Tanya Williams, an educator, is running for Seat 4 on the Chula Vista Elementary 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 Williams told us about hers. Why are you running for school board? What makes you a good candidate? I am running for Chula Vista Elementary School board to revitalize education with a clear focus on foundational skills, enhanced parental involvement and robust support for teachers. Preparing students for future success and restoring common sense. Tanya Williams (Courtesy Tanya Williams) What makes me a good candidate are my passion for education and the ability to prioritize students’ success. My experience in education provides valuable insights into challenges that schools face. What makes me a good candidate is having integrity and sound judgment. I am a great listener and an effective communicator. As a business owner, I am able to participate in constructive conversations with teachers, parents and the community. What is the most important issue currently facing your school district? The most important issue currently facing the Chula Vista Elementary School district is strengthening academic achievement. Chula Vista elementary school district currently has over 28,000 enrolled students. According to the California Assessment of Student performance and progress, nearly 50 percent of Chula Vista Elementary students do not meet the reading standards and close to 60 percent of students are below standards in math. Let’s get back to the basics of reading, writing and math. What are the top three specific things you would seek to accomplish on the school board? Strengthening academics for all students: An elementary school education is the foundation of all learning. It provides basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics, which are essential for all future learning. Early education encourages curiosity and critical thinking skills, helping students learn how to analyze information and solve problems. I believe bringing the focus back to students’ academics is critical to the success of all students. Parental support: Parents who support their children help teachers and children to build an educational system that works for our community. Studies show that children with involved parents tend to have better academic performance. Support for teachers: Teachers play major roles in student success. Providing classroom support to teachers is critical. Parents, administrators and community members can help teachers meet the health and behavior challenges of classroom instruction. Now more than ever we need to support instruction and those who provide it. What would your approach be to district budget planning and spending? What would you do if your district had a budget shortfall? My approach to district budget planning and spending would be to ensure that resources are allocated effectively and transparently. A budget shortfall could affect many areas in the school district. It would be necessary to discuss and prioritize or modify programs to determine which are essential, keeping students’ academics and well-being a priority. I would also advocate for additional funding. How should your school district raise student academic achievement, and what would you do as a school board member to accomplish that? Currently Chula Vista Elementary School District is raising academic achievement by implementing an updated curriculum. Another way to raise academic achievement is by implementing a variety of assessment methods to gauge students’ understanding and progress. As a board member I would raise student academic achievement by expanding academic support through offering mentorship and making tutoring more accessible. Do you think anything currently offered in school curricula or libraries should be removed? If yes, what, and why? If no, why not? I believe that what is offered in school curriculum or libraries should be age-appropriate. 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 in Chula Vista Elementary School District could be a result of many factors, such as health issues, academics struggles, family instabilities, transportation and more. As a board member it is important to identify the cause of absenteeism through communication with students and parents to understand the reasons behind absenteeism and address the issues in positive ways. Do you think schools should notify parents if their child’s gender identity or presentation at school changes? Why or why not? Parents are the primary caregivers for their children. Parents are entitled to have the final say in their child’s education. That’s common sense.