Peter Kellner, a technical training content developer, is running for a seat on the Borrego Springs Unified 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 Kellner told us about his. Why are you running for school board? What makes you a good candidate? As a longtime resident of Borrego Springs, I’ve seen how our town, while wonderful, can be somewhat isolating for kids. I’ve often heard concerns about how our students underperform on standardized tests, and unfortunately, our school ranks near the bottom of all San Diego County schools. Having worked closely with some of our high school seniors, I’ve seen their potential firsthand. I know they’re capable of so much more than what those scores reflect. Peter Kellner (Courtesy Peter Kellner) That’s why I’m running for the school board — to ensure our students have the resources and support they need to reach their full potential and succeed academically. It’s time to bring them up to where they should be, and I’m committed to making that happen. What is the most important issue currently facing your school district? The most pressing issue in our district is the overall quality of education. Our students struggle with standardized tests, and our school ranks low in San Diego County. I’ve worked with many high school seniors and know firsthand that they have the potential to excel. To help them succeed, we need to focus on providing better resources and support in the classroom. Ensuring all students can reach their full academic potential is key to improving our district..  What are the top three specific things you would seek to accomplish on the school board? First, I would prioritize improving literacy and academic proficiency for all students, especially through targeted intervention for those who struggle the most. I’ve seen that our students can achieve more, but they need the resources and support to meet their full potential. Second, I would work on increasing parental and community involvement in our schools. Schools succeed when families and communities are engaged. I want to create more opportunities for parents to participate in their children’s education, offering workshops and events that make it easier for them to be involved. Third, I want to focus on preparing students for the future, whether that means college or career. By strengthening vocational programs and expanding access to technology, we can equip our students with the skills they need to succeed in the rapidly changing world. What would your approach be to district budget planning and spending? What would you do if your district had a budget shortfall? As a member of this community, I believe budget planning must focus on transparency and smart prioritization. I’d ensure spending directly benefits students by prioritizing teacher support, classroom resources, and technology. If faced with a budget shortfall, my approach would begin with a careful review of spending to identify areas where we can streamline costs without cutting essential programs. I’d seek out additional funding through grants and partnerships with local businesses to help fill gaps. If cuts were necessary, I’d prioritize keeping them away from the classroom to minimize the impact on students and teachers. Engaging the community in the budget process is key, ensuring that decisions reflect local priorities and that we are united in providing the best possible education for our students, even in challenging financial times. How should your school district raise student academic achievement, and what would you do as a school board member to accomplish that? One of the biggest issues facing our district is the large number of students entering kindergarten with limited English proficiency. This language barrier puts many kids at a disadvantage, making it harder for them to learn and keeping them behind from the start. To address this, we need to strengthen early childhood education and expand support for English learners. A key part of this is expanding our volunteer programs, where educated adults come in and participate in reading sessions with young kids, giving them a leg up. By investing in programs that build language skills, and continuing to support them throughout their education, we can ensure they stay on track with their peers. Our community’s future depends on ensuring all students, regardless of language background, have access to the resources they need to succeed. Do you think anything currently offered in school curricula or libraries should be removed? If yes, what, and why? If no, why not? I don’t believe anything in our current curricula or libraries should be removed. Kids should have access to a wide variety of books and materials that help them explore different perspectives, ideas and cultures. Exposure to diverse content allows students to think critically and grow intellectually, which is essential for their development. Libraries play a vital role in nurturing curiosity and fostering a love of learning. Removing books could limit opportunities for students to engage with topics that might inspire them or broaden their understanding of the world. We need to trust our educators and librarians to provide age-appropriate resources and encourage students to explore knowledge in a safe, guided way. In an ever-changing world, it’s important that our kids have access to a broad range of information to prepare them for the future. What do you think is driving student absenteeism in your district, and what would you as a school board member do to reduce it? Absenteeism in our school comes from several factors, one being families with multiple children. When one child gets sick, for example, often all the siblings stay home. A key solution is educating parents on the importance of regular attendance and offering alternatives to ensure their kids get to school.  Working with parents, we can remind them that they can arrange carpools, ask a trusted neighbor or family member for help or use school-provided transportation if available. By understanding the financial impact of missed days and exploring these options, parents can support consistent attendance for all their kids, which benefits both their children’s education and the school’s budget. Do you think schools should notify parents if their child’s gender identity or presentation at school changes? Why or why not? I believe that schools and families should work together to support the well-being of every student. It’s important that any conversations around sensitive topics, such as a student’s gender identity, are handled with care and respect for both the student’s privacy and the family’s values. Every situation is unique, and I think it’s essential for schools to approach these matters on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that students feel safe and supported while also fostering open communication with parents when appropriate. The primary goal should always be to ensure the well-being and success of the student in a way that respects the rights of all parties involved.