PLATFORM

1. If elected, what would you hope to be one key accomplishment of the board during your years of service? 

 

The pandemic, advancements in technology such as AI, and the pervasive influence of social media have profoundly affected our children’s academic performance and social well-being. When we consider that many households have two working parents, it becomes clear that schools must take on an even greater role in supporting the community and addressing the critical needs of our younger generation. To meet this challenge, I propose creating a more balanced approach that enhances both academic excellence and student well-being. This includes expanding our offerings both during and after school, with the goal of fostering an environment where students not only excel academically but also receive the social and emotional support they need to thrive. I believe the board should collaborate closely with BHEF, the city, PTSA, and parents to make this vision a reality. Introducing a wider array of after-school programs, activities, and tutoring is essential. Additionally, we need to establish stronger, more regular communication between parents, students, counselors, and teachers throughout the school year, rather than waiting for traditional parent-teacher meetings or report cards. This proactive approach would allow us to design personalized plans for each child, addressing academic and social challenges before they escalate. It is critical to uphold high academic standards while ensuring that our schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for all students.

 

2. Parents have raised concerns over class sizes, especially for fourth grade at El Rodeo School. How do you think the district should handle this? 

 

Research consistently shows that class size plays a crucial role in the early years of education, particularly for elementary-aged students. Given the additional challenges posed by the pandemic, it's more important than ever that our elementary schools maintain class sizes of no more than 24 to 25 students. I’m grateful to our administration for their excellent work in addressing the recent fourth-grade situation. However, it's essential to consider all key performance indicators that impact academic success. While smaller class sizes are important, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Family circumstances and community involvement are among the most significant factors influencing student performance. That’s why one of my primary goals is to expand offerings to our families, including after-school programs and tutoring support. Investing in teachers and support staff to aid in classroom management is also a top priority. Additionally, many of our student programs are currently funded by parent contributions, such as through the PTA/PTSA. I believe it’s time for the city and our budget to allocate more resources to these critical programs.

 

3. How would you evaluate the job Superintendent Michael Bregy is doing? 

 

The superintendent’s role is challenging, and I appreciate the work Dr. Bregy has done in steering the district through complex issues. I look forward to working closely with the entire administrative team to elevate our school rankings not only statewide but also nationwide.

 

4. What do you see as the role of technology and digital resources, especially AI, in education? 

 

Studies have shown that technology and digital resources, including AI, have the potential to significantly transform education by personalizing learning and improving accessibility. For instance, research from the Brookings Institution highlights how AI can tailor educational experiences to individual student needs, potentially closing achievement gaps. However, it's crucial to strike a balance between tech-driven solutions and the essential human interaction and traditional methods many of us parents experienced growing up. I advocate for integrating these resources thoughtfully, ensuring they enhance rather than replace core educational practices. As our legislators grapple with creating regulations around technology, particularly AI, our district should establish strict guidelines on how students utilize these tools. This is vital to ensure that students rely on their creativity and intelligence rather than becoming overly dependent on technology. During one of our recent board meetings, a parent cited research from the American Academy of Pediatrics indicating that excessive reliance on technology can hinder the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, I am a strong advocate for reducing screen time for children, particularly with devices like iPads and smartphones. Studies have linked excessive screen time to issues such as decreased attention spans and poor academic performance. Therefore, I support limiting the use of these devices during school hours to promote a healthier, more focused learning environment.

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5. Despite being a basic aid district, declining enrollment is still a problem at BHUSD. How would you address this?

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I believe the reopening of El Rodeo marks a turning point for our district. The previous exodus of parents was largely due to the ongoing construction—our facilities simply weren’t conducive to a functional learning and sports environment. This issue remains evident at the high school, where our children still lack access to facilities that meet the standards of excellence we should be providing. Additionally, during the pandemic, the lack of an inclusive environment at the board level left many parents feeling unheard and unacknowledged. To truly make our schools more attractive to families, we must go beyond construction and infrastructure. We need to focus on academic excellence, fostering a strong sense of community, and offering well-rounded extracurricular programs—especially in sports. I propose conducting a comprehensive study to evaluate how our schools compare not only with top public schools nationwide but also with the private institutions to which we’ve lost enrollment. Regular parent feedback is also crucial—they are the ultimate decision-makers and the most accurate judges of our performance. Their insights will help us identify areas where we excel and where we need improvement. By committing to first-class facilities, high-quality education, and enriching experiences, we can reverse the trend of declining enrollment and attract more families back to our district.

 

6. What school or district activities have you been involved in? 

 

As a parent and community member, I have been actively engaged in my daughter’s school activities and have supported various events and initiatives. My involvement has given me insight into the needs and challenges faced by students, parents, and educators alike. 

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7. Do you think the board is doing too much about mental health and behavioral issues? What roles, if any, should the district assume for dealing with societal problems? 

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I believe we need to take more decisive action, particularly in middle school, where many children begin to exhibit mental and behavioral challenges. It’s crucial to first identify the root causes of these issues and determine which students need the most support. Strengthening our disciplinary protocols is also essential. While recent state legislation limits traditional disciplinary measures, early parental involvement is key. We must work closely with parents, helping them understand and address the core issues their children face. Most parents are eager to support their children but may lack the knowledge or feel hindered by social stigmas that prevent them from seeking help. Creating an inclusive, safe environment is paramount, and we need to hire professionals who can guide us in developing effective resources for struggling students. While addressing mental health and behavioral issues is critical, our primary focus must remain on ensuring the strength of our core academic mission. The district has a role in providing the necessary support and resources, but we must also foster community involvement and partnerships to collaboratively address these broader societal challenges.

 

8. What do you see as the current challenges facing education in the district? 

 

To answer this question thoughtfully, I would first need to see a detailed analysis of our most recent test scores compared to previous years. This analysis would likely reveal important trends by grade level and subject matter. However, based on what we know, there are several areas where we can make impactful improvements. We must enhance our after-school programs to include robust tutoring support, regularly assess teacher performance throughout the year, and equip our teachers with the resources they need to help students excel. Our district, like many others, faces significant challenges—chief among them being budget constraints. The critical question is how we can offer a diverse array of classes that meet the unique needs of our student population while also providing close, individualized management to ensure every student performs at their best. For instance, we need to address issues like gaps in literacy and math proficiency, where targeted interventions can make a substantial difference. Additionally, expanding access to advanced coursework and integrating technology effectively in the classroom are essential for preparing students for the future. These challenges demand a board that is both visionary and practical—one that is committed to long-term strategic planning while staying focused on immediate priorities. We need leaders who can balance innovation with the realities of our budget and who are dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed academically.

 

9. What skills or traits will allow you to contribute to the effective operations of the board as a whole? 

 

I bring a business-minded approach to problem-solving, combined with a deep commitment to our community. My experience in leadership, managing resources efficiently, and working collaboratively will help ensure the board operates effectively and stays focused on delivering results for our students and families.

 

10. How will you ensure academic standards are better met?

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Ensuring that academic standards are consistently met requires a multifaceted approach that involves setting measurable goals and implementing data-driven performance indicators—such as standardized assessments, grades, and surveying parents. The board has made significant progress in this area over the last few years, but we need to include parents and work closely with teachers. Setting high expectations is key, but ensuring resources and support are equally important. We need to regularly study schools with high academic achievement, perform a gap analysis, and perhaps provide our teachers with professional development opportunities. Expanding resources to include tutoring, better academic counseling (particularly in high school), and special education support for struggling students is also essential.

 

11. Do you think the district should propose another bond for its modernization project?

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No, I don’t believe the community will support it either, as many are frustrated with the way the construction was managed and the timelines not met. Any decision about new bonds should be made carefully, with transparency and input from the community. We must ensure that any funds are managed responsibly and that the benefits of modernization truly meet the needs of our students and schools. I am committed to being a good steward of taxpayer dollars.

 

12. What do you want voters to know about you before voting on Nov. 5? 

 

 I am running because I believe our children are our future, and I am confident in the potential of our schools to be among the best in the state. As a parent, business owner, and engaged community member, I have a personal stake in ensuring our district succeeds. I’m committed to bringing a common-sense approach to the board—one that prioritizes academic excellence, student safety, and fiscal responsibility. If you believe in a stronger future for our schools, I would be honored to have your support.