Alum Rock Union School District

Matt Karnes

https://karnes4arusd2024.org

In Alum Rock Union School District 80% of the 8th graders leave for high school reading at a 4th grade or lower level. They are being set up to fail at high school. Which means they are being set up to fail at life. Reading is my #1 priority and, if elected, I will do everything possible to redirect money to reading programs.

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?

   For kids in Alum Rock USD's schools their ability to read and write is #1. They need to be equipped to succeed in life but the current board is failing them. #2 is parental rights. Recently, in defiance of federal law the state of California has said teachers should keep secrets from parents. If am elected I will not let that happen.

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?

   I wont do a thing because that is not the role of the position for which I am running.

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 teach economics and history to a mostly minority high school student body. My students prove to me every day that they are capable of the hardest assignments I give them. I show them how to do college level work, I tell them that is what I expect, and they do it. Every one of my students has been admitted to universities. It is racist to expect a student to perm badly because of their skin color.

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

   Again, I am not running for a position to govern the community. I am running for a seat on the school board. If elected I will make sure that all laws regarding people with Disabilities are obeyed by all faculty and staff.

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?

   I will do everything possible to redirect money being spent on non-core activities to reading and math. We must save the kids in ARUSD from going down to road to poverty.