Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1291735
TOP ISSUES: My top three prior- ity issues are the recruitment and retention of quality educators; the pri- oritization of African American students and English learners; and ensuring we provide safe and inclusive opportunities for all students in our schools. DISTANCE CAMPAIGNING: Campaigning during COVID-19 has definitely changed. Even though we've decided not to knock on doors, we've doubled our phone banking efforts, increased our social media posting, and included text banking to make sure we can get word out for our campaign. The use of social media has also strength- ened and made easier the accessibility to host meetings and coffee chats, and provide space for educators, families and students to connect with me as a candidate and their union. CHOOSING TO LEAD NOW: I believe more than ever that we need board members who have experience in education, know what's going on in our schools, understand the strengths and weaknesses of our system, and can advocate through their own knowledge of policy, budgeting and social justice issues. This is why I'm running — because even though I'm still learning and might need support in issues I don't know much about, I will lead with integrity, honesty, positivity and the input of all stakeholders. WEBSITE/SOCIAL: demetriogonzalezhoy.com; Instagram: @Deme346 Brooke Malley Ault CANDIDATE FOR: Bakers- field City School District Board of Education EXPERIENCE: High school counselor for past two years, following 12 years teaching government, history, civics and economics, as well as restorative practices as an on-campus interven- tionist; taught English in Japan to 2- and 3-year-old children; Kern High School Teachers Association member. WHY: I am a former student and employee of the district in which I'm running, a current educator who serves the same students at the high school level, and the mother of a son who will start his education within the district in the next few years. I know that the well-being of my son will be deeply connected to that of our community, and I wish for all students to thrive and develop a lifelong love of learning. TOP ISSUES: Providing the essential mental health and social-emotional learning in order for our underserved students to stop worrying about having their basic needs met and focus on learning. I also believe that this district is ready for more restorative practices and obtaining a more racially diverse curriculum that will give students pride in their heritage and culture, and help them gain overall confidence. During the time of COVID, I would also like to focus on safety protocol for our even- tual return to school. DISTANCE CAMPAIGNING: I have been relying primarily on Facebook advertising while perfecting my web- site and Facebook campaign page. I am preparing for my first round of postcards and have an incredible group of local women who are assist- ing me in getting my message out. A fellow mother and educator, who is running for a different seat on the same school board, is organizing a Zoom wine night with me at a local space where we will attend the event at the venue, but we will deliver bottles of wine and dessert to partici- pants while they engage from home. CHOOSING TO LEAD NOW: I was hired in 2009, the year of pink slips in California. I know as well as any other educator who has been working for a while that tough financial times are ahead. We need educators on the board who understand the job walk- ing into it — not people who might take years to learn that education is a unique community where everyone needs to be successful. WEBSITE/SOCIAL: brookeforbcsd.com; Facebook page: Brooke Malley Ault Leaders Who See Us & Know Us Issue 30 cta.org " We need educators on the board who understand the job walking into it." —Brooke Malley Ault