Get to know the local candidates on your Rancho Cordova ballot for the 2024 election
Rancho Cordova City Council, District 3
Four candidates
JOSEPH LITTLE
Age: 32
Residence: Rancho Cordova, Lincoln Village
Title/occupation: Counsel for Cities
Education:
- Jesuit High, 2010
- Gonzaga University, 2014
- UC Davis Law, 2018
Work experience: My experience is a litigator for top-caliber law firms. When I was at these places, I soaked up as much knowledge as I could, and then I moved on to work that was more connected with regular people. I’m now at a local shop defending the taxpayer from lawsuits against the public purse, so our money can be used to build a better world. In my work, I’ve been cursed/fortunate enough to work for really smart, motivated, and hardworking people, the best of the best, and I’d like to think a few of their lessons rubbed off on me.
Civic engagement: In recent years, I’ve canvassed for local candidates and ballot measures, knocking on doors and meeting voters. You learn a lot from who answers the door. As a lawyer, on a pro bono basis, I’ve fought for renters, veterans, immigrants, prisoners, transgender folk, homeless persons, etc. People have come knocking for me, and I’ve answered the door.
Rancho Cordova, like other cities, faces the challenge of addressing housing needs both in density and cost. What is your vision for the issue of integrating higher-density housing without compromising the city’s existing suburban character?
That’s a question for the east side of the city. My district has dense housing already, and we want more. My district has five mobile home parks and numerous tightly stacked apartment complexes. These spots ARE our community and are a great place to grow up despite the cost-of-living crisis the residents in these places face. I’ve walked the mobile parks and the complexes, and they are full of joy despite the hardships their residents face. The residents need more from local government, but I don’t see how it’d hurt community character to build additional dense housing.
What do you think of the possibility of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District splitting into two entities, representing Folsom and Rancho Cordova respectively?
I’ve heard from teachers with FCUSD that the district is unequipped to deal with my neighborhood’s attendance and performance struggles. Is that true? I don’t know. What I do know is that my specific area is in a forgotten boundary between FCUSD and SCUSD, and both districts consider us a burden. Perhaps it’s time to reinvent the wheel locally and create our own school district. We’d need a high school and a second middle school to complement our other schools, but it’s doable.
The city has implemented several economic development plans, such as its $2 million workforce training program. What are your plans, if elected, to help spur jobs and business growth in the city?
Without commenting on the effectiveness of that $2 million program: The city has been booming for awhile, and we’ve got big and great businesses here that are here to stay, so I think we’re doing OK. The problem is that my district is full of vacant commercial properties and underemployed, hard workers. Some skilled, some not. How many of the unskilled workers here have even heard about the City’s $2 million program? I could probably count them on my fingers. Just like none of us received the city mailer about redistricting, telling us that there was a first-time-ever vote coming up, but I digress. For businesses and workers, the focus in my community should be getting these big, vacant commercial properties filled and getting local workers hired there.
SERGIY PRONIN
Age: 41
Residence: Sacramento
Title/occupation: School Principal
Education:
- Master of Liberal Arts in I/O Psychology, Harvard University, HES, 2024
- Master of Business Administration, California Baptist University, 2020
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Accountancy, CSU Sacramento, 2015
- Associate of Arts in Business General: Transfer, Folsom Lake College, 2013
Work experience: Principal-CEO, Bryte Christian Academy, 2016-present
Civic engagement: I have volunteered with various churches and organizations as an accountant, choir director and department director.
Rancho Cordova, like other cities, faces the challenge of addressing housing needs both in density and cost. What is your vision for the issue of integrating higher-density housing without compromising the city’s existing suburban character?
As for father of seven children, it is important for me to make Rancho Cordova more attractive for the young families and for families with children. The city’s long-term economic prosperity is possible only when the city invests its money and power in the development of infrastructure for joyful and happy life of our children and youth. They are the future of our city. We must do everything possible to improve the quality of life for families with children, so that when the children grow up, they want to live in Rancho Cordova, build their families and raise their own children in our city.
The important part of that is the building of new, modern, and affordable houses and development of new and empty territories to the comfortable, safe, attractive areas for living. Rancho Cordova is already a leader in the new house permits in the region. The city approved around 1100 permits for new buildings. Two weeks ago, I had a meeting with the representative from for the North State Building Industry Association. He said that at this rate our city will be in first place in the construction of new houses. My goal as a city councilman will be to support this rate of construction and improvement of new territories in every possible way.
In addition, to increase the housing stock and development, the city officials should approve the building of more apartment units and more quickly and predictably approve developments that meet zoning laws. As a councilman I will work with the city management team to provide these incentives.
What do you think of the possibility of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District splitting into two entities, representing Folsom and Rancho Cordova respectively?
There are 19 public schools in the city of Rancho Cordova in three school districts: Folsom Cordova Unified School District, Sacramento Unified School District, and Elk Grove Unified School District. In our RC 3rd District, we have 4 schools: 3 in the Sacramento Unified School District and 1 in the Folsom Cordova Unified School District. For this reason, I do not believe that it is necessary at this time to split the Folsom Cordova Unified School District into two entities representing Folsom and Rancho Cordova respectively.
However, Rancho Cordova is planning to expand to include additional areas in its jurisdiction. It would make sense in the future to have its own school district not only by splitting the Folsom Cordova Unified School District into Folsom and Rancho Cordova, but by also including all the schools in the city from Sacramento and Elk Grove Unified School Districts in a future Rancho Cordova Unified School District.
The city has implemented several economic development plans, such as its $2 million workforce training program. What are your plans, if elected, to help spur jobs and business growth in the city?
Business is critical to the economic development and prosperity of Rancho Cordova. For me personally, business has been an integral part of my life, both in terms of education and experience. My goal as your city councilman will be to promote business growth in our city by attracting startups and small businesses and helping them thrive, engaging businesses of all sizes to enhance regional success, and meeting community needs through workforce development. Our city should be viewed as a place for business growth and opportunities for various types of businesses and investors. To do this, the city government must be in constant dialogue with local stakeholders and businesses to develop and maintain a strong business ecosystem.
The City of Rancho Cordova is investing $2 million into its local workforce to provide free educational and training opportunities to Rancho Cordova residents who are unemployed, underemployed or want to upskill to compete for higher wage jobs. Currently, the city offers two programs Trade Skills and Data & Technology. The city should continue to invest in educational incentives like these as they help some of our residents improve their quality of life and are especially beneficial to our immigrant community.
As a City Council member, I will support investment and promotion of various educational programs, and I believe that in addition to these two programs, we need programs to train future office workers: administrative assistants, clerks, and bookkeepers.
DAVID SANDER
Age: 55
Residence: Rancho Cordova
Title/occupation: Rancho Cordova City Councilmember
Education:
- Undergraduate work in physics, biology, chemistry and math
- Ph.D in cell and molecular biology, with research in virology.
Work experience:
- Congressional Science Fellow served as science advisor to U.S. House of Representatives from 1996 to 1998
- Board member and chair, National Civic League led the board of the historic organization focused on civic engagement, municipal innovation and community partnerships from 2010 to 2020
- Board member and president, National League of Cities lead the national organization representing 19,000 cities, towns and villages in D.C., with significant civic research and innovation since 2015
- Fellow, National Academy of Public Administration, since 2014
- Scientific Consultant, Sander & Associates, since 1998
Civic engagement:
- Chair of Sacramento Regional Transit District from 2004 to 2006
- Chair of Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) since 2019
- Chair of Sacramento Area Sewer District from 2023 to 2024
- Chair of Cordova Community Council from 2001 to 2011 and since 2016
- Founder and chair Rancho Cordova Athletic Association since 2012
Other board member service: Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento Children’s Museum, Greater Sacramento Economic Development Corporation, League of California Cities, Faith Lutheran Church, Capital Southeast Connector, USA Track & Field Pacific Foundation, Friends of the Sacramento Public Library
Rancho Cordova, like other cities, faces the challenge of addressing housing needs both in density and cost. What is your vision for the issue of integrating higher-density housing without compromising the city’s existing suburban character?
Rancho Cordova has come a long way since our incorporation in 2003. We have drastically lowered crime, rebuilt infrastructure, renewed our economic success as the region’s largest private sector jobs center, been one of the fastest growing communities in the region, and created nationally recognized community partnerships to enrich the lives of our residents.
Besides maintaining and growing these successes, work remains in densifying and remaking our old commercial corridors like Folsom Blvd. which has great transit access, but few residential or commercial amenities. We will do this by carefully planning and partnering with innovative builders to redefine what old commercial corridors can be.
In our region, these corridors are forgotten or leftover places that once functioned as the heart of our communities, but now find themselves stranded without much function, and are often the site of disorder.
I’m leading a regional effort to knock down the barriers that exist to redevelopment and reuse of these corridors, removing fees and barriers placed by public agencies on their reuse and finding grants and support for reuse through programs like SACOG’s Green Means Go Initiative, which began on my watch as SACOG Chair.
Our city’s Mills Crossing project is a great example of this effort - bringing novel for sale and rental housing to Folsom Blvd., with significant public amenities like a flexible theater space, community art venues, a health center, recreation opportunities, event space and collegiate education. This reuses a generationally vacant parcel across from the Mather Field Light Rail Station and Rancho Cordova’s acclaimed MACC - the Mills Station Arts and Culture Center, a center point of our Arts Council strategy. This breakthrough project will re-define what’s possible in Rancho Cordova and the region, and demonstrate new opportunities for housing and economic development in our successful city.
What do you think of the possibility of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District splitting into two entities, representing Folsom and Rancho Cordova respectively?
Education is an enormous concern in Rancho Cordova, where we are working hard to create more options and encourage higher standards for our kids. For a generation, there have been significant concerns about our school district is managed with regard to two communities it represents. As someone who has worked on these education issues for 20+ years, and working through many plans for improvement, it is not clear to me that the district’s efforts are working for our community - a serious reset is needed. There are issues here of equality and equity in resources, facilities, personnel and expectations. Along with the entire City Council and many community leaders, I am interested in exploring all options for rectifying this situation, including the possibility of splitting the District if that’s what would best address the serious issues we see. For certain, we cannot continue to have a system in place that doesn’t perform for our families and our kids.
And, on a similar note, I support measures R & S on the ballot that will provide capital resources to improve our aging schools in Rancho Cordova.
The city has implemented several economic development plans, such as its $2 million workforce training program. What are your plans, if elected, to help spur jobs and business growth in the city?
We have had a great deal of success in adding and maintaining jobs, as Rancho Cordova remains the private sector job center of Northern California. Just in the last couple of years, we have added some very significant employers to Rancho Cordova, including the new corporate headquarters of Solidigm a world leader in semiconductors who moved their research and development to Rancho Cordova as well. That addition to our strong jobs sector is probably the most impactful economic development in the Sacramento region in a generation, with 1000’s of new very high-paying jobs, and a tremendous outlook for more to come. We need to continue to be responsive to business needs, quick and reliable as a partner in their success, as well as do more work to supply employees with all the needed skills that will make them and our residents more successful.
OTHER CANDIDATES
Candidates who did not respond: Chris Mann, Amber Verdugo
Rancho Cordova City Council, District 4
Two candidates
SIRI PULIPATI
Age: 46
Residence: Rancho Cordova
Title/occupation: Engineer
Education: M.S. in Electrical Engineering, California State University, Sacramento, 2001
Work experience:
- Electrical engineer: Earned a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from California State University, Sacramento.
- Senior manager: Held leadership roles at top Fortune 500 companies. Currently serves as a senior manager at a Fortune 500 company, overseeing teams and budgets.
- Graduate program instructor: Taught a core EE course at the graduate program at CSUS.
- Vice mayor and council member: first Asian councilwoman. Focused on education, economic development, and public safety. Key in attracting tech companies to the area.
- STEM advocate: Strong advocate for STEM, mentoring students and leading programs.
- Community leader: Actively involved in public safety and community development initiatives
Civic engagement: As a dedicated community volunteer, I’ve been actively involved in numerous initiatives to improve Rancho Cordova. I served as vice mayor and council member, focusing on education, economic development and public safety. I led efforts to expand STEM opportunities for youth, mentored students, and played a key role in bringing tech companies to our area. I also championed the development of new schools, particularly in Anatolia, and supported policies like California Proposition 36. Additionally, I graduated from the Leadership Rancho Cordova Program and have been a strong advocate for compassionate solutions to homelessness and addiction
Rancho Cordova, like other cities, faces the challenge of addressing housing needs both in density and cost. What is your vision for the issue of integrating higher-density housing without compromising the city’s existing suburban character?
Rancho Cordova has the highest percentage of affordable housing in the region, and new developments like Capitol Village bring affordable housing, retail and businesses together into a sustainable and livable community. I believe we need a balanced approach that respects our city’s suburban character while accommodating growth connected to jobs and transit that reduces sprawl and ensures affordability.
We must focus on strategic infill development, prioritizing higher-density housing in areas that are already served by infrastructure and public transit. By concentrating these developments near transit hubs and commercial centers, we can reduce traffic congestion and support local businesses, while preserving the suburban feel of our neighborhoods.
It is crucial to involve the community in the planning process. By engaging with residents, we can ensure that new developments align with their expectations and address concerns about density, aesthetics, and quality of life. This collaborative approach helps build consensus and ensures that growth enhances, rather than detracts from, our city’s unique character.
Finally, we must continue to prioritize affordable housing initiatives to ensure that residents of all income levels can live in Rancho Cordova. By integrating affordable units into higher-density projects and leveraging state and federal funding, we can address the housing crisis without sacrificing the character that makes our city special.
Through careful planning, community engagement, and smart development practices, we can meet our housing needs while preserving the qualities that make Rancho Cordova a great place to live.
What do you think of the possibility of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District splitting into two entities, representing Folsom and Rancho Cordova respectively?
The possibility of splitting the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) into two separate entities, one representing Folsom and the other Rancho Cordova, is a significant decision that warrants careful consideration of various factors and should be based on what serves the students and families best.
A split could allow each city to focus more closely on the unique needs and priorities of its students and community and bring more local resources to help disadvantaged communities. Rancho Cordova, with its diverse population and distinct challenges, might benefit from a school district that is solely dedicated to addressing its educational goals, ensuring that resources are allocated in a way that directly supports our students and schools.
There are also challenges to consider. Splitting the district could lead to disparities in funding, resources, and educational opportunities between the two cities. It’s essential to ensure that a split would not disadvantage either community or create unintended inequities. Additionally, the logistics of such a division including governance, administration, and the redistribution of assets must be carefully planned to avoid disruption to students’ education.
Ultimately, any decision about splitting the district should be guided by what is best for the students, teachers and families in both Rancho Cordova and Folsom. I believe in a collaborative approach, where all stakeholders parents, educators, community leaders, and students are involved in the conversation. Thorough studies and open dialogue are crucial to understanding the potential impacts and benefits of a split.
If it’s determined that creating two separate districts would enhance educational outcomes and better serve the needs of our community, then it’s an option worth pursuing. However, it must be done with careful planning, transparency, and a commitment to equity for all students.
The city has implemented several economic development plans, such as its $2 million workforce training program. What are your plans, if elected, to help spur jobs and business growth in the city?
I will build on the momentum of existing initiatives, partner with schools to create more vocational and technical training that upgrades our workforce, and target industries of the future that allow us to capitalize on work-from-home and other innovations.
1. Expand Workforce Development: Enhance Training Programs: I will work to expand and diversify workforce training programs, ensuring they are aligned with the needs of growing industries like technology, healthcare and manufacturing. By partnering with local businesses, labor unions, educational institutions, and community organizations, we can create tailored training that equips our residents with the skills needed for high-demand jobs.
Youth and STEM Focus: Building on my passion for STEM education, I will promote programs that prepare our youth for careers in technology and engineering
2. Attract and Support Businesses: Business Incentives: Enhance incentive programs that attract new businesses to Rancho Cordova, especially in sectors that offer high-paying jobs. This includes tax incentives, grants, and streamlined permitting processes to make our city a more attractive place to do business.
Support for Small Businesses:. I will advocate for additional resources and support, such as low-interest loans, grants, and technical assistance programs, to help small businesses thrive and grow.
3. Foster Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Create Innovation Hubs: I envision the development of innovation hubs or co-working spaces that provide entrepreneurs with the resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship they need to launch and grow their businesses. These hubs can serve as catalysts for innovation and job creation.
I am committed to creating a dynamic economy in Rancho Cordova that offers abundant job opportunities, supports business growth, and enhances the quality of life for all residents.
LEROY TRIPETTE
Age: 53
Residence: Rancho Cordova
Title/occupation: Rancho Cordova Planning Commissioner
Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Morehouse College
Work experience: Mr. Tripette has over 20 years of corporate workforce experience from SMUD and Intel Corporation. In his current role at SMUD, he serves as government affairs representative, responsible for maintaining and facilitating ongoing relationships between SMUD and representatives of external entities, including government and regulatory officials within the local region. Prior to joining SMUD, Mr. Tripette worked at Intel, where he held numerous software engineering and technical project management positions within the company. This included external affairs manager for California for 10 years, managing Intel’s strategic community and education programs within the greater Sacramento region and most of California.
Civic engagement: Leroy Tripette currently serves as planning commissioner for the City of Rancho Cordova. Active in the community, Mr. Tripette also serves on Street Soccer USA-Sacramento and College Track boards. He previously served on several boards and committees including board president for the Greater Sacramento Urban League, CA STEM Learning Network, and National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity.
Rancho Cordova, like other cities, faces the challenge of addressing housing needs both in density and cost. What is your vision for the issue of integrating higher-density housing without compromising the city’s existing suburban character?
We need to focus on housing solutions for all residents, housed and unhoused. We need to work on a regional level to build more affordable housing. We need to work with service providers to offer workable solutions to the unhoused. We need to ensure that public safety officers have the tools and training to respond and enforce laws in a human and effective manner.
What do you think of the possibility of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District splitting into two entities, representing Folsom and Rancho Cordova respectively?
I think it is important that we focus on ensuring students have access to quality education and facilities. This is why I am committed to getting a new high school and middle school for Rancho Cordova in Elk Grove Unified School District. I support measure N in EGUSD and the FCUSD bond to get more schools in our city.
The city has implemented several economic development plans, such as its $2 million workforce training program. What are your plans, if elected, to help spur jobs and business growth in the city?
I will work to support regional efforts to make our city an attractive place to start, grow and move businesses to our city. I will support the continuation of the City of Rancho Cordova and Folsom Lake College Promise Program that has helped more than a thousand residents attend college since 2017.
The Promise Program is a great example of how the city is working to “upskill” our residents so they are qualified for the good-paying jobs we have in our city.
Folsom Cordova USD, Area 2
Two candidates
YK CHALAMCHERLA
Age: 53
Residence: Folsom
Title/occupation: Councilmember/Entrepreneur/Parent
Education: Graduate in Computer Science and Engineering, 1992
Work experience:
- First job as 5th grade teacher, 1992
- Assistant director of income tax, Indian Government, 1994-98
- IT manager, Singapore, 1998-2007
- IT manager, State of California, 2008-19
- Entrepreneur, founder & CEO, AVATAR IT Solutions, Folsom, CA
Civic engagement: As an active volunteer, YK earned the tagline “YK is always in the community” thanks to his involvement with Folsom organizations and nonprofits. He is a volunteer/member with Folsom School PTA/PTSO Boards, crossing guard, SoberGradNight Board member, Youth-In-Government, middle and high school summer internships, the HART of Folsom, Friends of Folsom, Friends of Folsom Parkways, and Powerhouse Ministries. For more than 13 years, he has hosted State of California jobs awareness workshops to share public-sector job opportunities and help others navigate the job application process. He was named the 2022 Volunteer of the Year by the Folsom Chamber of Commerce.
What do you think of the possibility of the district splitting into two entities, representing Folsom and Rancho Cordova respectively?
The idea of splitting the district into two separate entities one for Folsom and one for Rancho Cordova certainly has the potential to support the growth, and I would be open to considering it in the future if it ensures equitable outcomes for all constituents. The ability to tailor resources, policies and budgets more specifically to each community’s needs is an attractive prospect, as it could lead to more targeted programs and governance that is more responsive to local concerns. I support Rancho Cordova’s intent of “One Rancho.” They want to unite the currently geographically divided among school districts of Folsom Cordova, Elk Grove, San Juan and Sacramento.
Splitting the district would likely introduce significant administrative costs, requiring new structures and personnel, which could divert funding away from educational services. Additionally, duplicating central offices and administrative functions may lead to inefficiencies and resource waste. There is also the real risk of creating an inequitable situation, ultimately harming students in that area.
While the concept is worth exploring, the current landscape doesn’t offer a clear path forward from the recent study conducted by FCUSD. Any future consideration would need to guarantee that all students, staff and families benefit equally and that no community is left at a disadvantage. Until a proposal addressing these concerns arises, it is essential to innovatively spend the special grants that are designated to some communities that are receiving special attention in the Rancho area by ensuring the resources are used efficiently and equitably.
In summary, while open to the idea of a district split, there is a lot of work ahead. It is not feasible at this time due to financial and resource concerns, and there is currently no proposal that justifies moving in that direction.
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 am currently studying the critical issue of special education in the Folsom Cordova School District (FCUSD), with the goal of identifying areas where additional support may be needed for students. Ensuring the effectiveness of services, the adequacy of resources, and the overall satisfaction of students and parents are key factors I am focused on as I learn more about the district’s current programs.
A major priority is ensuring that Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are customized to meet each student’s unique needs and are reviewed regularly. Collaboration between educators, specialists and parents is essential in creating effective IEPs that truly support the student.
The expertise of special education teachers and staff is another area of focus. High-quality services depend on well-trained professionals, and I believe that investing in ongoing professional development will enhance the support students receive.
Adequate resources, including assistive technologies and specialized support staff, are also vital. Ensuring these resources are equitably distributed throughout the district is critical to meeting the diverse needs of all students in special education programs.
Finally, I believe it is important to gather feedback from parents and students to understand the effectiveness of current services. Listening to their perspectives will help highlight areas for improvement and lead to meaningful changes.
If my ongoing review reveals opportunities to provide additional support, I am prepared to propose adjustments that will strengthen special education programs and ensure that every student receives the high-quality education they deserve.
What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?
Safety: Campus and schools safety is one of my top priorities because a safe learning environment is essential for both students and staff to thrive. If elected, I will work to implement comprehensive safety plans that involve collaboration among teachers, staff, administrators and parents. My goal is to create a proactive approach, focusing on prevention and early intervention so that students and educators can focus on what truly matters quality education.
Safety isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue, and I believe in tailoring safety measures to the unique needs of each school. By involving the entire school community in the conversation, we can create practical and effective policies that address specific concerns while ensuring every campus is secure. This commonsense approach ensures that safety measures are both achievable and impactful.
Prevention is key. From securing campuses physically to implementing mental health support and conflict resolution programs, I will advocate for a holistic approach to safety. By focusing on early intervention, we can address issues before they escalate.
Prioritizing campus safety is about more than protection it’s about creating an environment where students feel secure and supported, boosting academic performance and overall well-being. Safe schools are successful schools, and I am committed to making that a reality.
One more Key Initiative: Fiscal Accountability
Fiscal responsibility is at the core of my approach to public service. With years of experience managing large budgets and coordinating statewide services, I understand the importance of ensuring that every dollar the district spends is used effectively. As I have done as a member of the Folsom City Council, I rigorously oversee budgets and expenditures and continuously evaluate how funds are used to ensure taxpayer money is spent wisely. My focus on efficiency and results-driven policies will help our district achieve its goals while maintaining a robust financial position.
DIANNA LANEY
Age: 47
Residence: Folsom
Title/occupation: Parent, Certified Financial Planner Practitioner
Education:
- Certified Financial Planner practitioner
- Chartered Financial Consultant
- Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor
- Bachelor’s degree in management
- Graduate, Hiram W. Johnson High School
Work experience:
- Independent Wealth Manager, Financial Advisor, 2009
- Licensed Financial Advisor, 2005
Civic involvement:
- Art docent and elementary school volunteer, since 2023
- Lead volunteer elementary school crossing guard, since 2022
- Sponsored Folsom Mayor’s Cup, 2023 and 2024
- Youth Soccer Coach, 2022 and 2023
- Sponsor Hearts for Heroes US Gala, 2022
- Volunteer and Sponsor for Folsom Community Service Day, 2021-23
- Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, 2022-23
- Folsom Chamber Government Affairs Committee, 2021-23
- Chair, Folsom City Library Commission, since 2020
- Graduate of the Leadership Folsom 2019 Program, raised money for and installed a shade structure for the volunteers of the Twin Lakes Food Bank Garden
What do you think of the possibility of the district splitting into two entities, representing Folsom and Rancho Cordova respectively?
The idea of splitting the district into separate entities for Folsom and Rancho Cordova requires thoughtful consideration, focused on what benefits our students, parents, teachers, and communities. Before making any decisions, we must carefully review the reasons behind this proposal. If local control or other benefits will better serve our communities, we should work together to find a path forward. However, if issues can be resolved to strengthen the district as a whole, they should be addressed openly.
For example, I’ve spoken with my Rancho Cordova families, and many are concerned about safety, teacher retention, and deteriorating school facilities. A group of fifth-grade girls shared with me their worries about campus fights — this should never be their concern. Students must feel safe at school, focusing on learning, not their physical safety. I will work with the safety committee to address these concerns and advocate for a district-wide review of facilities to ensure proper maintenance, repairs, or replacements.
A discussion about splitting the district must also consider the impact on school resources and access to important programs like STEAM, Academy, and CTE, which are essential for preparing students for life after graduation. Financial responsibility is critical; any decision must be sustainable without compromising education quality or adding financial burdens.
Input from educators, paraeducators, site staff and non-classified staff is essential in shaping student experiences. They deserve a strong voice in this process.
My commitment is to a collaborative and data-driven approach. Whether we pursue a split or address challenges as a united district, our focus should always be on ensuring a safe, well-maintained, and supportive environment that benefits every student.
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 in FCUSD is upheld by dedicated educators and staff, but there are areas needing improvement to ensure all special needs students receive the education they deserve.
The district recently adopted an inclusion model, allowing special education students to attend their home schools. While this is a positive step toward inclusivity, adequate resources must be provided to support classrooms and teachers. In conversations with parents and teachers, many feel there is insufficient staff, paraeducators and professional training to properly support these students.
Transportation is another pressing issue. Due to bus driver shortages, routes in Folsom were recently reduced. Although special education students, who are guaranteed transportation by law, are prioritized, many still endure long bus rides. We must focus on recruiting and retaining bus drivers to improve busing capacity and reduce route times, especially for students with special needs.
Improved communication between schools and families is also essential. Parents play a key role in their child’s education, and better communication about resources and support services will strengthen this partnership.
Proper staffing and ongoing professional development are critical for meeting the diverse needs of our students. Educators must have the training and resources necessary for the success of the inclusion model and the overall quality of special education.
The district should regularly assess the effectiveness of its special education programs by seeking feedback from students, parents, and staff. By addressing transportation, supporting inclusion, enhancing resources, and continuously reviewing our practices, we can create an environment where all students, especially those with special needs, can thrive.
What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?
My top priorities center on ensuring that our district provides safe, well-maintained, and functional facilities while being fiscally responsible. I am deeply concerned about the condition of some of our schools. Many are aging and in need of major repairs, while in other areas, the district is overbuilding new schools that, although beautiful, are unnecessary and costly to maintain. We need to prioritize taking care of our current facilities, addressing overcrowding, and building reasonable, durable new schools where necessary.
I will focus on improving and expanding school facilities to ensure all students have safe, supportive environments that foster learning, while ensuring these decisions are made with financial responsibility in mind. These decisions must be collaborative, involving students, parents, and educators to reflect the needs of the entire district.
Another key priority is expanding STEAM, Academy, and CTE programs. We must ensure that all students are prepared for life after graduation, whether they choose college, the trades, or other career paths. These programs are essential for equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in an evolving workforce.
My campaign is built on a commitment to providing a high-quality, inclusive education system that supports both students and educators. I am dedicated to fiscal responsibility and actively engaging with the community to make decisions that reflect our shared values and goals.
Folsom Cordova USD, Area 4
Two candidates
CHRIS CLARK
Age: 60
Residence: Rancho Cordova
Title/occupation: Trustee, Folsom Cordova Unified School District
Education:
- Consumes River College, 1982-84
- Park College, 1986-88
Work experience:
- Recreation program coordinator, City of Stockton, 1988-2005
- Golf program coordinator, Disabled Sports USA, 2006-11
- Resource development manager, Folsom Cordova Community Partnership, 2011-21
- Program manager, Youth Social Justice/Foster Youth Education, Greater Sacramento Urban League, 2011-present
Civic engagement:
- Laguna Sunrise Rotary, 1996-2014 (President 2000-01 and 2010-11)
- President, Cordova High PTSA, 2014-16
- Board of directors, Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce, 2015-16
- Rancho Cordova Sunrise Rotary Club, 2013-16 (President 2015-16)
- Board of directors, California School Boards Association, 2022-present
- Board of directors, Easter Seals Superior California, 2023-present
- Board of directors, Buy Board Purchasing Cooperative, 2023-present
What do you think of the possibility of the district splitting into two entities, representing Folsom and Rancho Cordova respectively?
This would hurt both cities in many ways. Let’s be clear, there is no way either district would be sustainable with the low ADA. In addition, on the Cordova side, Title 1 would not be a sufficient source of additional funding, causing us to lose resources and teachers. With the state being in a deficit (at least for the next four years), there would be no room
for concentrated grants. In my opinion, waiting for another 12-15 years, would be the best time to meet the criteria to move forward. We have to keep in mind that this would also disrupt educational programs, hamper fiscal management and promote racial or ethnic discrimination or segregation.
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 is one of the best in the region. However, two changes I see; To ensure that our students with special needs would include more parent advocacy, as many parents don’t know, or fully don’t understand, their rights when it comes to their students education. Also, the addition of instructional aides. There are many times I visit our programs at our facilities; I always notice that many of our classrooms are short of aides to support our teachers.
What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?
The passage of both bonds in SFID #4. These additional funds, coupled with the possible passage of the State Modernization Bonds, would mean additional funding for those schools to have the upgrades for our students to have a safe and upgraded environment to learn.
OTHER CANDIDATE
Candidate who did not respond: Madelaine Jean Sanderson
Cordova parks, Division 3
Two candidates
BRIAN FAULCONER
Age: 44
Residence: Rancho Cordova
Title/occupation: Coach/Scientist/Businessman
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree, biological science, Sacramento State
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist Program, UC Davis
- Medical laboratory scientist license, American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- California Clinical Lab Scientist license
Work experience: I began working as a medical laboratory scientist and am now working as a clinical applications analyst for Sutter Health. I have also helped start and operate small businesses in the IT field, youth sports, and afterschool STEM enrichment.
Civic engagement:
- Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
- Member, American Society of Clinical Pathology
- Coach and referee, US Soccer
- Member, Rancho Cordova Community Enhancement Fund Oversight Committee
- Board member, Rancho Cordova Soccer Club
- Coach and referee, Rancho Cordova Soccer Club
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
I have coached local youth all my life, and I can’t stand by and watch politics and bureaucracy allow our public parks and sports fields to continue to fall into disrepair or local youth sports get shoved out in favor of out-of-town teams. Parks are a core service we need leaders who can work with the city and school district to meet the needs of our community, not spending money on bureaucracy and administration. I have spent my professional career innovating business and management, and I’m also a scientist who focuses on hard facts. I will put those skills and my passion for the community to work making our parks safer and providing local youth sports with the facilities to serve Rancho Cordova’s youth.
My plan is simple: Renovate parks and ballfields to make them safer and more useful. Elevate oversight to ensure better district management and fiscal planning. Innovate new facilities and programs to serve our residents, seniors, sports teams, and schools.
I will push for more coordination and cooperation with Folsom Cordova, San Juan, Elk Grove, and Sac City school districts that serve our communities, and rebuild relationships with the city of Rancho Cordova. We can bring in more resources for construction, maintenance, improvements, and programming by working together rather than in competition.
OTHER CANDIDATE
Candidate who did not respond: Michael Yearwood
Cordova parks, Division 4
Two candidates
Joshua Arnold, Rick Sloan
This story was originally published October 6, 2024 at 4:55 AM.