CLEARLAKE >> A critical question for Konocti Unified School District trustees is how best to offer a plan on how they can help educators more. Three candidates are vying for two seats in the November 5 election.
It is a principal focus for Tina Viramontes, local realtor. She stressed her outreach to educators, offered insight to why she is running, as she addressed 40 attendees at the weekly Judges Breakfast September 19, moderated by Dr. Mark Cooper. Some do not have the knowledge, but Viramontes’ son just graduated high school from KUSD and knows from experience, many are good students, yet they are going through some challenges. “But it only takes one person who says, ‘what’s going on’ that can make or break a student- let’s talk about it, let’s get these kids off the streets,” she said. She added, if trustees can change the lives of a couple of students, they have done a proper job, still how can they help more. “My role; how can I assist Becky (Salato, superintendent) and Mark (Anderson, elementary school educator),” she stressed. “My unwavering belief is all children can learn and grow regardless of challenges.”
Joan Mingori, Lake County native was first elected to school board in 2018 and said she is running because she wants to play a vital role, while noting the classified staff is underpaid, as well as teachers. “We can’t have a school without bus drivers, cafeteria workers, bi-lingual aids-that’s a passion with me,” she said. “But when you first get on board you can’t solve all problems. It’s the responsibility of the Superintendent, who knows the guidelines to run the district.” She added, the most important thing is, the district’s leadership worked diligently to get test scores up and make sure no students fall behind. Yet despite some thorny challenges, a high school dropout can be soul crushing to the board. She lauded AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) for helping struggling students acquire WICOR skills (writing, inquiry, organization and reading) to overcome deficits. “Keep kids engaged in career pathways,” she said. “My son who was only interested in sports and music, is now at 34 years old (and) is going back for his bachelor’s degree and I’m very proud of that.”
Zabdy Neria discussed the tracking of a students’ progress, their mental health. A large part of this is connecting with students in their native language. She pointed out a significant percentage of the county’s families, are of Hispanic background. She said language barriers can be an obstacle for a child’s education if they do not receive adequate resources and she now believes the county is surmounting barriers with programs offered at the Middletown Art Center which can deliver language workshops; classes students can attend during field trips, as well as a program at the Lake County Office of Education that extends to students full mental health treatment, covering the cost for those in need with a grant. Neria believes such projects advance the county in more accountable direction.
Public commentors raised the question of suitability of students bringing cell phones to school. The consensus was that students attend class to learn but teachers cannot do their jobs properly if they are in a corner on their phones. All candidates acknowledged emergencies do crop up (such as an active shooter situation) so, it is parents who want cell phones for their children, but it was revealed the best person to contact in emergencies are administrators or teachers and every classroom has a phone. It is not a matter of forbidding phones, Mingori noted but placing a priority on education.
Viramontes noted a number of students want options beyond a college track, because they are not clear on a chosen field. Trade school or government agencies can offer a viable route and it is trustees who can help them navigate. Volunteering at city hall can offer valuable experience but a lot of students are unaware. “There’s lots of ways to get education without going to college immediately, but (we can) help find a way in a career field they can be happy with.” she said.
Two others, uncontested for County Board of Education TA 1 – will not appear on the ballot for a four- year term expiring December 2028 – one vacancy, seeking a seat, Aqeela J. El-Amin Bakheit, in addition to Lake County Board of Education TA 2 – also not on the ballot, a four- year term expiring December 2028 – one vacancy, Jeff Smart, business owner, provided candidate qualifications.
