Rodolfo “Rudy” Lopez, a small business owner and San Ysidro school board member, is running for the Area 4 seat on the Sweetwater Union High School District board of trustees. The San Diego Union-Tribune asked all the candidates running for school board in districts around San Diego County about their policies, plans and priorities. Here’s what Lopez told us about his. Rodolfo “Rudy” Lopez (Courtesy Rudy Lopez) Why are you running for school board? What makes you a good candidate? I first ran for school board when my son started school and I noticed the district’s shortfalls were beginning to affect campuses and their students directly. In the six years since, I have been part of a team that not only stabilized our district’s leadership but has been recognized statewide for our commitment to students. In that time, I have become a leading advocate for full and fair funding from the federal and state governments, as well as a proponent of efficient bond programs to provide first-rate facilities to promote safe and welcoming learning environment for our students. What is the most important issue currently facing your school district? I believe the most important issue is ensuring the equitable investment in facilities across the diverse socioeconomic communities that exist inside our district. Secondary to that is ensuring that all facilities are fully staffed to maintain the safety and comfort of our students. What are the top three specific things you would seek to accomplish on the school board? Firstly, I would like to ensure the district’s finances continue to remain stable while providing our employee groups fair and livable contracts. As previously mentioned, I would ensure the equitable investment across all campuses, providing much-needed equity among our older and newest communities. I also would like a renewed focus on special education, promoting an environment of inclusivity that ensures students are afforded the maximum amount of time possible alongside their general education peers. What would your approach be to district budget planning and spending? What would you do if your district had a budget shortfall? It is important to assess the needs and priorities of all stakeholder groups and take a balanced approach to all spending. In the case of a shortfall, we would need to find the root cause of the shortage and identify any efficiencies or alternate funding sources to alleviate general fund liabilities. It is important to continue to advocate to our federal and state officials to provide full and fair funding, especially in the case of unfunded mandates and instances where we have lost local control. How should your school district raise student academic achievement, and what would you do as a school board member to accomplish that? I believe success begins with a positive learning environment and promoting a culture that strives for excellence by celebrating success and encouraging improvement. I am a big proponent of professional development for staff and of data-driven decision-making. Students benefit from targeted support and intervention, differentiated instruction and enhanced curriculum. Advocacy to fund these programs is a vital role played by board members. Do you think anything currently offered in school curricula or libraries should be removed? If yes, what, and why? If no, why not? I am generally not in favor of censorship unless the topics are not age-appropriate. Besides updating any outdated or biased material, I believe students should have access to a diverse range of topics. What do you think is driving student absenteeism in your district, and what would you as a school board member do to reduce it? I believe two factors drive absenteeism in the South Bay. The first is cultural, where some families believe it is OK to miss days from time to time for a myriad of reasons. The second are socioeconomic factors, where parent work schedules or transportation issues cause absences. As a board member, I have seen the value in awareness campaigns and attendance recovery programs with proper curriculum programs to assist our families. The second is the promotion of community schools that offer wraparound services to support the entire family. Do you think schools should notify parents if their child’s gender identity or presentation at school changes? Why or why not? Middle and high school years are important in not only the physical and educational growth of children but also in social and emotional health. I am not in favor of parental notification, as it would violate the trust between the student and staff as well as hinder the goal of providing a safe and welcoming environment. Notification could also lead to a hostile environment outside of the school.