Campbell Union School District Governing Board, Trustee Area #4

Chris Miller

https://www.chrismillerforcampbellunionschoolboard.com/

I believe that children and families ought to be at the core of public policy at the local, state and national level. As a public educator I have seen firsthand the benefits of public policy that prioritizes children and families. During my time on the Campbell Union School Board I have supported programs that increase student access and equity.

1. In a recent poll by Choose Children 2022 of likely general election voters, more than half of parents with children under age 18 say they are likely to move out of the Bay Area in the next few years. What do you think are the top three issues affecting our children and families and how will you make our region a place where all families can thrive?

   I believe the top three issues facing young families in the Bay Area are access to affordable housing, access to good paying jobs and access to childcare. As a public educator and renter I know that the lack of affordable housing is driving middle class people out of the Bay Area. As a Trustee I would support initiatives that increase high density and when applicable teacher housing in our district. In terms of good paying jobs, I have always supported minimum wage and prevailing wage increases will continue to advocate for these changes at the local level. Last, I would support universal paid family leave and childcare credits for middle class families at the state and federal levels.

2. As we have learned over the past three years, without quality, affordable, childcare, parents can’t go to work. What will you do to address challenges accessing childcare and preschool programs in our diverse communities?

   I would support policies at the local and state level that would provide subsidies for families to access child care. I would also support Universal Pre-K, and Full Day Kindergarten at the state level to ensure that all students have the foundational skills to thrive.

3. Much of the student achievement gap has been linked to the opportunity gap that children in low-income families and children of color confront (e.g., lack of access to healthy food, preschool, tutors, and enrichment activities). If elected, what will you do to increase equity of opportunity?

   As a trustee myself and fellow board members have prioritized equity in our work. Whether it is ensuring that there are healthy meals at all of our school sites or access to enrichment and after school programs at our Title 1 Schools. We are working tirelessly to ensure all of our students have the opportunities to succeed.

4. What steps will you take to support inclusion and outcomes for children with special needs or with disabilities and their families to be fully included in our community?

   As a public educator I know the importance of inclusion for students with disabilities and special needs. As much as possible I have supported the mainstreaming and inclusion of all students in the general education learning environment. This not only has academic benefits, but also social benefits for themselves and society.

5. There is a mental health crisis among children, youth, and those who care for and educate them. If elected, how will you use the resources of your new role to improve access to mental and behavioral health services?

   As a public educator I have seen how the pandemic has affected all of our students, and staff across our K-12 System. It is because of this that I will continue to support and advocate for policies and programs that leverage community and educational stakeholders in order to provide resources for our students, staff and their families. When it comes to mental health, we are in crisis and it is important we work collaboratively to meet the needs of those in our community as quickly and equitably as possible.