Candidates debate detracking, mental health solutions at Sequoia board forum

In a recent forum hosted by The Almanac, candidates vying for spots on the Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees gathered to discuss their visions for the district. The event, which took place at the Menlo Park City Council Chambers, was attended by in-person attendees and livestreamed on YouTube and local channels. Here’s a breakdown of the key points debated by the candidates, particularly focusing on detracking and mental health solutions.

The Candidates

Six candidates ran for two open positions: Area B and Area E. Here’s a brief overview of each candidate:

Area B

• Daniel Torunian: A former executive at PayPal, Daniel aims to bring business acumen to the board. He hopes to prepare students for the future by leveraging his experience in business.
• Mary Beth Thompson: The executive director of Summit Prep Charter School in Redwood City, Mary Beth wants to bring an educator’s perspective to the board. She emphasized the importance of transparency and community engagement.
• Jacob Yuryev: Jacob, who served as a student trustee on the board last year, is focused on bringing back detracked classes and improving student mental health. As a product of the public high school system, he aims to make decisions based on data and student concerns.

Area E

• Jon Bryant: An entrepreneur and tech educator, Jon aims to address test score disparities between East Palo Alto and other areas. He wants to ensure that all students have equal opportunities for success.
• Maria Cruz: A professor at San Jose State University and parent of an incoming freshman, Maria is committed to improving support for bilingual families. She emphasized the need for better community engagement and support systems.
• Tonga Victoria: A community organizer and author, Tonga aims to unite the community around supporting students. She highlighted the importance of addressing systemic issues and fostering a sense of unity within the district.

Key Debates

Detracking

One of the most contentious issues discussed at the forum was detracking. Detracking involves removing ability grouping in classes and creating more inclusive learning environments. Jacob Yuryev, who has firsthand experience as a student trustee, was particularly vocal about the need to reintroduce detracked classes.

Jacob Yuryev: "Detracking is essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. By removing ability grouping, we can ensure that all students have equal opportunities to excel regardless of their skill level. As someone who has experienced both tracked and untracked classes, I believe that detracking will lead to better academic outcomes and a more cohesive student body".

Mary Beth Thompson: "While I understand the desire to detrack, we need to approach this issue with caution. We must ensure that any changes do not compromise the quality of education for our students. Transparency and community engagement are crucial in making such decisions, and I believe that we should involve educators and parents in the decision-making process".

Daniel Torunian: "From a business perspective, I see detracking as an opportunity to create a more dynamic and adaptive learning environment. However, we must also consider the potential challenges and ensure that our students are adequately prepared for the competitive world they will enter. This might require a phased implementation of detracking to allow for proper evaluation and adjustment".

Mental Health Solutions

Mental health was another critical topic discussed at the forum. Candidates emphasized the importance of addressing student mental health issues and providing adequate support systems.

Jacob Yuryev: "As a former student trustee, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of mental health issues on students. We need to prioritize mental health by providing resources such as counseling services and creating a safe and supportive learning environment. This is essential for ensuring that our students can thrive academically and personally".

Maria Cruz: "As a parent and educator, I understand the importance of addressing mental health. We need to create a comprehensive support system that includes access to mental health services, peer support groups, and academic accommodations. This will help us support students who are struggling with mental health issues and ensure that they can succeed in school".

Tonga Victoria: "Mental health is deeply intertwined with systemic issues within our district. We need to address these broader systemic problems by fostering a sense of community and unity. By working together with parents, educators, and students, we can create a more supportive environment that prioritizes both academic success and mental well-being".

Conclusion

The Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees candidate forum was a pivotal event that showcased the diverse perspectives of the candidates vying for positions on the board. The debates centered around key issues like detracking and mental health solutions highlighted the complexity and importance of addressing these challenges. As the district moves forward, it is clear that community engagement and transparency will be crucial in making informed decisions that benefit all students. The candidates’ commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment will likely influence the future of the district.

References https://lwvc.org/event/sequoia-union-high-school-district-board-of-trustees-candidate-forum/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?vTgzTzdIMQRI https://my.lwv.org/california/south-san-mateo-county/event/sequoia-union-high-school-district-board-trustees-candidate-forum https://www.seq.org/ABOUT-US/Board-of-Trustees/ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sequoia-union-high-school-district-board-of-trustees-candidate-forum-tickets-1024273488577