Alex Valenzuela: Embedded in the word trustee lies the root word “trust.” To earn trust, trustees must lead with humility. Leading with humility means leading not out of self-gain but out of love and care for the community, being a servant to those you represent. Leading with humility is being plugged in, listening to people, making yourself uncomfortable, and, most importantly, reminding people you care. When we sow care and lend a hand and ear, we can rest assured that the harvest will yield trust.

Jaime Lopez: Be transparent and make all decisions with the students and community in mind.

Sandra Ivonne Shay: No response.

Alex Valenzuela: Educators mold and create all other professions. Undoubtedly, one of the pressing issues facing the district is the high turnover of teaching staff. Retention of passionate educators is critical as they empower and equip our future leaders. Educators walking away discouraged should stir us into action. Downcast educators with a loss of passion translates to downcast and under-performing students. If we value the future of our students, we must pressingly address our educators’ concerns.

Jaime Lopez: Student attrition. With the number of students not returning to schools and a current tight budget, we are not able to provide our teachers and staff across the district with the wage adjustments they deserve, and most important we are unable to hire additional teachers that we had planned for.

Sandra Ivonne Shay: No response.

Alex Valenzuela: The pandemic created a learning gap that is disparaging many students. Research data says that tutoring is an effective method to close the COVID-19 learning gap, specifically in-school tutoring. Tutoring within school hours fosters a collective commitment to tutoring that creates a positive social- emotional environment for students. In-school tutoring reduces distractions for students, ensures teacher availability, and provides teachers a healthier work-life balance.

Jaime Lopez: Implement a tutoring program to help students be caught up and be at grade level.

Sandra Ivonne Shay: No response.

Alex Valenzuela: Diversity in culture and perspectives make our region unique. Unfortunately, diversity in thought and perspective no longer distinguishes us but divides us. Rather than censor curriculum and books, I believe we ought to provide broader information on subjects with differing views, presenting opposing ideas and encouraging healthy discussions on their differences. If the freedom to express opinions, ideas, and world views persists, we can live confidently that the truth will always ring true.

Jaime Lopez: No comment, I respect everyone’s opinion.

Sandra Ivonne Shay: No response.

Alex Valenzuela: As the owner of Red Dune Engineering, I have analyzed financial projections, balanced books, and managed the company’s monthly budget. Additionally, my experience as a professional engineer has yielded extensive review of governmental ordinances and policies. I have the confidence that my rapid growth as a business owner and my familiarization with legal language will pay meaningful contributions to the board.

Jaime Lopez: No comment.

Sandra Ivonne Shay: No response.

Paul N. Gomez: Be honest with the community and staff. No more ” back room deals.” No more overspending.

Mary Macias: No response.

Paul N. Gomez: Overspending. The reason is bad planning, too many overpaid personnel at the district office, buying things that the district does not need.

Mary Macias: No response.

Paul N. Gomez: Offer tutoring for students who have fallen behind. Offer some type of incentive program to get students to want to participate.

Mary Macias: No response.

Paul N. Gomez: That has always been a “touchy subject” that comes down to how parents want to raise and educate their children on their own personal beliefs and values. You cannot force your personal values onto others.

Mary Macias: No response.

Paul N. Gomez: Budgeting is simple. You spend what you can afford and do not spend money on things you do not need. I can learn to set policies and analyze policy. I am sure when the existing board members started they had to learn as they go.

Mary Macias: No response.

Sigifredo (Fred) Montes: Listen and have communication with the community members to include students and parents. Show interest and demonstrate loyalty and trust.

Claudia A. Perez: A Board Trustee must listen to the community’s concerns.

Sigifredo (Fred) Montes: Enforcing security for the district campuses and community, to include parents, students and staff.

Claudia A. Perez: Bullying is a plague that starts from the top and is used to intimidate any opinion.

Sigifredo (Fred) Montes: Encouraging parents and students about attendance and to continue technology innovation.

Claudia A. Perez: The district needs to assist teacher’s and have parent’s collaborate to aide the students progress.

Sigifredo (Fred) Montes: Encouraging groups and parents to attend board meetings so their voice and opinions can be addressed.

Claudia A. Perez: Listen to their concerns and involve them in the solution.

Sigifredo (Fred) Montes: Have been working with the school districts for 28 years and enforcing and analyzing policy on a daily basis.

Claudia A. Perez: I have previously served as a board trustee and have some knowledge in all of the items mentioned above.