What pandemic policies do you think were successes in terms protecting students and staff and what did you disagree with? What should schools do if the city gets hit with a new surge of infections?
All California schools were shut down in March of 2020. In anticipation of our return to in-person instruction for the fall semester, safety protocols as with social distancing and PPE were thoughtfully instituted. I am impressed with our staff’s ability to create safe classroom environments with attention to detail like providing voice amplifying devices for teachers to prevent straining while speaking masked. Our COVID taskforce was led by Dr. Tiffany Brown, who stayed abreast of all required COVID mitigations and guidelines and was in constant contact with Dr. Anissa Davis of the Long Beach Health Department. I stand by our cautious approach and commitment to following state and local guidelines. Our ongoing collaboration with the Health Department and an understanding of the unpredictable nature of this virus ensures our readiness to implement safety measures as needed.
Given the October 2021 killing of Mona Rodriguez by a Millikan High School safety officer, would you support the removal of all armed security and police from school campuses?
We no longer have armed security or police officers positioned on any of our school campuses. Trained school security officers are permitted on campus when summoned by school administration.
The district has warned for decades that declining enrollment could ultimately lead to budget cuts across the LBUSD. Where would you make reductions and what would you fight to protect?
I joined the board at a time during the recession when the district was forced to cut over $300 million from the budget. We are fortunate to have recovered from that devastating time with an informed and fiscally conservative approach to the budget. Preventative measures such as keeping an eye on staffing ratios and long-term projections help to avoid the need for cuts. Reductions must be made in a way that insulates our basic educational foundation. We must keep cuts away from the students and protect essential jobs.
The LBUSD is unique because it blends together inner-city and suburban students into one educational setting. What will you do to ensure that the achievement gap currently experienced by some students is closed?
Certain key factors contribute to our renewed focus on closing the achievement gap. Conducting a communication audit and subsequent hiring of a chief communications director, conducting a curriculum audit and our comprehensive Learning Acceleration and Support Plan prioritize the needs of our historically marginalized students and families. In the last year, the board has passed an Equity and Excellence Policy and conducted community visioning and listening sessions to elevate all voices. I have been an integral part of the board’s commitment to a more active role in improving student outcomes.
The LBUSD is the city’s largest employer but is at an impasse in contract negotiations with one of its largest unions. What perspective would you bring to the position to help ensure that the district is not affected by work stoppages?
I bring 10 years of experience in dealing with our labor partners. I have learned that cultivating a culture of quality relationships is grounded in trust and mutual respect. I have always made myself available to meet and listen to all points of view and to value the people and their respective work.
What is your position on the district’s plan for gender-neutral locker rooms?
I am proud of our staff for the innovative thinking regarding the proposed gender-neutral locker room. I am equally proud of the ability to put those plans on hold as more information is gathered. This is a decision that requires careful consideration.