Franklin-McKinley School District

Josue D Gonzalez

https://www.gonzalezforfmsd.com

It’s time for a change, in the past decade there’s been a continuous downward trend of academic proficiency, a rising distrust in transparency and a lack of accountability towards parental rights. I seek to bring back the trust that has been degrading, the transparency that is required in the community and make academic Proficiency the main focus.

1. Over 80% of voters polled say they want elected officials to prioritize children and families. What are the top three issues affecting our children and families and how will you make our region a place where all families can thrive?

   Every family is different. Learning how to respect cultural values that make our community unique and strong is the first step. The common goals we share are based on the future we wish for our kids. Academic proficiency empowers children to perform and seek growth in adversity to foster critical thinkers. When Parents have transparency, they can choose the type of collaboration with districts and schools to foster cultural values they understand to be a healthy family inclusion. By respecting Parental rights we can inform and support families and children in our community with options that better promote harmony in the home and address the needs of individuals suited for them to thrive.

2. High quality childcare improves school readiness and parents' workforce participation. What will you do to improve access to high quality childcare and preschool programs in our diverse communities?

   With the recent School closures slated to happen in our community there arises an opportunity. We recently learned that a mismanagement of funds by the present board members created a last minute effort to inform parents in our community of the potential loss of their school. These schools that will be decided to shut down at a later date can provide the space for the type of quality child care and school readiness parents in the emerging work force will need. I believe that involving every parent in the type of childcare and education readiness they expect can open up a new enrollment possibility in the state funding to once again repurpose these schools and meet our community needs.

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?

   I believe that there is a systemic failure in our education system that impacts the student achievement Gap at a great and more alarming rate. This failure lies in policies which have normalized passing students off to the next grade level without meeting the requirements to succeed. If elected I will push for policy programs tailored to address individual student grade level deficiencies which will incorporate in school tutoring of specific subject matter using class schedules to improve level mastery in a more intimate setting for those subjects, and to re-incorporate the students back into regular full class schedules when proficiency has been achieved.

4. What steps will you take to improve inclusion and outcomes for children with disabilities and their families in our community?

   Every disability has its challenges. Understanding individual challenges helps schools and staff be better informed in solution-based thinking and encouragement for those who face such challenges. Ensuring we provide access to all spaces and special accommodations requires close partnership with parents and school staff. Fostering a community of assistance and communication is the key to providing a welcoming and thriving environment for all to learn. The training needed to meet the demands of a disability will be the focus of our partnership with parents and students so their experience can be one of service, academic achievement, and inclusivity.

5. If elected, how will you use the resources of your new role to improve children's well-being and access to mental and behavioral health services?

   A parent’s role is the most powerful influence in a child’s life. A relationship between parents and teachers is paramount in creating a fruitful partnership for a student’s behavioral and mental wellbeing. By creating an open channel of communication between school and home parents and teachers can better understand the struggle’s kids may be facing. The private nature of communication should be accountable by both teachers and parents to better understand the solutions that will honor the families and the students in their learning environment. The recommendations shared by both parties should be able to decide what kind of approach and or services to better suit the needs of their learner