Britni Mushet, the executive director of the Warner Springs Community Resource Center, is running for a seat on the Julian 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 Mushet told us about hers. Britni Mushet (Courtesy Britni Mushet) Why are you running for school board? What makes you a good candidate? I am running for the school board because my lived experiences and deep commitment to our students and community uniquely position me to make a meaningful impact. My dedication, knowledge and passion for education drive me to serve, and I am eager to contribute to our school’s growth and success. What is the most important issue currently facing your school district? Julian High’s enrollment is low. We need to ensure that we provide a robust and high-quality education to keep students engaged and prevent further losses to neighboring schools and charter schools. What are the top three specific things you would seek to accomplish on the school board? Revitalize our community’s spirit and pride in our schools.Enhance the quality of education by ensuring we have a dedicated team of professionals committed to our students’ success.Foster a positive, supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to excel. What would your approach be to district budget planning and spending? What would you do if your district had a budget shortfall? I would approach budget planning with a focus on transparency and strategic allocation to ensure that every dollar supports our educational goals. If faced with a budget shortfall, I would advocate for exploring alternative funding sources and optimizing current resources to maintain essential programs. Despite the challenges of funding-based enrollment numbers, we are committed to improving and ensuring that every student receives the support they need to succeed. How should your school district raise student academic achievement, and what would you do as a school board member to accomplish that? To raise academic achievement, our district should ensure that lesson plans are rigorous and aligned with our educational standards. As a board member, I would support our dedicated instructors, promote professional development and advocate for resources that help us deliver a high-quality education tailored to our students’ needs. Do you think anything currently offered in school curricula or libraries should be removed? If yes, what, and why? If no, why not? No, I believe the current curricula and library resources are valuable and should remain, as they provide diverse perspectives and learning opportunities. What do you think is driving student absenteeism in your district, and what would you as a school board member do to reduce it? Student absenteeism has been attributed to a lack of motivation and the transition back from online learning. I would instill a sense of purpose and drive in our students, emphasizing the value of education and encouraging them to set and achieve personal goals. Creating engaging and relevant learning experiences can help rekindle their enthusiasm for school. Do you think schools should notify parents if their child’s gender identity or presentation at school changes? Why or why not? Yes, schools should notify parents about changes in their child’s gender identity or presentation. Open communication fosters trust and informs parents about their child’s experiences. This transparency helps strengthen the partnership between school and home, which is crucial for supporting the child’s overall well-being and success.