Candidate Questionnaire: SYVUHSD Board of Education

Name: Janine Robitaille-Filippin

Occupation: Executive board member of Sports Outreach Institute

1. Why are you a candidate? What issues are important to you and what would be your top priorities if elected? 

I am a candidate because I care deeply about our youth. As a mother to four young men who all graduated from Santa Ynez High School, I understand the challenges and uncertainties students today face. I’ve walked alongside each of my boys as they made their way into adulthood. As a mother of a special-needs son, I understand the pain and isolation one feels in trying to navigate the special education programs and services. He experienced bullying, teasing and loneliness. I understand all too well what it means to be marginalized. As the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, I vividly recall my mother’s stories of coming to this country not fully understanding the language or culture and the depth of her sadness and desire to fit in. I hope to close these gaps and support and protect all marginalized students. I feel strongly about the drug and alcohol problem at our school. One death from an accidental overdose is far too many. We must do a better job educating our students and strengthening our partnership with the Santa Ynez Valley Youth Coalition and supporting our school families through the process. My heart aches for our youth today and I hope we can make an impactful difference in their lives.

2. Campus safety is on the minds of many parents and students especially with COVID-19. Currently the school is in distance learning and looking at hybrid opening, what is your role as a board member in supporting policies and procedures? 

As a board member, I feel strongly that we must adhere to all county health guidelines while also striving to support our teachers and staff who are instrumental in educating our students in unconventional ways. With that said, I also think there is wide agreement that the best thing for our students is to return to their classroom for in-person instruction and to return to campus to resume their education in a structured environment. Distance learning is great for some, but for others it can be disastrous. For students who struggle academically, this module of learning will not have good outcomes. For those who have working parents, this only causes more stress and strain on the families. And for those who live in areas with limited internet capabilities, how are they expected to participate successfully? And for most, the lack of peer interaction and teacher support could have lasting effects on their emotional and mental well-being. No one would have ever guessed we would be having this conversation and certainly no one has a crystal ball, but with proper protocols in place my goal would be to get all students back on campus as soon as possible.

3. What is the board’s role in creating a more inclusive atmosphere at the high school? Do you believe the school is already inclusive or are there certain programs you would like to see in place? 

 What is the value of a school if we fail to teach our students how to become productive and compassionate members of a community? As a parent and potential board member, I would like to believe the school has an inclusive atmosphere but honestly, I just don’t know. My oldest son spent 12 years in a special day class and if it wasn’t for a kind and compassionate teacher at the high school, it would have been disastrous. He was rarely invited to participate in traditional school activities even though there existed a club on campus for this very reason. Although I believe there are programs in place to create an inclusive atmosphere, I certainly think we could do a better job strengthening them. I would like to see programs that allow for more meaningful interactions between the typical students and the special day students. I cite my son as an example not because he’s the only one to experience derogatory comments and bullying, but because we understand what it feels like to be considered different and on the outside, not included. We must step up our efforts to support ALL students despite their race, disability or socioeconomic status. As a board member, we must educate our students and staff about the perils of hate speech and bullying. Bullying (both physical and through online forums) should never be tolerated. Hate speech, derogatory comments and slander should be dealt with swiftly and with meaningful consequences. As a parent and potential board member, I wholeheartedly support the Student Intervention Coordinator and the Health and Wellness Coordinator. I have tremendous confidence that these strategic additions to the high school staff will be a great step in the right direction and will open the doors to healing a divisive campus. We, as a school community, can and should strive to create an environment where our students feel safe and supported.

 

Name: José Juan Ibarra

Occupation: Educator/School Administrator 

1. Why are you a candidate? What issues are important to you and what would be your top priorities if elected? 

I am a candidate because I believe in contributing to our community, and providing access to an equitable education for all children is my lifelong objective. 

My combined experiences as an educator and school administrator for 28 years in Santa Barbara County’s education sector prepare me to be a voice on the SYVUHSD school board. I have a breadth of perspective from serving as a teacher, coach, mentor, Language Department Chair, athletic director and dean of students. In addition to previous roles at school-based family resource centers and after-school programs for youth, I founded a language institute to promote cross-cultural learning and competency. I am a Santa Ynez Valley community leader and volunteer to promote inclusion at schools and in public spaces. 

My core objectives and priorities are to provide a learning environment where all students feel included by curriculum, supported by adults, cared for and, important, to ensure that the programs and their delivery reflect the mission and values of the school district. I also aim to support the administration, faculty and staff to deliver, individually and collectively, a sound and enriching educational and life experience to all students. 

I am eager for the opportunity to coalesce my lived and professional experience in schools for our community. 

2. Campus safety is on the minds of many parents and students especially with COVID-19. Currently the school is in distance learning and looking at hybrid opening, what is your role as a board member in supporting policies and procedures? 

As an educator and school administrator, I believe campus safety is a priority and on all our minds. The health risks associated with COVID-19 are real, and school administrators must take serious measures to keep students, teachers, staff and families as safe as possible. 

Over the last few months, our education systems have been disrupted locally and nationally. Academic productivity and achievement have been compromised at all levels. We must slow down: We cannot expect teachers to cover the same amount of material, and we cannot expect students to learn at the same pace as prior to COVID-19. This is a good time to focus on the mental and emotional health of students and teachers; we must pause and plan accordingly. Providing more meaningful connection and support will ensure student academic engagement. 

As a board member, my role is to support and uphold policies and procedures grounded on data and recommendations provided by the local health authorities. In times of distress, board members must provide leadership and instill confidence in the administration, teachers, students and families that we are in this together. Furthermore, one must be transparent in addressing countering views and be available to hear the community’s concerns. 

3. What is the board’s role in creating a more inclusive atmosphere at the high school? Do you believe the school is already inclusive or are there certain programs you would like to see in place? 

To answer the first question, the role of the School Board is to ensure inclusivity: 

●  Set the tone that determines the climate of the school
●  Serve the interests of all students, their families, faculty, staff, and the administration
●  Identify the vision and goals for the district
●  Support the implementation of policies and practices that provide an outstanding
education to all district students
●  Hold the district accountable for results. 

To answer the question, “Do I believe the high school is already inclusive?” It depends on how inclusion is measured. This question is complex, and more questions need to be asked to provide a definitive answer. To be inclusive requires intention and can only be determined by people’s experience. 

To know if the high school is inclusive, we must ask: What is it like to be you at the high school? Do you feel safe being who you are? Do your peers, teachers, coaches, and school staff acknowledge you? Do you feel welcomed and have access to all programs and support systems? 

It is encouraging to know that the Santa Ynez High School is currently conducting a school climate audit through various surveys centered on diversity, equity and inclusion. I look forward to learning about the results and hope to support similar efforts in the future. 

 

Name: Steven Luke

1. Why are you a candidate? What issues are important to you and what would be your top priorities if elected? 

As a parent of students currently attending the high school, I think it is very important we have stakeholders on the school board. This will bring about a greater sense of urgency for positive changes that need to be made. Some changes I would like to see: Offer more CTE (trade) classes for those students not going on to college. Provide teachers the tools and support to help raise our falling test scores and hold the administration accountable. Offer SAT/ACT Prep courses each fall for juniors. Implement a cell phone policy in the classroom. Bring student dances back to the school campus, where all students can afford to attend. Establish a platform where parents can voice their concerns. Install video cameras in classrooms, protecting students and teachers and holding everyone accountable. Establish a summer foreign exchange student program available for all students. Improve school unity and morale. Address school safety, including vaping.  More transparency; over $250,000 was surreptitiously paid out in lawsuit settlements because of actions of an administrator. Enough is enough. Less closed meetings and more open board meetings. I will always be available as a board member to discuss a parent’s concern and always be respectful.

2. Campus safety is on the minds of many parents and students especially with COVID-19. Currently the school is in distance learning and looking at hybrid opening, what is your role as a board member in supporting policies and procedures? 

As a school board, we need to take a more proactive approach in addressing our COVID-19 response. We need to also address the damage that is being done by keeping kids away from their peers, teachers, mentors and coaches. Social interaction is a key part of learning/growing and it is currently overlooked. COVID-19 has been disproportionally affecting those with pre-existing conditions and the elderly. These are the people we should be protecting and quarantining. For the rest of the school population, we should develop a plan to approach the county health director. Schools around the state are being allowed to open when they can demonstrate they are addressing all the health concerns and requirements. This plan could include having nurses available each morning to take temperatures, requiring masks for students/teachers, installing Plexiglas in classrooms where needed, and honoring social distancing. We can move smaller classrooms to the two gyms, little theatre and outdoors, if necessary. Parents who still have concerns can always opt out. These unique times call for unique responses. Sitting back and waiting to be told what to do is not in the overall best interest of our students. We need better leadership in this area. We need to be more proactive.

3. What is the boards role in creating a more inclusive atmosphere at the high school? Do you believe the school is already inclusive or are there certain programs you would like to see in place?  

As a substitute teacher at the high school, through the Special Education Consortium, I was always dismayed when I saw the Latino and non-Latino students separating during lunchtime. I have been told this has been going on for quite some time. Why? This does not take place at the elementary schools. As a school board member, I would like to see a committee put together to address why this is taking place. Is it indicative of a larger problem? Is it something the school is in a position to help resolve? I would like to see current and past students, parents from all sides, along with teachers and administrators, sit down and address this issue. We are one school and one community.

 

Name: Lucy Padilla

Occupation: Escrow Officer/Branch Manager First American Title

1. Why are you a candidate? What issues are important to you and what would be your top priorities if elected? 

To really be a member of this community means more than just living in the valley — we must be involved in the decisions that mold the members of our community, especially in their younger years. I chose to run for the main reason of setting up my own children, and children of those I know, for success. I would have to say my top priorities are preparing our children to go on to college and/or assuring they are ready for the work environment when graduating. I want to assure they have access to prepare financially for college, as well as applying and interviewing for work positions. Mental health is also a priority for me, not only for our students, but also our teachers and staff on campus. The transitions back to school will be crucial for those students who started their high school years remotely. Their impression of high school is limited being that they are learning remotely and coming back to school will be a challenge for many to adapt to.

2. Campus safety is on the minds of many parents and students especially with COVID-19. Currently the school is in distance learning and looking at hybrid opening, what is your role as a board member in supporting policies and procedures?

As a board member, supporting the needs of all people at our school will be so important and abiding by the procedures to make campus safe for all will be crucial. It will be important for teachers to communicate their concerns, and feel that they’re being heard, and that their health is just as important as our students’. Keeping the campus clean and allowing for additional custodial staff to be added will be important to assist with the guidelines that will keep students and staff safe. It will also be important as a board member to take into consideration that staffing needs may be an issue if teachers are not ready to have students in the classroom. It will be important to make decisions that collectively represent our school and conversations with the staff to make sure we are meeting their needs to keep them and their students safe, and likely allowing a larger budget to do so.

3. What is the boards role in creating a more inclusive atmosphere at the high school? Do you believe the school is already inclusive or are there certain programs you would like to see in place? 

As a board member, it is important to hear all the concerns of those feeling that the inclusion of all students is not being met. While at the same time, hearing the voices of those that feel curriculum added to our school may not be the answer. As a board, it is important to have students feel they are safe at school, yet as a community we have a much larger issue. Inclusion of all students, cultures, languages, etc., is a very large task at hand and I think awareness is where our high school can start. Adding to our history curriculum, adding additional foreign languages, and having assemblies that are geared towards cultural difference, gender inclusivity, bias and acceptance could be away to open our students to new ideas and the ability to express themselves. We must consider this could also cause resistance or further separation if not executed well and thoughtfully. It is important for the school board to make a thoughtful decision on how and by whom the message is delivered to our students.

 

Name: Peter Wright, Ph.D.

  Occupation: College Professor

1. Why are you a candidate? What issues are important to you and what would be your top priorities if elected?

I love the Santa Ynez Valley and the education I received as a (Santa Ynez High) Pirate. I know we can do better by working together. 

My goals for service on the board are, one, for the district to prioritize academic excellence, and two, for the board to guarantee a positive school climate for all students by listening and responding to community voices. I will accomplish this with transparency and accountability. 

I’ve traveled California to study promising educational practices and I’ve helped school boards across the state adopt policies that empower all students to succeed, such as linking learning to career options and initiating summer programs so that learning happens all year round. 

Rigorous academic work will always be at the core of a thriving school district. Combining that rigor with social-emotional support will ensure that students feel welcome on campus and empowered to reach their full potential.

I believe the high school can serve as a model for outstanding public education. All students should have equal opportunity to learn and grow – both in the classroom and through a wide range of opportunities through the school and Valley community. 

Most of all, I will always listen. Let’s work together for the best interests of our students and our teachers.

2. Campus safety is on the minds of many parents and students especially with COVID-19. Currently the school is in distance learning and looking at hybrid opening, what is your role as a board member in supporting policies and procedures?

Ensuring that all students feel safe on campus is critical to learning and must be the first priority of the board and administration. Everyone wants to be back in school. I will support our administration – and especially our teachers – to ensure that this happens as quickly as we can meet state and federal guidelines for in-person instruction. 

I have a track record of innovating, thinking creatively, and using teamwork to overcome big challenges. This is what we must do to provide excellent education during a global pandemic. 

Living and learning in a pandemic world brings mental health challenges too. I commit to funding mental health support for students so that they can enter the classroom ready to learn.

I know public safety. As the first ever director of emergency planning and preparedness for the California Community Colleges System. My team wrote the template for the emergency operations plan to be used by all California community colleges.

3. What is the boards role in creating a more inclusive atmosphere at the high school? Do you believe the school is already inclusive or are there certain programs you would like to see in place? 

No student should set foot on campus in fear of being bullied. Especially not because of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, economic status, or anything else.

When hate or racism surfaces, we must address it head on and not just paint over it. If we are to raise kind, inclusive and successful citizens we need to be honest with them. 

I have spoken with parents and students across the community. Almost all conversations have been positive about the current climate on campus, but no one says we are perfect. The high school should be a model of inclusion for the Valley and we can accomplish this by working together. 

The many positive programs on campus, such as the English department’s multi-cultural reading list or the new health and wellness center can be complimented by continuing to teach culturally relevant material across all subjects and reinforce positive behaviors.

If elected I will propose convening a working group of teachers, students, parents and community members to study and discuss the best way to implement programs and curriculum that makes all students feel safe, relevant, and supportive of one another.