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Even after significant staff reductions this year, Long Beach Unified anticipates it needs to cut tens of millions more from its budget next year. What would you cut? In the long term, with steadily declining enrollment, what needs to be done to ensure adequate funding for LBUSD?
In my view, more careful consideration of certain expenditures—particularly large contracts— will help LBUSD as declining enrollment continues. It is critical that any further reductions be made as far from the classroom as possible. Our priority must remain protecting the people and programs that have the greatest impact on student learning (teachers, counselors, special education aides, classroom support staff, mental health services, teacher librarians and academic intervention programs). Teachers need strong support systems, and site administrators must have the resources necessary to lead effectively and provide students with a high-quality education. With that in mind, I would recommend reductions in areas such as nonessential contracts, travel and certain central office functions.
The board of education has set ambitious goals for boosting literacy, English language arts and algebra proficiency, and college and career readiness. These goals place particular emphasis on closing the achievement gap between Black students and other student groups. While recent monitoring reports show some modest improvement, the district is not currently on track to meet most of these goals. What would you do to accelerate academic achievement and close performance gaps?
Currently, a significant portion of classroom time is spent administering assessments, which limits opportunities for instruction and support. While assessments are necessary for monitoring progress, an overabundance of tests can inadvertently reduce the time teachers have to deliver targeted, high-impact instruction. By reducing the number of assessments in the classroom, teachers can reclaim instructional time and accelerate literacy development.
Equally important is the support for teachers in the classroom. Literacy coaches and aides provide direct assistance by working with students in small-group instruction. This support enables teachers to focus on targeted instruction that helps accelerate literacy growth.
The board of education is currently engaged in a search for the district’s next superintendent, following Jill Baker’s retirement after this school year. With a new leader in such a powerful position, what would you tell the next superintendent to focus on?
I would advise the next superintendent to prioritize transparency and open communication with all stakeholders, particularly educators, students and parents. It is crucial for the leader to be accessible to those working directly with our students and parents, maintain a visible presence in schools, and listen actively to those they serve.
Fiscal responsibility should also be a priority, ensuring that spending is focused on areas that directly benefit student outcomes. Investment in school counselors, access to libraries, providing continued support for teachers, and supporting school administrators are vital components of a thriving educational environment. Additionally, accountability across all levels is essential to ensure that the district is functioning efficiently and effectively.
Tell voters why you should be elected.
As the only K-12 educator on the Board, I understand the unique complexities of the classroom and the challenges of balancing diverse needs in our schools. I know firsthand what it takes to create an environment where both teachers and students can thrive, and I will continue to advocate for policies that support both groups.
As Board member, I have consistently made decisions grounded in fairness and integrity. I have been responsive, transparent, and committed to ensuring that decisions made benefit stakeholders. I have asked tough questions, often challenging the majority, and have actively sought to represent the needs of those we serve. I was the only board member who voted NO on the $42 million dollar software contract and the only board member to vote NO on the layoffs.