As a lifelong resident of Martinez and a product of its public school system, I aim to contribute my time and skills to the Martinez Unified School District (MUSD) to provide students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success. My experience as a small business owner and community member has given me a unique perspective on the needs of our youth, and I am committed to offering transformational leadership that addresses the challenges facing MUSD, including fiscal and operational mismanagement and a lack of accountability.
I’m running for Martinez School Board because I believe that every student in our district deserves an educational environment that will support and challenge them so that they can see just how far they can go. I’m an engaged member of the Martinez community, I have served on various commissions and boards, including the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board, Loaves and Fishes, Martinez Measure D committee which has provided me with a broad perspective on community needs especially for our youth and at-risk youth.
I am committed to creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential. I envision a future where every MUSD student has access to a top-notch education that exposes them to trades, entrepreneurships, and an academic education that allows them to reach their full potential and that meets the needs of all students, families, and staff. I would be honored to earn your support in making this vision a reality.
LIST OF ISSUES
Budget:
Martinez Unified is facing multiple challenges ahead. District reserves will decrease by $9.7M over the next two years. Deficit spending in both unrestricted and restricted accounts will be addressed as one-time funds expire. Projected revenues from the state and federal government will not be sufficient to overcome rising costs. The current school board is recommending program reductions in staffing, supplies and materials and services in future years to balance spending. Here is a list of some of the things I plan to do.
1. Increase Revenue: Explore alternative revenue sources such as grants, community fundraising, and partnerships with local businesses. Engage in advocacy for increased local, state and federal funding.
2. Long-Term Financial Planning: Develop a long-term financial plan that includes strategies for managing deficits, rebuilding reserves, and addressing future funding uncertainties. This plan should include scenarios for different levels of funding and expenditure.
3. Community Involvement: Engage with the community to explain the financial situation and seek their support.
4. Efficiency Improvements: Assess and streamline administrative processes to reduce costs. Implement cost-saving measures in procurement and contracts for supplies and services.
As a community, we must ensure not only the preservation of our dedicated teachers and staff but also the continuation and enhancement of programs and services, with a special focus on expanding support for our most vulnerable and underserved students.
Infrastructure:
With the passage of Measure K ($45 million) in 2010 and Measure R ($120 million) in 2016, our district made significant improvements to our aging facilities. However, there are still many challenges ahead. As your trustee, I will advocate for additional bonds to ensure that our campuses remain safe and inspiring places for students to learn.
Education:
MUSD already offers a variety of programs, including auto shop, woodworking, and more. My goal is to expand these offerings to include additional math classes for students pursuing trades, advanced lesson plans for ESL students, and enhanced tutoring and after-school programs.
School safety:
Safety will always be our top priority. If our teachers, staff, parents, and, most importantly, our students do not feel safe, then we have not succeeded. Ensuring a secure and supportive environment is fundamental to our mission and essential for effective learning and community well-being.
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Enhanced Security Measures: Implementing physical security upgrades like better lighting, secure entry points, and surveillance systems can help deter and manage potential threats.
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Emergency Preparedness: Developing and regularly updating emergency response plans is crucial. This includes conducting drills for various scenarios (e.g., lockdowns, evacuations) and ensuring all staff and students are familiar with procedures.
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Mental Health Support: Providing access to mental health resources for students and staff can help address underlying issues that might lead to safety concerns. Counseling services and mental health education play a critical role in creating a supportive environment.
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Community and School Engagement: Building strong relationships between schools, parents, and local law enforcement can enhance safety. Regular communication and collaboration with the community can help in understanding and addressing potential safety issues.
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Training and Awareness: Training staff and students on safety protocols and awareness can prepare them to respond effectively to various situations. This includes recognizing warning signs and knowing how to report concerns.
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Resource Allocation: Ensuring that schools have the necessary resources, including personnel such as safety coordinators, is vital for maintaining a safe environment.
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Student Empowerment: Encouraging students to be active participants in their own safety and to report any concerns they might have can create a safer school culture.
By combining these strategies and continually assessing and adapting our approach, we can work towards creating a safer environment for everyone in our schools.
Staff:
Supporting school staff effectively involves addressing their professional, emotional, and logistical needs. Here are several ways i hope help advocate for school staff:
1. Professional Development
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Training and Workshops: Offer regular professional development opportunities to help staff stay updated with best practices and new technologies.
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Mentorship Programs: Implement mentorship or coaching programs to provide guidance and support, especially for new or struggling staff members.
2. Supportive Work Environment
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Adequate Resources: Ensure that teachers and staff have access to necessary teaching materials, technology, and resources.
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Safe and Healthy Work Conditions: Maintain a clean and safe physical environment, and address any concerns related to workplace safety and health.
3. Emotional and Mental Health Support
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Counseling Services: Provide access to counseling or mental health resources to help staff manage stress and personal issues.
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Work-Life Balance: Promote a healthy work-life balance by encouraging time off, flexible scheduling, and respecting personal time.
4. Recognition and Appreciation
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Celebrate Achievements: Regularly recognize and celebrate staff accomplishments and contributions, both formally and informally.
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Appreciation Events: Organize events or initiatives to show appreciation for staff efforts, such as appreciation days or awards.
5. Open Communication
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Feedback Channels: Create channels for staff to provide feedback and voice concerns, and ensure that their input is valued and acted upon.
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Regular Meetings: Hold regular meetings to discuss school goals, challenges, and staff needs, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
6. Professional Resources
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Access to Tools: Provide access to educational tools, software, and resources that can help staff improve their teaching and administrative efficiency.
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Time for Planning: Allow time within the schedule for lesson planning and collaboration among staff.
7. Collaborative Culture
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Team Building: Foster a collaborative culture through team-building activities and opportunities for staff to work together on projects and initiatives.
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Support Networks: Encourage the development of support networks among staff members, such as peer support groups or committees.
8. Administrative Support
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Streamlined Processes: Simplify administrative processes to reduce paperwork and bureaucratic burdens on staff.
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Efficient Systems: Implement efficient systems for managing tasks, communication, and documentation.
9. Workforce housing
Identify locations and opportunities in which we can develop existing properties like the adult school where our staff and teachers can have access to affordable housing within the city