What does one do on a Wednesday night after a full day at work? Attend a local elementary school board candidate forum, of course.
Documenter Josh Whitehead and I were at the Chula Vista Elementary School District Board of Education forum moderated by the League of Women Voters at the Chula Vista Public Library. About 60 other local residents had the same Wednesday night plans.
Eleven candidates running for three board seats answered audience questions about student safety, fiscal management, the current board’s performance and academic achievement.
Responses from the candidates, and at times jeers from the audience, revealed frustration over several challenges the district is facing. Most of the candidates described a dire financial situation — the district’s budget faces a roughly $30 million deficit. Candidates also raised concerns over low reading scores and underpaid staff.
Asked to grade the current board, several candidates gave poor grades, with the most lenient giving a C and one an “incomplete.”
The candidates were also asked to address a delicate balance between tending to the district’s budget shortfalls and retaining quality staff. Most acknowledged a need for competitive wages and better benefits. You can hear their responses in our Instagram post.
Josh documented the forum as part of the San Diego Documenters program, which trains and pays community members to attend and document local government meetings, community events and civic proceedings. Learn more here.