2022 candidate questions & answers

TUSD shows low achievement levels in many important areas. Where do you believe this comes from? How would you, as a board member, try to both improve overall achievement and reduce the imbalance between the highest and the lowest achievers? As a part of this issue, do you believe that all seniors who graduate are academically ready when they graduate? Please explain..

What comments do you have in response to the 7/20/22 Court order which finds that TUSD has substantially removed all vestiges of segregation/discrimination? 

Also, please tell us your ideas to institute community oversight over the Post Unitary Status Reporting and Accountability Plan (PUSRAP). Finally, what role should the Board serve in oversight of the Plan, including the use of desegregation funds?

What do you know about TUSD’s history with subs, and do you believe they are treated fairly? 

If you are elected, what do think you as a board member could or should do to improve TUSD’s relationship with subs? 

If you become a school board member, what will your relationship with the Superintendent be? With the staff, teachers and community?

It is easy to be a cheerleader for TUSD, harder to shine a light on the problems. How are you personally committed to focusing on the areas that need addressing and making TUSD a better district? How will you handle and balance both of these roles?

As a member of the Governing Board, you will be responsible for hiring and /or approving the hiring of district administration? How will you overcome some of the deficiencies exposed by the HR audit in order to hire qualified staff and reduce the turnover rate? 

How do you propose to increase/ensure board accessibility and accountability to all stakeholders including parents, students and employees? Would you consider Call to the Audience (which is where members of the community can address the board at meetings) to be one of the valuable methods? 

There are no consequences for students who are repeatedly tardy.  Do you believe that there should or should not be?  Are you aware of the effects that tardiness has, and will have on other behaviors?