The pandemic has revealed a huge need for childcare for our elementary school families, the largest proportion of students in our District. GUSD’s promise of free childcare to any enrolled student was a huge step in the right direction.

However, the program launch was chaotic, with insufficient staffing, confused parents, and crowded classrooms that struggled to work within the constraints of Covid safety protocols. Many school sites found themselves overwhelmed by the need for aftercare and had to ration childcare, walking back the initial promise of daily aftercare to any interested family.

I will engage our parents to promote our schools: at every school there are parents who are engaged volunteers and supporters of public education. GUSD’s program for parent-to-parent outreach can and should be much more robust than the current Parent Academy. I will work to empower GUSD parents to talk to one another about the teachers, coursework, and support in our schools. Example of average daily attendance - parents will make an effort if they know the why. 

I will meet with PTAs and Foundations - what’s on their minds? What are they raising money for? What are they concerned about? I believe GUSD can and should be filling these gaps.

Our students, families, and aftercare staff need more support and clearer communication between families and the offices running aftercare programs.

If elected, I will prioritize better communication, better pay for our staff who run these programs, and provide clear enrollment information to families well in advance of the school year’s start.

No GUSD employee and no parent should ever be forced to choose between enrolling in GUSD or leaving the District for a school that provides childcare.

I will ensure that childcare for educators is a priority. For systems that claim to be about and for children, they sure do fail in supporting educators’ families. Paid maternity leave and family bonding time.