Who are candidates for Natomas Unified Area 1? A mom of 3 and a recent alumnus run for office
Voters in the Natomas Unified School District for the first time are choosing trustees from geographic districts instead of in an at-large election.
Two first-time candidates are running to represent the school district’s Area 1, which covers parts of South Natomas.
They are Megan Allen, a mother whose children attended schools in Natomas, and Noel Mora, a 26-year-old alumnus of Natomas schools who is supported by unions and a number of the city’s Democratic leaders.
Megan Allen
Party: Republican
Age: 44
Birthplace: Stanford, Calif.
Occupation: IHSS Homecare Provider
Education: American River College, associate’s degree; certifications as a certified nurse assistant and home health aide.
Website: megan4schools.com
In the district, there have been recent discussions regarding what are appropriate educational approaches and classroom environments. Given that, how should instructors navigate the fine line between teaching the realities of the world and not involving their personal beliefs?
Our instructors’ role is to ensure they follow the approved curriculum and remain compliant with current board policies and state education code.
Research has shown the COVID-19 pandemic led to education loss for students. How can the school district deal with that education loss to ensure students make up ground?
Because making up education loss is going to take time, I would like to offer tutoring and summer programs to our students to help aide in recovering from the pandemic.
About a decade ago, the district was on the verge of bankruptcy. Since then district finances have improved, how does the school board further increase its financial stability in this era of limited resources?
Moving forward I will work together with the Superintendent to commit to a healthy budget and continue to build the reserves necessary to sustain us through future hardships.
Noel Mora
Party: Registered as a Democrat
Age: 26
Birthplace: San Francisco
Residence: Sacramento
Occupation: Higher education professional at Sacramento State
Education: Sacramento State, master’s degree in public police and administration, bachelor’s degree in government.
Website: noel4schools.org
In the district, there have been recent discussions regarding what are appropriate educational approaches and classroom environments. Given that, how should instructors navigate the fine line between teaching the realities of the world and not involving their personal beliefs?
There have been recent discussions about this and for specific reasons, however due to existing state laws and ethics, teachers refrain from prophesizing those personal beliefs to students. As a graduate of Natomas schools, I remember countless situations when educators explained that their job was to prepare us with the facts and knowledge that we would need to be functioning members of our society. I think this is the reality on the ground and in our schools, and again there are accountability standards in place, and we as a community have the ability to ensure these standards are being met. I intend to do exactly that as the Trustee for Natomas Unified School District’s Area 1.
Research has shown the COVID-19 pandemic led to education loss for students. How can the school district deal with that education loss to ensure students make up ground?
The use of words matters so much more than anyone could possibly emphasize. We need to focus on how we provide the necessary academic support, as well as social/emotional support, for students. This is what will lead to their advancing in their education. We need to involve all parents, and provide language accessibility for their participation, since parents are most often the best advocates for what each student needs. We also need to ensure pay equity to retain the staff and teachers that will contribute towards our goals for student success and achievement. I would first look at innovative approaches that integrate all these different types of support into the existing school day as well.
About a decade ago, the district was on the verge of bankruptcy. Since then district finances have improved, how does the school board further increase its financial stability in this era of limited resources?
As a trustee, I will prioritize having a stable budget and making sure we look at the long-term sustainability of various expenditures. There are so many important budget items, whether it is because they address student safety and wellbeing, literacy and math success, pathways to college and career, or other key resources. We know that funds come primarily from the state and are always limited, so finding ways to spend them in ways that will make the most impact and are an investment for students’ futures, is my long-term goal.
This story was originally published October 9, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
