LAKEPORT >> Citing growing concerns in the community over student safety and well-being, fiscal management of a recent $17 million school bond, and a mass exodus of teachers from the school district, Carly Alvord, Dan Buffalo, and Jen Hanson have filed papers declaring their candidacies for the Lakeport Unified School District (LUSD) governing board. As parents of current and graduated students of the school district, all three candidates are running as a team to fill three vacancies this year, and plan to tackle the issues immediately.
“A struggling school system equals a struggling community,” said Carly Alvord, a parent of two students at LUSD. “In addition to poor student outcomes, property values fall, and our ability to entice qualified professionals to move their families here is diminished. The effects are far-reaching, and in a small, rural, and disadvantaged population such as ours, we cannot afford to be complacent. I am compelled to serve and create an environment where teachers’ efforts are valued and supported.”
“One of the primary reasons we moved to Lakeport was the quality of the schools,” said Dan Buffalo, parent of three. “Over the last year I have become increasingly concerned about it, emphasized by the resignation of a large number of well-respected, high-quality teachers. I am running because I believe this issue is not receiving the attention it deserves. We cannot afford for it to continue. Our schools, once held in high esteem, must be accountable, high-value institutions serving the best interest of our students and community.”
“I have slowly witnessed the downhill slide of the school district,” said Jen Hanson, parent of two recent LUSD graduates. “The teachers that made a difference in my childrens’ lives are fleeing. New teachers are now avoiding our school for employment. In addition, the community pool project, which was expected as a result of the bond funds, appears to be in jeopardy. All of this pains me. I want to help create immediate change and restore the school to its former worth.”
These three candidates are endorsed by a community group of parents, educators, and concerned citizens dedicated to ensuring the highest quality educational experience for the children in our community. For more information and to donate to the cause, please visit www.fixLUSD.com.
With questions, please email media@fixlusd.com.
