JOAN SUMMERSI know how hard administrators, teachers, support staff, students and parents are working to adapt to the reality of at-home learning. The challenges everyone is facing to balance work, home life, and students' needs to stay connected to their peers and school. There are supports available through the district to address academics, social/emotional and technology needs. Keep committed to learning so students can succeed and prepare for the future. Community input is always encouraged and appreciated Hopefully the number of Coronavirus cases will continue to decrease and students and staff can return to school sites where they belong, in a safe and healthy environment. Students, parents and staff need to be flexible if the number of cases warrant a change from one model to another or quarantines. We will get through this if we all work together. |
Top Thing she Wants to Accomplish
I would like to see the ongoing conversations continue between the School District, the city of Paso Robles, the County of San Luis Obispo and Swim Paso to bring the Aquatic Complex to fruition. Various options, such as completing the Aquatic Complex in phases, are being considered. The financial impact of COVID-19 will be the determining factor on the feasibility of the Aquatic Complex in the near future.
What Experiences, Past jobs, or Education makes her qualified for School Board?
I was employed by the district for 26 years and retired as a Secretary at the Middle School. I have the experience and knowledge of working with school staff, parents, students and union contracts. I am an Advisory Board member on the Kayla Peach Memorial Foundation, which provides educational programs and raises awareness in the community of the epidemic of addiction and substance abuse. I also serve on the City/Schools/Cuesta Committee, and the Paso Robles Youth Foundation.
Why did she decide to run?The Board will be faced with difficult decisions as the District experiences a decrease of State and Federal revenue resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic, declining enrollment, increased operating costs and employee pension expenses, higher special education costs, and the increase in the minimum wage. Those elected to the position will determine the closure of an elementary campus, and the future of elementary athletics, VAPA, CTE, Dual Immersion and Counseling programs. Research will measure the long term effects of the Coronavirus pandemic in academic progress and the need of an increased level of social/emotional support. As a past employee of the District and Board member, I have experienced the effects of cuts to programs and staff, which will be inevitable. I am running for the position of Trustee to work collaboratively with the Board and the superintendent, ask the tough questions, remain fiscally prudent and make the decisions in these unprecedented times to ensure all students achieve college or career readiness.
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How will she respond to COVID-19 as a member of the School Board?The Board, staff, students and parents need to be kept abreast of the fluid situation regarding COVID-19. Parent engagement efforts should be emphasized to help them support students. When the Health Department determines that it is safe to reopen our facilities, parents should have the available options to either send their children to in-school instruction, to continue Distance Learning, or choose Home School. Ongoing conversations with our bargaining units are essential to address concerns regarding Instructional Programs and the transmission of the virus. Updated monthly financial reports to the Board are a necessity.
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