Where I Stand

If elected, what would you hope to be one key accomplishment of the board during your years of service?

If elected, my primary goal during my term would be to lead our district to a place where all four of our schools are recognized with the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award. Currently, our district ranks 155th out of 1,941 schools in California—far from the top 10, where we aspire to be. Achieving this goal will require substantial effort and a strategic approach. Despite having the highest per-student spending ratio in the state, approximately $35,000 annually compared to the state average of $19,000, our students are still performing below academic expectations. This indicates that resources alone are not enough; we must critically assess and improve how those resources are utilized. I am committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that our investments translate into tangible academic excellence and elevate our schools to the highest standards.

Parents have raised concerns over class sizes, especially for fourth grade at El Rodeo School. How do you think the district should handle this?

Class size is a critical factor in ensuring quality education, and it's essential that we at BHUSD maintain our commitment to small student-to-teacher ratios. To achieve academic excellence, we must ensure that class sizes remain small and manageable, never reaching capacity. To address this, I believe the district should take a proactive approach by closely monitoring enrollment numbers and adjusting staffing levels as needed. This may involve hiring additional teachers, creating more classrooms, or exploring innovative teaching methods that allow for individualized attention, even in larger groups. Our reputation for providing personalized, high-quality education is built on maintaining these small class sizes, and we must prioritize this to support our students' academic growth and overall well-being.

How would you evaluate the job Superintendent Michael Bregy is doing?

Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy holds one of the most challenging roles in our district, with the weight of the district's reputation on his shoulders. As a parent of students attending Bevery Vista Middle School and Beverly High School, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Bregy on several pressing issues. Throughout these interactions, I've seen firsthand his dedication and commitment to improving outcomes for our students. Dr. Bregy has consistently demonstrated his willingness to listen, adapt, and grow. One notable instance was his decision to implement my advice on a district-wide educational training on hate and antisemitism, a recommendation I strongly advocated for. He not only embraced this initiative, but also took it a step further by participating in a 10-day educational tour of Israel, organized by the Jewish Federation. This experience, shared with other superintendents and administrators, was crucial in understanding the challenges our students face in today's world, particularly regarding antisemitism. I commend Dr. Bregy for his proactive approach and for taking meaningful steps to address complex issues. His passion for our students' well-being and academic success is evident, and he has shown a willingness to be transparent about his strengths and areas for growth. The role of the Board of Education is to guide and support the superintendent, and as a Board member, I am committed to working collaboratively with Dr. Bregy to continue moving our district forward.

What do you see as the role of technology and digital resources, especially AI, in education?

Technology and digital resources play an increasingly significant role in education, offering both opportunities and challenges that we must navigate carefully. As a district, it’s crucial that we harness the power of technology without allowing it to dominate our students' educational experiences. While technology can enhance learning, it’s equally important that we encourage students to engage in activities that foster critical thinking, creativity, and interpersonal skills—such as dialogue, debate, reading, writing, the arts, and sports. These experiences are essential for well-rounded development and should remain central to our educational approach. Technology, when used wisely, can be a tremendous asset, but it should not become a crutch that diminishes our students' abilities to think independently or engage with the world in a meaningful way. For instance, while digital resources are valuable, students should still be encouraged to use traditional tools like dictionaries and encyclopedias to develop research skills and a deeper understanding of topics. Regarding AI (Artificial Intelligence), we cannot ignore its rapid advancement and potential impact on education. While AI offers exciting possibilities, it also presents significant risks. Therefore, it’s imperative that we educate our students about AI, teaching them to understand its capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations. By staying informed and proactive, we can help our students navigate the evolving digital landscape and ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for the future.