Campbell Union High School District Governing Board, Trustee Area #1

James Kim

https://www.jamieskim4cuhsd.org

As a parent of a current CUHSD student and a recent CUHSD graduate, I am deeply invested in making sure that our schools are the best they can be, and providing our kids with a strong foundation for the future.

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?

   Housing affordability, availability of childcare, and traffic: A lot of this comes down to building more housing and having affordable housing options. When people can live in the communities that they work in, the quality of life for everyone improves. It is important to advocate for and support state and local measures that address housing.

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?

   As a community leader, I will advocate for California to include childcare and preschool in the budget. Our counties and cities can seek grants to fund early childhood programs at our community centers and libraries for low-income working families.

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?

   A school district’s budget is an expression of its values and can include funding Chromebooks and home internet access, expanded free breakfast and lunch programs, staffing recovery sections to help kids who are behind in key classes, and supporting the AVID program to prepare students for college.

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?

   Our school districts should improve the process of connecting students with the services they need. Parents of children with special needs should have a clear advocate in the district office. We need to concentrate on hiring special ed teachers and aides.

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?

   Addressing student mental health is one of my top priorities. Being a teen has always been hard, and teens today face a range of mental health issues from low level depression and anxiety to mental health crises. I believe we must normalize discussions of mental health and social/emotional wellness. I strongly support wellness centers across all our campuses to provide counselors, social workers, and a safe space for students to gather.