School board candidates in Placer County races share views on key issues

Title/occupation: Placer County Board of Education Trustee

Education:

Bachelor’s degree, economics, Chico State, 1994
CBA Executive Banking School graduate program, 2010-2012

Work experience:

SVP Client Relationship Management Team Leader, First Northern Bank, 2024
VP Commercial Banking, First Northern Bank, 2019-2023
VP Commercial Banking, California Bank and Trust, 2015-2019
VP Commercial Banking, Bank of the West, 2001-2015

Civic engagement:

Placer County Board of Education since 2022
City of Roseville Economic Advisory Council, 2024
Roseville Joint Union High School District Board, 2017-2022
City of Roseville Library Board, 2015-2018
Dry Creek Joint Elementary Site Council, 2010-2014 (Quail Glen and Silverado)

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

I believe in our public education system. I believe every student must have access to a quality education and environment that produces a path to success. As your trustee, I support the wide range of high-quality programs that the Placer County Office of Education provides throughout the county (we serve Placer County and our schools in Antelope).

These include serving our youngest children and their parents/guardians in our exceptional early education programs, regional support programs that serve students with severe physical and developmental challenges, students in juvenile hall and adults in our Come Back program, providing the opportunity for adults to earn their high school diploma. All of these “initiatives” are important and deserve our continued support.

I believe families benefit when they have high-quality educational choices, such as traditional public and charter schools. I believe in the fundamental right of parents to raise their children while also working collaboratively with families and our dedicated staff to ensure the health and safety of all students we serve.

In addition to these important programs and services, I am excited about a Placer County new literacy initiative that is in development that, working with the districts in the county and other organizations in the county, will result in more students mastering the critical and fundamental literacy skills. Students must be able to read in order to learn!

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

I am proud that Placer County is one of the highest-performing counties in the state (including our Antelope schools). Our students, in all categories, achieve significantly higher than the state as a whole and almost all other counties. However, significant gaps exist for students in our county too. As your trustee, I support close monitoring of the students we directly serve through our Local Accountability Plans (LCAP). As your trustee, I also support the Placer County Office of Education as it works with every district to address achievement gaps. For example, the county office provides training to district staff on proven ways to close these achievement gaps. The office of education also reviews the LCAP plans submitted by each district in the county. The county Board of Education closely monitors the academic achievement of the students we directly serve and annually reviews the academic progress of all students in the county.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

As your trustee, I support the work of the Placer County Office of Education in offering outstanding special education support and services to school districts throughout the county. We provide regional programs that serve students with some of the most severe mental and physical disabilities for students from school districts throughout Placer County and our schools in Antelope. The county office provides training for teachers and administrators throughout the county as part of our commitment to a continuous improvement process. The work is hard, the needs of our families and their children are many, and the system is badly underfunded by the State of California and the Federal government. As your trustee, I continue to support our efforts to serve every child and to continue to advocate for adequate funding to provide a high-quality education for every child.

CHRISTIANNA HEIHN

Age: 40

Residence: Roseville

Title/occupation: Educator/Parent

Education:

Master’s degree, Pacific and international affairs, UC San Diego, 2012
Bachelor’s degree, international studies, UC San Diego, 2010
Single-subject teaching credential, University of Redlands, 2016
Single-subject teaching credential, National University, 2017

Work experience:

Government relations, California Faculty Association, 2024
Political science professor, Sierra College, since 2023
Social science teacher, Whitney High School, 2021-2023
English and social science teacher, Western Sierra Collegiate Academy, 2018-2021
Paraeducator, Virginia Peterson Elementary School, 2012-2013
Public health fellow, U.S. Agency for International Development, Global Health, HIV/AIDS Orphans and Vulnerable Children, 2011
Early childhood education teacher, Early Childhood Education Center, UC San Diego, 2007-2010

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

As a teacher in our local public schools with a diverse and extensive background in education, I bring a wealth of experience from the classroom and a firsthand understanding of the unique needs of our students, teachers, and families at each stage of learning. Additionally, as a parent of kids in our local elementary schools, I am committed and personally invested in the success and well-being of our students and schools. I am dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for a successful future and will prioritize healthy learning environments that support our students’ physical and mental well-being so that they may learn and thrive. I have dedicated my life to serving and advocating for students and vulnerable children and if elected, I will continue to do this.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

As a teacher that served students remotely in asynchronous, synchronous and hybrid settings during the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked tirelessly to quickly adapt and develop curriculum to facilitate student engagement and learning online to keep students on track toward graduation. However, post-COVID achievement gaps are still an issue for students across the county.

To close this gap, it is imperative to address literacy and math gaps and improve student wellness. Developing and supporting programs and efforts that focus on these gaps need to be prioritized at every level. Additionally, creating a strong and collaborative teacher workforce is also crucial to the success of our students. Supporting productive teaching partnerships and providing the tools, training, and resources teachers need in implementing new programs is a key component in closing achievement gaps.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

Our county has some of the highest quality and most dedicated special education teachers serving our students. I have worked firsthand with the special education departments and teachers in multiple school districts and have collaborated with them to provide scaffolding, resources, services, and accommodations that support each individual student’s needs and help them in achieving their learning goals and their fullest potential.

The care and dedication our special education teachers provide to our students is insurmountable and I am honored to have served alongside them to help our students succeed. However, their efforts and capacity are maxed and they need additional support and resources to help them continue to provide these services. Ensuring that all students with special needs receive a quality education requires a continued dedication to these departments and additional resources and support.

Sierra JCCD, Area 7

Two candidates

BAO NGUYEN

Age: 61

Residence: Rocklin

Title/occupation: Chief Technology Officer

Education: Bachelor’s in computer engineering, math degree, and master’s in business administration

Work experience:

SVP technology
VP data science
VP of engineering

Civic engagement:

Regular guest speaker at Sierra College on engineering
Public speaker on energy independence and renewable energy

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

I’m running because I am passionate about strengthening the quality of education and student experience at our college. I believe in the transformative power of our community college and want to contribute to creating an environment where every student can succeed. With my experience and dedication, I aim to support initiatives that enhance educational opportunities, ensure fiscal responsibility, and strengthen our community partnerships. My goal is to address the evolving needs of our students and community.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

1. Strengthening Sierra College Key Strengths: Build strong academic programs, particularly in fields like STEM, health sciences, and career technical education. These strong academic offerings attract students seeking both transfer opportunities to four-year institutions and career-ready skills.

Emphasizing online and hybrid learning options can make the college more accessible, especially for working adults and nontraditional students who need flexibility.

2. Expanding Support Services to Retain and Attract Students: Providing student support through tutoring, counseling, and career services, which helps students succeed academically and in their career paths.

Career pathways and job placement.

3. Creating Strategic Partnerships and Industry Alignment: Partnerships with local industry.

Leveraging partnerships with local businesses and industries, particularly in areas like technology, healthcare, and green energy, can ensure that Sierra College is aligning its curriculum with job market demands

Collaboration with K-12 districts

4. Emphasizing Innovation and Adaptation: Expanding online and hybrid programs

Introducing programs in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and data science will help attract students interested in cutting-edge careers.

5. Community Engagement and Outreach: Embedding in the community, and continuing to build on that reputation can be a key driver for future growth. Hosting community events such as Dinosaur Day and Maker Faire, offering continuing education courses, and supporting local initiatives will help strengthen its role as a community anchor.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

The quality of special education is good in our district. In terms of Sierra College, enhancing outreach to diverse populations and targeting underserved communities, such as first-generation college students, adult learners, and veterans, can expand the student base. Providing accessible resources for these populations will make Sierra College a more attractive choice for students who might otherwise look elsewhere.

OTHER CANDIDATE

Candidate who did not respond: Bob Sinclair

Auburn USD

Two seats open among four candidates

PETER MARK ROGOSIN

Age: 73

Residence: Auburn

Title/occupation: Retired Personnel Director

Work experience: I have over 20 years of experience as a personnel director. Approximately nine years as personnel director of a health care organization (PACE) providing all-inclusive care for the elderly and approximately 10 years in public agencies including California school merit districts.

Civic engagement: For the past two years, I have served on the Placer County Older Adults Advisory Commission

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

1. Fiscal responsibility, defined as involving separate consideration for each potential stakeholder students, teachers, non-teaching classified staff, parents and the community.

2. Staff engagement to foster an environment that generates great enthusiasm about learning.

3. Returning transparency and civility to the board of trustees.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

Student engagement in learning requires every student to feel welcome and respected as they explore their personal interests and learn about their skills and abilities.

EMILY TRAVIS

Age: 52

Residence: Auburn

Title/occupation: Mother

Work experience: I chose to follow in my mother’s footsteps and made my career inside the home as a mother and homemaker. I raised my son and three daughters in this area and sent them to a K-8 school, where they thrived. I am so excited about AUSD’s new TK-8 format, because I have seen firsthand how well students and teachers do in this environment.

Civic engagement: I have served as Cub Scouts den leader, church youth group leader, volunteered at every grade level in my children’s schools, and most recently served our community on the Placer County grand jury.

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

Back to basics: Focusing on core subjects and bringing students up to proficiency.
Shaping TK-8 schools: Advocating for transparency, developing parent volunteering and community involvement.
Protecting the parent-child relationship: Advocating for communication between school and home. Protecting girls sports and spaces.

OTHER CANDIDATES

Candidates who did not respond: Amber Pool, Elena Smeja

Dry Creek JESD

Two seats open among five candidates

PATRICK RAMOS

Age: 52

Residence: Roseville

Title/occupation: Graphic Designer/Parent

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Sacramento State, 1995

Work experience: Senior graphic designer and licensed drone pilot, Kimley-Horn, since 2004

Civic engagement:

Roseville Youth Soccer coach, 2022-2024
NorCal Boxer foster family, 2024

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

I would like to be an advocate for public education to make sure all children and teachers have access to the resources and supports they need making education in our district the best in the state.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

It would be my job as a board member to advocate for collaboration amongst all stakeholders: families, teachers, and administration. It takes a village to help our underperforming children. However, after these individuals are identified, so much collaboration must happen. Not only teacher to teacher, but also with administrators, as well, and parents/guardians. How do we help? As board members, we must help come up with innovative ways to give such time for collaboration.

As far as the opportunity gap, we must make sure all of our students have equal access and opportunities to all available resources in the district (i.e. Chromebooks, internet, Wi-Fi, library books, read-alouds, curriculum, and so much more). We need to reach out to businesses and organizations around us and promote partnerships so they, too, can help provide additional resources and opportunities. We must promote family involvement within the school that might look like working in the classroom, making copies for the classroom, inviting families to participate in afterschool activities. ...

World’s Fair: This is where families can share pieces of their culture dances, food, clothes, etc. Spring or fall fair, band performances, dance shows and more. When families and students have a sense of belonging, they will prosper.

In short, we need to help set up a school culture that recognizes, values and supports all students. When students feel like they are seen, heard and respected, they will flourish.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

Assessing the quality of special education in the Dry Creek district requires an understanding of several factors, such as available resources, teacher qualifications, individualized education plans (IEPs), inclusion practices, parental involvement and student outcomes.

Special education teachers need to be adequately trained.

IEPs must be completed in a collaborative manner with input from teachers, parents and many specialists.

Children with special needs must be included in general education settings, when appropriate; however, they must have the support to help make them successful.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, so much more goes into quality special education. I know what needs to be done but can’t specifically speak to Dry Creeks program. When I get elected to the Board, I will become well-versed not only in special education but all areas of Dry Creek.

TRACY BALCOM

Age: 57

Residence: Roseville

Title/occupation: Retired Educator

Education:

Attended public schools in the Sacramento City Unified School District
Attended Kit Carson Middle School
Graduate, Sacramento High School
Undergraduate studies, UC Santa Cruz
Bachelor’s degree, English, UC Davis
Multiple and single-subject teaching credential
Master’s degree, educational leadership, Sacramento State
Administrative credential, Sacramento State
Ed.D, organizational leadership, UMass Global

Work experience: My career began in Sacramento City Unified School District where I taught at three Elementary Schools. I was a teacher, assistant principal and principal in the Dry Creek JESD at Dry Creek School, Olive Grove Elementary School, Quail Glen Elementary School, Dry Creek Elementary School and Antelope Crossing Middle School. I worked at the Solano County Office of Education as the assistant superintendent of human resources and at the Association of California School Administrators as the senior director of educational services. I have also worked as a principal coach and program director for the largest administrative credential program in California.

Civic engagement: As a parent, I served on the School Site Council at Oakmont High School and was an active member of the Parent-Teacher Associations at Sierra Gardens Elementary School, Eich Middle School and Oakmont High School. As a district employee, I participated in legislative action days with the Association of California School Administrators. Currently, I am engaged in the Sun City community as a neighborhood watch liaison and participate in community activities as time allows since I provide care for my two toddler grandchildren.

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

If elected to the Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District School Board, my key initiative would be to enhance teaching and learning in our district. I believe that effective teaching is the cornerstone of student success. By implementing the following strategies, we can create a supportive and engaging learning environment for all students.

Personalized learning: Explore personalized learning approaches that cater to the individual needs and learning styles of students.

Technology integration: Integrate technology into the classroom to enhance learning experiences and prepare students for the digital age.

Collaborative learning: Promote collaborative learning activities that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Curriculum alignment: Ensure that the curriculum is aligned with state standards and meets the needs of students in our district.

I am also committed to providing ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers to stay up-to-date on the latest teaching methods and best practices. This is important so that teachers can prepare students for the digital age.

While a K-8 school system has many objectives from developing good social skills to succeed as an adult, to perhaps being the only regular source of a nutritional meal for the day, I believe teaching and learning should be the most important as it lays a strong foundation for future learning.

By focusing on teaching and learning, using the specific strategies I outlined above, we can ensure that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century. I am dedicated to working with educators, parents, and community members to create a school district where every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

OTHER CANDIDATES

Candidates who did not respond: David Corbridge, Scott Otsuka, Ryan Haynes

Eureka USD

Two seats open among three candidates

RENEE C. NASH

Age: 58

Residence: Granite Bay

Title/occupation: Eureka Union School District Governing Board Member

Education:

Bachelor’s degree, UC Davis
Law degree, McGeorge School of Law

Work experience: I worked as a lobbyist and attorney for the California Newspaper Publishers Association, in-house attorney for a large publicly traded corporation, served as general counsel for Professional Education Services and worked as an attorney in private practice in the Roseville area practicing employment and business law prior to my retirement three years ago. I also served as an adjunct professor of law at McGeorge School of Law for 14 years.

Civic engagement: I have served on the board of directors of numerous nonprofit boards, including the Eureka Schools Foundation (ESF), for which I also served as president. ESF raises funds to support enrichment programs in the Eureka Union School District. I am a co-founder and vice president of the Board of the Roseville Theater Arts Association. I cooked in the St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen in Roseville, and I have coached numerous youth sports in Granite Bay.

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

Revamping the district’s academic program for GATE and high-achieving students and closing the achievement gap for our English-language learners and our low socioeconomic students. At both the upper and lower end of student achievement, more can be done to challenge and our students’ unique needs. Under my leadership, we have launched an effort to create a GATE and high-achiever master plan, which will be presented to the board of trustees this fall. I will carefully evaluate this report and support initiatives that will help further challenge our large cohort of GATE and high-achieving students in innovative ways. At the same time, we must continue to find ways to invest in our low-socioeconomic students who have unique challenges and our English-learners, the number of which has grown significantly with a large influx of Russian and Ukrainian students over the last several years.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

We recently hired a teacher on special assignment specifically to address our ever-growing English-language learning population. We also recently hired a classified employee who speaks both Russian and Ukrainian to help the district assimilate the growing number of newcomers from those countries who speak those languages and who do not speak English so we can better assist parents in understanding our system of education and what the expectations are of their students. This employee also supports teachers in the classroom. We will increase those resources as necessary to address the growing population of that student base.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

I would rate our special education services as excellent. Over the last decade, we have brought most of our students requiring extensive services back from county programs to the district because we believe that our students should be on our campuses. Very few of our students require services from nonpublic schools. I don’t think changes are needed to ensure that students receive a quality education. That being said, the biggest challenge we face, which I believe is a common challenge faced by area schools, is finding certificated staff to fill open positions including occupational therapists and speech and language pathologists because there is a shortage of such specialists. This shortage requires the district to contract with non-public agencies to fill those positions.

OTHER CANDIDATES

Candidates who did not respond: Tyler Holt, Dane Thompson

Eureka USD, short-term

Two candidates

SU SHETH

Residence: Granite Bay

Title/occupation: Mother/Technologist/CEO

Education:

Master’s of business administration
Master’s degree, computer science
Bachelor’s degree, computer engineering

I bring a robust background in STEM, finance, marketing, and business management to the school board. This diverse expertise is essential for preparing students to excel in today’s fast-evolving technological landscape. STEM education goes beyond teaching concepts it’s about equipping students with the skills to innovate and solve complex problems. My experience in finance and business management ensures that resources are strategically allocated, while my marketing expertise will help promote initiatives that empower students to thrive in a technology-driven future.

Work experience: With over 28 years of experience working with industry leaders like Google, Cisco, Oracle, IBM and Hewlett-Packard, I’ve developed critical skills in sales, engineering, financial management and business strategy that I will bring to the school board. My expertise in managing budgets and driving results will be essential in ensuring that the district makes the most of its resources while achieving meaningful outcomes for students. As an entrepreneur, I understand the importance of innovation and efficiency, which will help me navigate the complexities of education funding, allocate resources wisely, and implement strategies that benefit both students, families and educators.

Civic engagement: Currently, I am actively involved with APAPA (Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs), where I work on advocacy and policy initiatives to support Asian American communities and creating future leaders through the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA). I also serve as a parent board member for Grizzly Robotics, guiding and supporting students in their STEM pursuits. These roles are part of my broader commitment to civic engagement, which includes various other community-focused activities. My efforts aim to enhance educational opportunities and foster community development, reflecting a deep dedication to positive change.

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

My vision is clear: to prioritize academic excellence, equip our students with cutting-edge technology, prepare them for AI-driven futures, and instill financial literacy skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Academic excellence: At the heart of my vision is a commitment to academic excellence. We will provide robust academic pathways for all students, with the goal of securing admission into universities of their choice and ensuring career success. We’ll also offer personalized support and rigorous coursework to ensure every student reaches their highest potential, regardless of background.

STEM readiness: In a world increasingly driven by technology, it’s essential that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive. Our district will place a strong emphasis on STEM education, preparing students not just for the present but for an AI-driven future. Through access to the latest tools, technologies, and hands-on learning experiences, our students will be ready to lead in tomorrow’s workforce.

Financial literacy: Beyond academic skills, financial literacy is crucial to long-term success. We will ensure that students gain essential money management skills, from budgeting to investing, that will serve them throughout their lives. This will be complemented by smart resource allocation within the district, ensuring that we make the most impactful investments even with limited budgets.

With this comprehensive approach, we’ll prepare our students for a future of success and opportunity.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

To address the achievement and opportunity gap in the district, a comprehensive, equity-focused approach is crucial. First, I would prioritize data-driven decision-making to identify which student groups are most affected by disparities. By analyzing academic performance, attendance, and behavioral data, we can pinpoint where gaps are largest and develop targeted interventions.

One key area of focus will be early intervention. Research shows that gaps often emerge in early childhood, so investing in high-quality preschool programs, literacy initiatives, and early assessment tools is essential. Providing individualized support, such as tutoring or mentoring, to struggling students will ensure that they receive the attention they need.

Another important strategy is professional development for teachers and staff. Culturally responsive teaching practices can help educators better connect with diverse students, fostering an inclusive environment that supports all learners. We should also focus on recruiting and retaining diverse staff to reflect the student body and provide role models for underrepresented groups.

Collaboration with families and the community will also be integral. Engaging parents through workshops, support services, and open communication can create stronger home-school partnerships. Finally, ensuring that resources are equitably distributed across the district particularly to schools serving high-need students will ensure that every child has access to high-quality education, technology, and extracurricular opportunities.

By addressing these factors holistically, we can work toward closing the achievement and opportunity gap and ensuring success for all students.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

To evaluate the quality of special education in the Eureka Union School District, I reviewed current data on student outcomes, resource allocation, and stakeholder feedback. It’s crucial to assess how well the district’s programs align with best practices and address the diverse needs of students with special needs.

Based on such an evaluation, several areas might be considered for improvement:

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Ensuring that each student’s IEP is tailored to their specific needs and regularly updated based on progress and evolving requirements.

Resource allocation: Assessing whether resources, including specialized staff and support services, are adequate and distributed effectively to meet the needs of all students.

Professional development: Providing ongoing training for educators and staff to stay current with best practices and innovative strategies in special education.

Parental and community involvement: Strengthening partnerships with families and the community to ensure that students’ needs are met comprehensively and that there is a support system both inside and outside of the classroom.

Data-driven decision making: Implementing systems to regularly collect and analyze data on student performance and program effectiveness to make informed decisions about necessary adjustments and improvements.

By focusing on these areas, we can work towards ensuring that all students with special needs receive a high-quality education that supports their growth and success.

OTHER CANDIDATE

Candidate who did not respond: Matthew S. Dahlstrom

Placer Hills USD

Two seats open among three candidates

KALLY KEDINGER-CECIL

Age: 37

Residence: Weimar

Title/occupation: Mother / County Planner

Education:

Colfax High School graduate, 2005
Associate’s degree, history, Cabrillo College, 2009
Bachelor’s degree, environmental studies, Sacramento State, 2014

Work experience: I am a supervising planner with the Placer County Community Development Resource Agency in the planning services division. I have been at the county for 12 years, beginning as an intern and hired full-time in 2015. I have worked on many controversial land-use projects and presently focus on planning policy creation and implementation.

Civic engagement: I have never held an elected office but have volunteered for numerous activities including on the Sierra Hills Site Council and other campus activities like the fall carnival and Popsicles with the Principal.

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

Apolitical decision-making: putting education first and establishing a commitment to evaluate and implement policies that foster a collaborative environment among teachers, parents, and the community. Political agendas and partisan issues that have no place in our school boards will not influence my decisions, and I’m dedicated to using data-driven approaches.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

The achievement gap is becoming more narrow, and I want to keep that trend going by supporting policies that will continue on this success.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

The programs offered at PHUSD are good and they can be better by having more staff and ensuring actions aren’t made that affect funding and long-term viability of these programs.

ASHLEY LOPEZ

Age: 38

Residence: Colfax

Title/occupation: Appointed Trustee, Placer Hills Union School District

Education:

Master’s degree, educational leadership
Bachelor’s degree, Spanish
Single-subject teaching credential, Spanish

Work experience: High school Spanish teacher since 2009

Civic engagement: Appointed trustee for Placer Hills Union School District (PHUSD) since 2023

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

If elected, my goal is to continue to ensure fiscal solvency in our district as well as maintain quality academic programs and expand enrichment opportunities as our budget allows.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

I will continue to advocate for academic support for all students and ensure that students who are performing below grade level have extra support in core content areas such as reading and math. This can be done through small group instruction, intervention programs, and afterschool homework help/tutoring options.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

As a district, we work hard to support all students and prioritize our special education program. The first step to a quality education involves quality educators, which we have at both of our sites. These professionals work hard to ensure that they are meeting the goals set by the team and that all students are growing academically throughout the year. However, while our students are showing growth on state test scores, there is still an achievement gap and we need to continue to work to close this gap.

GEOFF ANDERSON

Age: 39

Residence: Meadow Vista

Title/occupation: Parent / IT Director

Education: Bachelors degree, University of Colorado, 2007

Work experience: Information technology engineering and management for 20 years

Civic engagement:

Treasurer of Placer Hills Education Foundation
Meadow Vista Lions Club
Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

Bringing music and arts back into our schools.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

With a focus on the LCAP and community involvement to focus on the areas of underachievement.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

Our special education program in our district is good for a district our size. Funding is always an issue so maximizing student enrollment and maximizing our funding from the state is key to funding good special needs programs.

Placer Hills USD, short-term

Two candidates

RUSS POWELL

Age: 68

Residence: Meadow Vista

Title/occupation: Economist

Education:

Placer High School graduate
Sierra College
Bachelor’s degree, history, UC Davis, 1977
Master’s degree, public policy and administration, Sacramento State, 2001

Work experience: I worked for the city of Rocklin from 1979 to 2000. I worked primarily in finance, where I oversaw the revenue functions and was responsible for information technology. I have worked for Economic & Planning Systems Inc., an urban economics firm with locations in Sacramento, Berkeley, Los Angeles and Denver. I am a senior vice president in our Sacramento office.

Civic engagement: I have not held public office previously. I have been a member of the California Municipal Finance Officers Association and the California Special Districts Association (CSDA). I serve on the Legislative Committee for the CSDA.

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

I am seeking a position of trustee for the Placer Hills Union School District as I have passion for public education. I believe public education is crucial for healthy and thriving communities. Quality public education made available to all students in the community ensures the continued quality of life for all community members.

As a school board member, I will work collaboratively with fellow board members to give teachers the tools to effectively teach our children. I want all students to have equal opportunities to learn and to have fun learning. We need to make learning a life-long ambition for the children.

In recent years, we have seen our schools, and teachers in particular, be pressured by parties within our school district, and from special interests outside our community. These voices are loud, but they are not the only voices within our community. I want to ensure all voices are heard and not drowned out by special interest groups.

In my professional career, I did not bring my political views or personal beliefs into my work. To work with all people to gain consensus, one must be open to all views and beliefs. I would do the same as a Placer Hills USD board member. If elected, I will endeavor to bring the temperature down within our school district community and amongst fellow board members. I want to emphasize the nonpartisan nature of local political offices and hopefully lead by example. In over 40 years of working with elected local agency boards, I can attest that most policy considerations and action items are nonpartisan in nature. School boards sometimes consider items that can be very contentious. How board members address these hot-button issues can either nurture collaborative problem-solving or can just add fuel to the flames.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

As a new member to the board, I would work with the superintendent and fellow board members to review academic performance for all students, and seek contrasts for different groups of students, such English-learners. If certain groups are lagging in educational attainment, I would first seek to understand the actions taken by the school district in previous years to better understand any causal relationship between Board actions or policies and underachievement by certain groups.

As a new board member, I would not make the mistake of assuming prior actions or policies failed without fully understanding the underlying challenges to lagging achievement by certain groups of students. A small school district must deploy its resources prudently, as course corrections can be costly. I would seek to understand how resources were allocated to all student groups. Based on the most recent LCAP, students with disabilities and Hispanic students appear to require assistance in bringing up academic achievements.

Engagement with students with learning disabilities or challenges to better understand their unique needs can be resource intensive. I would seek to find ways that staff resources can be implemented in ways that help elevate the learning experience for those in need without diminishing resources for all students.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

Every school district faces unique challenges when it comes to providing special education. I believe the Placer Hills USD provides the best quality education for students with special needs. Every school district could benefit from additional funding for special education.

The teachers I have known who work with children with special needs have been exceptional in their efforts to help these students learn. And each one said they could use more resources. I believe that Placer Hills USD and the special education school teachers are doing the best job they can given the resources made available to them. School districts do not control their funding sources. They must do their best with what the state allocates to public education each year.

I hope to use my 40 years of public finance experience to advocate at the state level for greater funding for public education, and in particular, consistent funding for special education.

OTHER CANDIDATE

Candidate who did not respond: Allison Harvey

Placer UHSD, Area 1

Two candidates

JEREMY JEFFREYS

Editor’s note: Jeffreys has confirmed that he is dropping out of the race, but his name will still appear on the ballot. He told The Bee that if elected, he would decline to take the oath of office. Read related story

Age: 50

Residence: Colfax

Title/occupation: Military veteran/teacher/parent

Education:

Master’s degree, education, 2008
Bachelor’s degree, law, 1999

Work experience:

Twenty-five years teaching (mostly high school and junior college
Twenty years in the military
About 30 years working in civilian law enforcement in some capacity
Licensed private investigator

Civic engagement: For almost 10 years, I’ve been a search-and-rescue volunteer with the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. I also lead Long Valley 4-H, which is a local nonprofit managed by UC Davis.

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

Improve stakeholder (students, parents, and teachers) input in the decision-making process
Improve school safety

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

For the last two years, the Placer Union High School District has been transitioning to a CBE (competency-based education) model. This model needs to be adjusted or modified to better meet the needs of all students. Teachers need to be given more autonomy with respect to what skills are evaluated and to what degree. These types of decisions should be made by the classroom teachers as they are experts in their respective fields. The classroom teachers, not district administrators, truly understand the needs of their students.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

If elected, I would like to create a “Special Education Parent Liaison” position. This person would be tasked with meeting with the parents of special education students and walking them through the process of navigating special ed laws and policies as they pertain to students.

GAYLE LYNN HAMM

Age: 69

Residence: Meadow Vista

Title/occupation: Retired Occupational Therapist

Education:

Bachelor’s degree, psychology/child development, UC Davis, 1977
Graduate degree, occupational therapy, San Jose State, 1979
Professional development, 1979-2023; required ongoing professional development required for personal growth and professional licensure and accreditation.

Work experience: Occupational Therapist, 1980-2023.

Retired Occupational Therapist who worked primarily as as school-based therapist. Teamed with parents, teachers and educational teams to support special education students in their drive towards their fullest potential and independence. It has been my honor to have worked in many local area districts to provide these services including Yolo County Office of Education, Placer Hills Union School District and Placer Union High School District.

Civic engagement:

Site Council member, Placer Hill Union School District, 1992
Colfax High School Grad Night chairperson, Placer Union High School District, 1998-2004
Volunteer, Petal Connection, 2024; organization provides flower bouquets to hospice patients

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?

As a school board candidate, the issues that are important to me and I believe the constituents of my area are as follows:

School safety: This is a critical issue that encompasses everything from campus shootings, to wildfire endangerment/response, to zero tolerance for bullying, and to ensuring that all students have a space and place and are available to learn. My intent is to facilitate open, civil and productive communication between all the stakeholders to increase connections between students, teachers, parents and administration. The schools in the district have enacted many safety policies and guardrails, but there continues to be a need to improve these measures.

Fiscal issues: Schools are facing significant budget deficits. It is a delicate balancing act to safeguard quality education for our students, including opportunities for development beyond the basic educational requirements, and retaining and hiring quality teachers and educational staff with adequate wages so that they can live in the towns they work in. I believe that collaborative problem-solving can be effective in meeting these goals, and during my career I have worked collaboratively with teams of professionals, parents and students to come to productive and practical solutions. It will be a difficult task.

Communication and transparency: This goes hand in hand with many of the above issues. I am a first-time candidate, and I welcome and need your input. I admit that this will be a big learning curve for me, but I have the time and energy to devote to it. I believe that children are our greatest resource and my life has been dedicated to supporting their growth. I believe that together we can ensure quality education and help students reach their full potential.

Placer UHSD, Area 5

Two candidates

PATRICK GALE

Age: 45

Residence: Penryn

Title/occupation: Teacher / Parent

Education:

Bachelor’s degree, Sacramento State
Roseville High School graduate

Work experience:

With 19 years of public school teaching experience, I currently teach AP literature at Whitney High School in Rocklin. I’ve implemented innovative teaching strategies in my classrooms improving student performance and engagement, leading to higher AP scores and college acceptance rates.

I’ve received a number of teaching awards, including the California Teachers Association OWL Award Winner of 2024 and an honoree of the National Society of High School Scholars.

Since 2018, I have served as the representative for teachers in my district, helping to develop common-sense, moderate positions based on core teaching principles, input from stakeholders, and clear, transparent processes.

Civic engagement:

I grew up in Placer County and have worked for 19 years as a teacher in local public schools. With my wife, Audrey (herself a public school music teacher), we are the proud parents of two girls, who inspire our commitment to education and community service, every day.

We are active in supporting our daughters’ public school. I am also a leader and volunteer at Bethel Lutheran Church in Roseville, where I served as congregational president from 2019 to 2021.

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

As the only candidate who is both the product of local public schools and who has served as a local public school teacher, I am running for school board to protect what has helped make our schools some of the top-ranked in the state, while continuing to make them even stronger by focusing on empowering our teachers, supporting safe schools and ensuring that all our kids can reach their full potential.

I am a moderate, common-sense educator who has a deep understanding of teaching and educational policy from the inside out. If elected to the board, I will keep focus where it needs to be: on our students’ and schools’ success.

My policy priorities include:

Student academic success: We live in a highly competitive world and now, more than ever, we need to help students get ready to meet the new economy whether that is college, vocational school or other career paths. I’ve fought successfully for increased AP offerings, supported CTE and vocational career track options and fostered improving understanding of college offerings.

Community and parent engagement: Building stronger connections between schools, teachers, parents, and the broader community. I believe in inviting these partners to the table in a deliberate way to discuss decisions, policies and processes by establishing channels of communication a more systematic and authentic way of gathering information from parents, teachers, and students can guide the decisions of the district.

Teacher support and development: Championing professional development, fair wages, and improved working conditions for our educators will enhance student learning and keep our schools competitive.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand the power of education to change lives. I am passionate about ensuring that every student and teacher has the resources and support they need to succeed.

With learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic, the achievement gaps have widened further. Although our schools have weathered the storm better than many, there is no excuse for leaving any student behind. I will keep this top of mind when evaluating policy changes, including the spate of recent changes to graduation requirements and grading systems. While the new graduation requirements offer more opportunity for students to take a variety of courses in a variety of areas and the grading system increases transparency in expectations, these changes in the district come with a learning curve and should include a reflective process that includes parents and teachers where changes to the policy can be made.

It has been my life’s joy and privilege to help students recognize who they want to be and help them get there. Whether it is supporting students who struggle or encouraging students who thrive, watching students achieve, grow and succeed acts as the driving force behind all the choices I make as an educator.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

Placer Union High School District has done amazing work developing and supporting students socially. Specifically, the opportunity for students to partake in College and Career Pathways and compete in the Special Olympics’ Unified Sports Model. Through the College and Career Pathways, all students have the opportunity to take advantage of career technical education (CTE) and dual enrollment with real skills taught (culinary, welding, woodworking and art, for example) and applied as college credits.

While PUHSD has done amazing work in developing opportunities on campuses, some measures of this success have been lagging and we need to do more. Test scores for students with disabilities are significantly lower than other subgroups and college and career readiness indicators for students with disabilities are also significantly lower than other subgroups. I believe that with increased opportunity and integration into campus culture, we can positively affect the outcomes of these student populations and strengthen our overall school community in the process.

OTHER CANDIDATE

Candidate who did not respond: Tom Duncan

Rocklin USD, Area 1

Two candidates

PRICE JOHNSON

Age: 35

Residence: Rocklin

Title/occupation: Business Executive/Parent

Education:

I am:

Father of two Rocklin students
Site council representative for Rocklin Elementary
Parent-Teacher Association vice president of communications, 2023-2024
Parent-Teacher Association Member
Student Club sponsor, 2022-2024
Classroom volunteer, 2021-2024
PTC sponsor for Rocklin Elementary and Sierra Elementary
Enrolled in the Rocklin Leadership Program
Undergoing docent training with the Rocklin Historical Society

Work experience:

Chief operating officer, Cephalofair Games,since 2017
Operations manager, Schools Financial Credit Union, 2014-2019
Branch supervisor, SAFE Credit Union, 2009-2014

My current role is chief operating officer of Cephalofair Games, an international tabletop games publisher that operates in the toy, hobby and crowd-funding industries. As the company’s first official hire, my role has been heavily based in business development, marketing, vendor management and expansion of our day-to-day operations.

Prior to this, I spent 10 years serving my communities working for fantastic local credit unions focusing on financial literacy, lending, business banking, community engagement, operations management, and legal compliance.

Civic engagement:

I am a member of the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce, Rocklin Friends of the Library, and the Rocklin Historical Society. I attend and participate in Rocklin School Board meetings monthly.

At Rocklin Elementary, I serve as site council representative, in our parent-teacher club, as a classroom volunteer and field trip chaperone, and I sponsor and help run a popular student club.

Currently, I am enrolled and participating in the Leadership Rocklin program.

Growing up, I served my community in various ways as a member of the Boy Scouts and through various churches and school efforts.

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

We have a phenomenal school district, teachers who care immensely about our students, and families who involve themselves endlessly on our campuses. My goal is to be a facilitator and bridge builder between all arms of the educational ecosystem.

My biggest initiative for the Rocklin School Board is to bring back collaborative and transparent leadership on the educational priorities that set our students up for success. Relying on data and expertise, my intent is to prioritize tangible needs, exercise sound financial stewardship, promote civil engagement and foster respect for all community stakeholders.

There has been a notable rise in political and cultural wedge issues taking the forefront of school board meetings, agendas and district resources, driven largely by pressures from outside special interest groups. These issues have stolen the focus away from what our students actually need, and I intend to shift the conversation back to the work of running Rocklin schools and maintaining their excellence.

I want to hold our district accountable to the oath we swear to serve students a promise I don’t believe is reflected in decisions to delay curriculum adoption, ignore community feedback, and involve our school district in constant legal litigation that jeopardizes district funding on multiple levels. Our students deserve a Board that is focused on educational, emotional, and socioeconomic needs.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

Our district can only achieve excellence by making sure all of our students have the opportunities and supports to reach their potential. District experts and professionals have worked with staff, administration and parents from each school site to create a local control and accountability plan (LCAP) that identifies goals and strategies for increasing student achievement and closing achievement gaps.

These goals include improvements in mathematics through a number of well-aimed means, including targeted tutoring for unhoused students, foster youth and English-language learners. The LCAP also contains strategies for supporting our students’ social-emotional learning and mental health.

Bullying is a growing problem on Rocklin’s campuses and online in this digital age. Several campuses have had incidents requiring parents to push for greater accountability in how behavior is enforced and addressed. Students can’t do their best when they are afraid to go to school; we need a school board that proactively engages in expanding behavioral programs, encourages student connectedness and doesn’t contribute to an environment that is conducive to bullying or discrimination.

The tone of community discourse is set by those in leadership. As a trustee, I will take that responsibility as seriously as it deserves and maintain respect and civility across our district.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

In my discussions with Rocklin families that have special education needs, many have emphasized a strong sense of care and attention from the teachers they have worked with. They have praised the accommodations and iterative solutions offered until they found the right individual education plan for their student. In many conversations, however, I have heard a need for greater consistency in the application of those services and easier accessibility.

As a school board trustee, I would look forward to building a relationship with our director of special education and the special education professionals across all of our Rocklin campuses. I’d seek to learn more about our referral for services process to ensure we are applying those criteria consistently across all classrooms, identifying those with particular learning needs, and making appropriate recommendations.

I also believe we can do more to recruit, retain and expand our staff of high-quality special education teachers and instructional assistants. I am proud of our district’s expansion of TK services and know that by offering those early universal TK services, we help reduce the number of students in need of special education in higher grades. Understanding we already spend upwards of $36 milion annually on special education plans, it is all the more imperative that we are operating with financial stewardship to provide our students with the unique resources they need to thrive.

OTHER CANDIDATE

Candidate who did not respond: Julie Hupp

Rocklin USD, Area 3

Three candidates

JEN BROOKOVER

Age: 48

Residence: Rocklin

Title/occupation: Counselor/RUSD Parent

Education:

BSED education, West Chester University, 1998
Master’s in counseling, Villanova University, 2004
Administrative certification, Temple University, 2012

Work experience:

Public school English teacher. 1998-2005.
Public school counselor, 2006-2018
Independent counselor supporting students with the college application process, since 2018

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

I want to focus on increasing mental health services for students. Students need support to deal with multiple stressors, yet support resources are sorely lacking in our district. With 12,000 students, there are no social workers to help students with coping strategies and provide support. At both of our high schools, only four counselors are available to help 2,000+ students prepare for adulthood, and there is no plan from the district to hire more counselors for our high schools or our middle schools. The American School Counseling Association recommends that schools have one counselor for every 250 students. In order to be academically successful, students need accessible mental health support.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

Our teachers and support staff do an amazing job of educating our students. As a future school board trustee, I will support teachers by providing them with the resources they need in order to address the achievement gap. In order for students to be academically successful, their basic needs must be met; this includes nutrition, health care, counseling, access to technology, etc. Social workers are key to being a liaison between families and schools, helping them obtain the resources they need.

Career and college readiness is another way to address the opportunity gap in our district. Students and families do not always know the opportunities that are offered in our area including taking dual-enrollment classes through Sierra College in order to receive college credit while in high school.

Our career technology education is stellar and provides students with the hands-on experiences they will need to obtain a job after graduation.

I will work with local businesses to provide more internships for high school students and encourage those businesses to provide a stipend for students so that they can earn some money while gaining experience in their field of interest. Families are extremely busy and often, they do not have a chance to read all of the communication that the district sends.

It is imperative that we reach out to families on a one-to-one basis to inform them of these opportunities.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

In order to improve the quality of special education, all staff, including district and site administration, need to attend special education training in order to fully understand the laws and policies. Funding for special education continues to increase, and it is difficult for districts to finance staff and resources needed. School boards need to work with legislators at the state level to secure funding.

In addition, our district needs to improve identifying students at an earlier age and work with parents to obtain resources. The process for this needs to be uniform at every school one of the complaints I hear from parents is that some schools have a different way of handling parent requests for testing and evaluations. This shouldn’t be the case.

In order to ensure that we are following the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), we need to regularly communicate with our families and continually provide them with support.

RACHELLE PRICE

Age: 49

Residence: Rocklin

Title/occupation: Rocklin Unified School District Trustee

Education:

Rocklin Unified School Board trustee, currently serving as vice president
Rocklin Unified School Board president, 2022
Placer County School Board Association, currently serving as president
Rocklin High School Parent Club president
Granite Oaks Site Council president
Granite Oaks Middle School Strategic Planning Committee
Rocklin Unified Strategic Planning Committee

Work experience: Small business owner and community volunteer

Civic engagement:

Rocklin Pony Baseball Champions League: Current special needs team coach
Rocklin Historic Quarry District tree lighting committee member
Crystal Apple Awards founder and chair
Rocklin Day of Service chair
Leadership Rocklin graduate
Founding Forward at Valley Forge, Spirit of America Leadership conference advisor
Boy Scouts of America leader

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

My goals and priorities remain the same as they have since 2019 when I first applied to and was appointed to the board. Every student matters. I believe in public education as we literally see it shape our future right before our eyes. I have worked tirelessly and will continue to give it my best efforts over the next four years, to see every student grow academically. We will see enhanced student achievement as we continue to focus our best efforts on policies and initiatives that improve student learning outcomes. I hope every student can be college- and career-ready, whether that is through Advanced Placement classes or needed interventions. Rocklin’s graduation rates are one of the highest in the state and I will continue to strive to see our students succeed and compete at the highest levels out of high school.

I will continue to pursue safety as a key priority for Rocklin students. We have an amazing partnership with our local law enforcement agencies which allows for open communication and collaboration. Every student deserves access to a safe learning environment. As a member of the RUSD safety committee, I will continue to spend time and energy here.

I believe along with our staff, our families are our greatest asset engagement is key to our success. I know that strong relationships with parents and community members matter. Their involvement in school activities and decisions ensures diverse perspectives are considered.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted learning nationwide, resulting in shifts to remote instruction. And although we were one of the first school districts in the country to get our students back into the classroom, we saw drops in achievement levels nationwide in both reading and math, with the achievement gap widening for some of our student groups.

Prior to the pandemic, Rocklin Unified recognized a need to focus on increased outcomes for students in the area of mathematics. As a result, we launched a continuous improvement journey to identify ways to better meet students’ needs. In support of this work, in January 2021, my board colleagues and I set a five-year goal to support student math achievement results accompanied by increased funding to provide additional staff and intervention courses for students. District staff worked collaboratively to provide priority access to our students with the greatest areas of need. In addition to increased intervention opportunities and hiring staff with great expertise, Rocklin Unified provides ninth-grade class size reduction, tutoring for targeted student groups needing Tier III support, a data analytics tool for schools/teachers to monitor student progress and after-school/summer school opportunities for students.

I’m proud to say that Rocklin Unified has made a concerted effort to ensure parents are informed about their child’s progress, expanding summer school access, extending recovery efforts through increased tutoring and after-school programs, and reducing student absenteeism.

Rocklin recently launched our Expanded Learning Opportunity Program, serving students afterschool and for 23 days over the summer. This program included activities in science, technology, engineering, art and math.

Our district Professional Development Committee prioritizes the needs of our student groups, including support for English-learners, socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities. As a result of this focus, we have seen tremendous growth in our student group achievement.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

I’m grateful to talk about Rocklin Unified’s special education program, as I’m proud to see the remarkable improvement over my five-year tenure on the board. Although there is always room for growth and we are far from perfect, I have seen many changes for the better, furthering quality essential offerings for our students and families.

Our successful strategy has been to invest in stable classrooms, by attracting, retaining and training high-quality special education teachers, aides and specialists. Rocklin Unified invests in high-level training and support. New teachers and aids receive many hours of professional development in this area including evidence-based practices and behavioral supports, crisis response training, and AAC (augmented alternative communication, using technology to communicate). In addition, we provide expert instructional coaches to support our employees and the professional development they receive.

Second, we have invested heavily in high-quality curriculum, especially over the last three to five years. Arming our teachers with the best tools has been key to supporting them to be able to work well with the differentiated needs of these students.

Third, an increased, proactive effort on building relationships with parents to solve problems at the lowest levels. Active collaboration with parents and special education staff in the decisionmaking process to ensure all students receive appropriate support is key.

Overall, we do a great job meeting the needs of students. We have strong transition services preparing students for life after high school. Many families move to Rocklin because of our high-quality program.

Rocklin is committed to continuous improvement with its efforts to recruit and retain highly qualified staff. I would love to see changes at our state and federal levels as Special Education in general is chronically underfunded in order to provide the highest quality program for our most needy students.

Roseville CSD, Area 1

Three candidates

HOLLY CUTHBERTSON

Age: 47

Residence: Roseville

Title/occupation: Emergency Program Coordinator

Education:

Master’s degree, environmental technology management, Arizona State University, Polytechnic campus, 2008
Bachelor’s degree, fine arts, Chico State, 2000
Associate’s degree, liberal arts, Sierra College, 1997

Work experience: I am a certified emergency manager (CEM) and currently serve as the USDA Emergency Foods Program Coordinator at Placer Food Bank. I have seven years of experience in local and state emergency management and 11 years in consulting. The most fulfilling and rewarding roles for me are those in direct service to my local community.

Civic engagement: My experience volunteering in our public schools started in 2017, serving on the Sargeant Elementary Parent-Teacher Club (PTC) Board, Sargeant Elementary and Eich Middle School Site Council, Local Control and Accountability Plan workgroup, art docent workgroup and as a lead for book fairs, STEAM nights and art docent.

I served on the Roseville Independent Redistricting Commission in 2020. I am also a longtime Girl Scout Troop Leader and Neighborhood Watch block co-captain. Since 2020, I have served as a volunteer poll worker for Placer County. I believe strongly in participation in our democratic process and serving the community.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

With respect to the achievement gap, I would advocate for allocation of resources and programs that support our students who are on the cusp of being a grade-level or lower. There are many students who just need extra support via interventions and support from family. This is something our district does well.

I would also advocate for our English-learner (EL) populations and support the forums which bring families to the table for the supports and services which improve EL student outcomes. Parent engagement is essential.

In my specific trustee area, we also have many food-insecure families. So, another thing that is critical is universal school meals. While it is not a local decision, I support it 100% because free breakfast and lunch give all of our students a shot at success. School meals for all removes the stigma of getting free lunch. With proper nutrition, students feel safe, cared for and are best prepared to focus in the classroom and give their best effort.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

Roseville City School District provides 12,000+ students in our community with a quality education in a nurturing and safe environment. Our district supports our hard-working families by giving their children the opportunities, knowledge, and skills needed to prepare for the next phase of their education and future.

Our district is growing rapidly as new families move to Roseville from other areas in the state. With the increase in enrollment, we are also seeing an increase in the number of students needing special education services. Funding is and always has been an ongoing challenge, not just in our district but across the state.

I would support efforts for early intervention services for our youngest learners, ensure students with disabilities are in the least restrictive environment possible (with professional development for teachers), and support efforts to recruit special education teachers and support staff.

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

I regularly attend our school board meetings to stay abreast of challenges, improvements, and victories in our district. One area that still needs attention is our absenteeism rate. While it has decreased significantly since 2020, we are not yet where we were pre-pandemic.

Absenteeism impacts student learning and mental health. Missed instructional time, socialization, and friendships are critical for development, academic growth and overall happiness. Students who are absent from school fall behind and miss out on the connectedness that comes from the school community.

Over the last few years, our district, staff and teachers have done a good job of informing and educating families and students about the importance of regular attendance. I would seek to continue the ongoing efforts to get students back into the classroom by supporting the strategies that are proven successes while staying on top of what other districts are doing, so that students can reach their full potential.

OTHER CANDIDATE

Candidate who did not respond: Steve Lesch

Roseville CSD, Area 5

Three candidates

JONATHAN ZACHRESON

Age: 40

Residence: Roseville

Title/occupation: Roseville City School District Board Member

Education: Bachelor’s degree, business administration, Sacramento State, 2010

Work experience: I have over 20 years of business management experience and became a certified public accountant in 2014 while working as a financial auditor. I currently work as a financial reporting manager for a large health care system.

Civic engagement: I currently serve as a Roseville City School District Board member. I also am the president of an education nonprofit focused on student-first policies and have been heavily involved in education advocacy for several years.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

If re-elected, I will continue to allocate resources to ensure every student reaches their full potential, not just a subset of students.

Having quality curriculum, focusing on education, improving attendance, using good data, and improving the school environment are some of the ways to do that.

I am proud to have championed our updated policy limiting cell phones in the classroom and would like to see a thorough review of our district’s homework policies.

I also am an advocate for the better use of data so we can ensure every student is improving.

Lastly, when students are at school, they learn. Additionally, attendance is tied to school funding. Since taking office in 2022, the number of RCSD students who were chronically absent improved from 26% to 12%, bucking state trends. This not only will help student outcomes but will bring our district approximately $4 million in additional funding per year that will help fund vital programs and retain quality teachers.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

As a father of a child who had an IEP for much of his time in school and as a brother to a non-verbal sibling, I understand the unique challenges families with children with exceptional needs face. I am committed to being the voice on the board for those families.

RCSD has a reputation for being one of the better districts in California for special education, but there is always room for improvement.

Most recently, RCSD added ASD and special day classes and hired additional support staff for special education students. I also want to ensure the district is responsive to the parents of special education students.

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

I want Roseville to remain a great place to live and raise a family and a large part of that involves our schools. If re-elected, I will continue to prioritize educational excellence, parental involvement, transparency, fiscal sustainability, attendance, improving the school environment, school safety, and special education.

JULIE CONSTANT

Age: 53

Residence: Roseville (RCSD - Trustee 5)

Title/occupation: Roseville City School District Board Trustee

Education: Liberal arts and humanities degree

Work experience: I have owned several businesses over many years. Currently, I am an office manager of a busy medical office. Previously, I was a fundraising consultant, working with schools, churches, and other nonprofit organizations.

Civic engagement:

I have served on the RCSD board since I was elected in 2016. I served as the president of the board in 2019 and served eight years on the policy subcommittee.
Prior to moving to Roseville, I was elected twice to serve on an elementary school district board, Campbell Union School District.
I have volunteered in schools, my church, and youth programs in many capacities since 2006.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

I have served on the district board for eight years. During this time we have continually made progress in these areas. I will continue to work with my colleagues to address these gaps.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

We have an excellent program with teachers who love their job and their students. I will ensure our students continue to learn and get the services they need to achieve their full potential. Our district has a growing special education program and I have pushed to have new programs be brought to our district to serve those children that require specialized services.

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

My primary focus will remain on ensuring we give our children the best education possible. I will continue to advocate for children, their families, and their parents.

CASSIE LIN

Age: 35

Residence: Roseville

Title/occupation: Compliance Analyst / Parent

Education: My son is a second-grader in the district. I volunteered on the School Site Council at his school, helping develop, review, and evaluate school improvement programs. I also volunteered on the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Team, helping promote positive behavior and academic success.

Work experience: I have a bachelor’s in accounting from the University of Nevada-Reno. For the last 12 years, I’ve worked in real estate and banking as a compliance analyst. I have a background in strong data analysis, research, and policy writing.

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

As a mom, I know how important it is for parents and families to collaborate with educators and be involved in their student’s education. I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact on students when parents and teachers work together.

My priority is to make our schools a safe and welcoming place for all students by encouraging collaboration and community. Students who feel safe at school perform better academically and get along better with their peers and teachers. A safe learning environment starts with a school board that is committed to inclusivity and supporting students of all backgrounds. I support initiatives that reduce bullying and chronic absenteeism, and promote positive behavior and community. I support evidence-based frameworks like Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.

I am committed to working closely with our teachers and staff to ensure they have the resources they need. I will listen to parents and students, and encourage collaboration between parents and teachers.

Roseville JUHSD, Area 1

Two candidates

BILL SCHUETZ

Age: 52

Residence: Dry Creek community in unincorporated Roseville

Title/occupation: Parent/Education Advisor

Education: I had the privilege of serving the communities of Antelope and southwest Roseville for six years (2016- 2022) on the Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District school board, and for over two decades I have dedicated my professional career to supporting public education as a legal advisor for school districts. The perspective, experience, and knowledge I have gained firsthand as a board member, and by working with public school district administrators and boards throughout California for over two decades, uniquely qualifies me to contribute to the RJUHSD leadership team for the benefit of the students and families it serves

Civic engagement:

Board member, Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District, 2016-22
Placer County Committee on School District Organization, 2021-present
Parent member, Oakmont High School Site Council, 2023-present

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

Bring the focus of the school board back to what it’s supposed to be doing putting the needs and well-being of all students and their education first.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

Our district has distinct communities with very diverse populations. Efforts are needed to improve the disparities between our schools and students through strategies and

resources in partnership with administration and all stakeholder groups. As a trustee I will advocate for programs that close the achievement gap and ensure that students at all of our schools are provided the resources they need to achieve their full potential.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

RJUHSD has great administration, teachers, and support staff who work tirelessly to serve the needs of special education students. As a board member I will diligently oversee the allocation of district resources to ensure that all students are afforded the appropriate supports needed to thrive.

OTHER CANDIDATE

Candidate who did not respond: Milton C. Brott III

Roseville JUHSD, Area 3

Two candidates

TIFFANY COLEMAN

Age: 52

Residence: Roseville

Title/occupation: Roseville Joint Union High School District Trustee

Education: Bachelor’s degree, American studies, Brigham Young University, 1994

Work experience:

I am a longtime Roseville resident and mother of five children. Four of my children are district graduates, and we have one 8th-grader. My husband and I founded a successful engineering firm in Roseville and continue to be deeply invested in our community. Being a mother at home has been my primary profession while also supporting my husband in the growth of our business.

Civic engagement:

I have valued my engagement with our public schools over the years. I prioritize staying informed about school matters, helping the community stay connected and knowledgeable, and addressing issues with respect.
Trustee, Roseville Joint Union High School District, 2024-present
HOA board member, 2022-present
Founding leader, Informed Parents of Roseville City School District, 2019-present
Roseville City School District Art is Everywhere Committee, 2018-19
Member, Blue Oaks Elementary School Site Council, 2016-18
Head art docent, Blue Oaks Elementary, 2017-19
Art docent, Blue Oaks Elementary, 2005-22
Cub master, Pack 803, Golden Empire Council/Iron Horse District, 2010-13

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

I have four initiatives that work together.

Empower students through a focus on education. Students deserve exceptional education that prepares them for adulthood. While social issues are important, our primary goal is effective education. Schools must focus on their core mission: providing high-quality education.

Strengthen family partnerships. I am dedicated to transparency and collaboration with parents, recognizing them as crucial partners in our schools. My goal is to keep strong families in our public schools by maintaining transparency, welcoming input, and actively collaborating with parents for the benefit of our students.

Build community. I aim to make each school a vibrant community hub that inspires students, teachers, and families with a strong sense of pride. I support maintaining safe, modern, and well-kept campuses that promote excellent education and that inspire community pride. Our district has seen a rise in English Learner students and their families from around the globe. I will continue to advocate for providing these families with the support and educational resources they need to integrate, thereby strengthening our entire community.

Lead with respect. Civility and respect are vital to effective leadership and a healthy community. I commit to working with all our stakeholders with respect and kindness, and I will continue to actively seek and welcome respectful input from all perspectives.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

I support the efforts the district has made and continues to make in offering opportunities to every student.

In addition to our extensive Advanced Placement courses at each site, as well as our two International Baccalaureate schools, in recent years our district has had rapid growth in Career Technical Education Pathway courses and dual enrollment courses in collaboration with Sierra College. Through all of these avenues, we are better able to reach students at multiple levels and support them with the education they need to succeed beyond high school.

Our district also has alternative educational offerings through our Pathways program, which offers nontraditional educational opportunities with Middle College, Independent Study, and credit recovery programs to help reach a wider umbrella of students.

I am proud to have voted for the adoption of our three-year LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan), which outlines our specific plans to utilize state funds to improve educational outcomes for our English Learner, low-income, and foster youth.

Additionally, as we see each school site as an important hub in the community, we build pride and attract resources that nurture all of the students at that site.

JOYCE HENRY

Age: 63

Residence: Roseville

Title/occupation: Retired Educator

Education:

Bachelor of English, California State University, Sacramento, 1983
Secondary Teaching Credential, English, 1984
Secondary Teaching Credential, Art, 1995

Work experience:

1984-89 I taught English and journalism at Sacramento High School. I taught English, speech, debate, art history and other subjects at Roseville High School from 1989-99 with the exception of a 1-year hiatus at Woodcreek High School 1996-97. In 1997 I returned to Roseville High School, and 1998-2022 I taught every art class offered, every level from Art 1 to AP Studio Art, 2-D Design; and every level of ceramics, including AP Studio Art 3-D Design. I served as a member of RHS Site Counsel 2019-2021, a member of the Equity team 2018-ish-2021, and many leadership roles prior years.

Civic engagement:

I took student groups to dozens of speech and debate tournaments. Co-organized and chaperoned about a dozen trips to San Francisco’s Science Museum and MOMA or De Young Museum. In the 2000s, I collaborated with Cecil Morris on student art shows/poetry readings that featured student poetry in response to student art, and visa versa. Locations included RSVL Downtown Library, Martha Riley Library, etc. I helped prepare and hang student art for shows at local shops: Starbucks, Shady Tree, public libraries, Crocker Art Museum, 20th St. Gallery, Placer County Fair, etc.

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

As a school board trustee, I plan to ensure that the public education in Roseville high schools provides all students access to opportunities that prepare them for their best possible life. Students often don’t have a clear vision of what their lives will be, what occupations they will want to have, or who will employ them. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that every student engages in a robust education that challenges and excites them. Curriculum and lessons should relate to the present world, reveal historical context, and provide comprehensive academic scope, in every subject. Excellence in education is most important to me.

At the same time, students would greatly benefit from taking vocational classes. Class offerings should open opportunities for students to explore their interests, pursue their curiosities, uncover aspects of themselves they did not know they possessed. A closer affiliation or coordination with some trade schools may give some students access to a career they may not have imagined for themselves.

A large district can become unwieldy, difficult to keep a clear focus for people in every corner. I hope to help all staff members to consider our students in every decision.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

The administrators and teachers on the campuses would be the ones to create the plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap. I assume they will use the data they collect to help them identify students in need, what they need, and how much they need. A student two grade levels below average in a particular subject needs more intensive intervention than someone one year behind. Smaller class sizes can be instrumental in getting students the extra help they need. Often students who struggle live in circumstances at odds with academic success. The expanded free school lunch in California helps address a basic need.

Wellness Centers on RJUHSD campuses also help students of lower-income families navigate crises with professional help that otherwise may not have been available to them, thus giving them the quicker return to their academics. As a school board member I would look to district policy and California state guidelines to help steer the leadership toward progress for this very vulnerable student population.

The achievement/opportunity gap is one of the great challenges of our schools. We had been making progress before the pandemic, but then COVID-19 reversed some of that progress. Curriculum changes should be driven by data that is gathered from all constituents. Changes should be made in careful measured steps, and tested for efficacy all along the way.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

For many years, the district has struggled to find and hire qualified special needs aides and teachers. I am very familiar with the program at Roseville High School. I retired from there only two years ago after working there for 33 years. In recent years, Roseville High School was fortunate to be able to hire and retain some exceptional special needs teachers. Under the administrative leadership and the guidance and coordination of Counselor Jeff Clark, they have built a strong program. All the students in the program have mainstream classes with regular-ed students, which builds community not just in these classes, but helps all people see each other with greater respect, understanding and care.

I am aware that the schools in the district don’t all share the same practices.

Roseville JUHSD, Area 5

Two candidates

DEBRA L. LATTERI

Residence: Roseville

Title/occupation: Retired Educator

Education:

In 1993, I earned a bachelor’s degree in history from California State University, Sacramento, along with both a multiple subject teaching credential and a single subject teaching credential in social science and English. In 1999, I earned a master’s dDegree in history from California State University, Sacramento. I also possess an administrative credential that was first earned in 2007.

Work experience:

I was first hired by the Roseville Joint Union High School District in 1994. I worked as a social science and English teacher for 15 years. From 2002-08, I also taught 2-3 history classes every term for Sierra Community College. In 2009, I was hired to be a principal for the Roseville Joint Union High School District, a position in which I remained until my retirement in 2020.

Civic engagement:

In the Roseville community, I have been involved in Girl Scouts as a 14-year Girl Scout leader, Boy Scouts as an advisor for several merit badges, Roseville Youth Soccer Club as a team mom, and Roseville baseball and softball clubs as a scorekeeper and team organizer. Most recently, I volunteer in classrooms for the Roseville City School District.

What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?

I am committed to making sure that every student feels safe and accepted at school. I also am dedicated to helping facilitate that every student receives a stellar education which will provide them with the knowledge, skills and tools to be able to follow their dreams and passions as an adult. In order to achieve such success, the Roseville Joint Union High School Board of Trustees needs to support teachers in their efforts to improve curriculum and instructional methods, promote the use of technology and tools that are advantageous to student learning, and work collaboratively with the board and educational community to provide all of the supports necessary to provide every student with an education from which to successfully launch their future.

How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?

All students need to have equal access to a high-quality education. If a student is not consistently attending school or has slowed their achievement, the school professionals should initiate appropriate interventions to support the student as they work toward achievement. Funding to provide and sustain appropriate student supports should be one of the priorities of the Roseville Joint Union High School District Board of Trustees.

How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?

Students with special needs deserve a quality education that will help them achieve their life dreams, just like every student in the district. Teachers of students with special needs should receive specialized trainings and regular, consistent, and sustained support from the school professionals to design their curriculum, tools, and classroom supports that will provide a quality education to their students with special needs.

HEIDI HALL

Age: 48

Residence: Roseville