experts and information that guide policy decisions to make the process more transparent on all sides. The current system best serves families who already have institutional knowledge and confidence that their voices matter. Many don’t have the time or energy to effectively advocate. Others focus only on their individual child or specific school. Very few believe their participation and engagement in the district at large makes a difference.
Our city, and our district, bring together students, parents, educators, and administrators from vastly different backgrounds. Half of the students in the district are English learners, foster youth, or eligible for free/reduced-price meals. At the same time, the average home price in San Jose is $1.4 million. Despite the enormous wealth in the area, schools struggle to address our students’ unique challenges.