Thank you for your question. I appreciate your interest in Measure K and the future of education in our community.

A YES vote on Measure K supports students, families, teachers, and staff of AUHSD in many ways—some directly, and some indirectly. Here are some key benefits of Measure K:

1. Funding for Repairs and Upgrades: Measure K will provide essential funding to "Repair and Prepare"; our schools. This includes upgrading facilities, improving technology, and enhancing educational programs to meet current standards and future needs.

2. Community Commitment: This measure ensures our schools are equipped for the future, helping AUHSD maintain its leadership in paving the way for student success.

3. Local Control and Oversight: A YES vote allows for local decision-making on how funds are allocated, ensuring that the priorities of students, teachers, and staff are directly addressed.

4. Expanded Opportunities: Students will benefit from expanded extracurricular programs, career pathways, and additional resources, providing them with a well-rounded education.

5. Additional Funding: Measure K passing will allow AUHSD to benefit from additional state funding, adding an approximate $125 Million for the district.

Voting YES on Measure K is a vote for kids, teachers, and staff. It’s a vote for our future and for our community.

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your question. I appreciate the interaction.

I am running a nonpartisan campaign. As a school board trustee, the position focuses on and has duties for children, families, teachers, and all staff. As a lifelong member of this community, I am familiar with the residents and how our community's makeup has evolved. I know the current demographics and will be honored to represent our community, no matter the voter's party preference. My responsibility as a Trustee is to protect, stand up for, and most importantly represent every student in Area 3 and as a whole, the Centralia Elementary School District in its entirety.

Again, I thank you for your interest in our community and our campaign.

Thank you for your email and interest in Assembly Bill 1955, known as the SAFETY Act.

This legislation is a significant step forward in supporting students and educators in our K-12 schools. The SAFETY Act emphasizes the importance of mental health services, ensuring students have access to the resources needed to thrive. By providing training for educators and school staff on mental health awareness and creating supportive school environments, we can better address the diverse needs of our students.

Moreover, the provisions related to confidentiality and privacy, particularly concerning students’ gender identities, are vital for creating an inclusive environment. Protecting students' rights to share their identities on their terms is essential for their well-being and self-esteem. Please remember that this bill does not stop teachers from speaking with parents, guardians, or family members, it eliminates the mandatory conversation.

Overall, I support the SAFETY Act. It promotes a holistic approach to education—prioritizing mental health, inclusivity, and community engagement. I am committed to working with parents, educators, and community members to create a great experience for all involved.

Thank you for reaching out and for your interest in my position on teaching gender diversity in elementary schools. I believe that creating an inclusive environment is essential for all students. Teaching about gender diversity at an age-appropriate level can help create a more understanding and accepting school culture. I want to repeat, age-appropriate teaching. Students need to learn about different perspectives and experiences, which can promote empathy and respect among peers.

My approach is to support educational practices that emphasize respect, kindness, and inclusion while also considering the concerns and values of families in our community. I trust that open dialogue with parents, teachers, and the community is key to ensuring our educational content aligns with our shared goals for our children’s development.

I will focus on building deeper family participation by creating more opportunities for families to be more actively involved in their children’s education. By actively finding ways for parents to participate in their child’s education, we will get greater input for our family’s needs. Simultaneously our district will work with and create community partnerships and build strong relationships that will bring opportunities for more equitable learning and deeper support for teachers and staff. My goal is to establish success and opportunities through community strength and involvement.

Financial responsibility is a top priority. I want to ensure our budgets maximize student benefits while bringing needed support and structure for teachers and staff. Fostering accountability through transparency builds trust within our community and assures our district will thrive now and in the future.

Every student is unique, and our district must provide a learning environment that meets the diverse needs of all students. I plan to work closely with teachers, parents, and community members to identify the specific needs of our students and to develop programs that support them academically, socially, and emotionally. By promoting inclusive policies and ensuring access to resources and opportunities, we can create an educational environment where every child has the chance to succeed.

I’m deeply committed to our community and the success of our students. As someone who grew up in the district and attended all the local schools from elementary to community college, I’ve seen firsthand the impact a supportive and effective school system can have on a child’s future. My motivation to run stems from a desire to ensure that every student in our district receives the quality education and support they deserve. I believe that by working together, we can create solutions that address our schools' unique challenges, magnifying a thriving learning environment for all students.

I cannot mention one endorsement without mentioning all of the others. As a first-time candidate, I have been overwhelmed with support from family, friends, neighbors, community members, businesses, community leaders, and unions. To mention one, I need to mention all. I have quickly and systematically connected groups within our community to support me and what I stand for in giving back to the community that has provided me with many opportunities. My endorsement list can be found at https://www.votethomasbarraza.com/endorsements

I understand that declining enrollment is an issue. Solutions, while being talked about in general, need to be specific to each situation. I will seek positive solutions to avoid making drastic, tough decisions on cuts to programs and payroll. We need to make out-of-the-box decisions with solutions that create efficiencies and find ways to create additional revenue that increase our top-line figures.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly enhance education in our school district when used thoughtfully. For teachers, AI can serve as a valuable tool for differentiating instruction. It can help analyze student performance data, allowing educators to tailor their lessons to meet the unique needs of each student more effectively.

For students, AI can provide personalized learning experiences, enabling them to progress at their own pace and engage with material in ways that resonate with them. Tools like intelligent tutoring systems can offer additional support outside of classroom hours, making learning more accessible.

It’s essential that we approach AI with caution. We need to ensure that both teachers and students are trained to use these tools effectively and responsibly. We should maintain a balance, ensuring that human interaction and critical thinking remain central to the educational experience. By leveraging AI thoughtfully, we can enhance learning while preserving the core values of education. Everyone should learn AI, should do their best to understand it and get prepared to use it.

Cell phone use is an important topic. When making decisions for a school district we need to consider many factors. First and foremost, how is this going to affect the students? Second, how will this affect teachers and all staff at schools? Third what kind of effect will it have on families? Cell phones are here and not going anywhere. School districts will methodically adjust the use of cell phones and continue adjusting as data and times evolve.

We can have clear and consistent usage policies. Create assistance programs, like digital detox programs. Parent involvement will be vital, so parent's voices are heard. We also must design ways to integrate cell phones into a productive and resourceful tool for education while minimizing distractions and creating a focused environment for learning. A balanced approach will limit the negative effects while bringing to light the benefits of technology in education.