Cupertino Union School District

Rimi Khan

https://sites.google.com/view/khancusd2024

My mission: to help students thrive with inclusion, Equity, and opportunity for them as well as the teachers and community that support them.

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?

   Our district is spending tens of thousands of dollars each year on unused property. This land, once contaminated, could have been an opportunity for students to learn about the effects of pesticides in agriculture. We need to turn challenges like these into educational experiences and cost-saving measures. Engaging the community in decision-making is key to our success. A board member recently sought my advice on this, and the strategy we discussed was implemented. Together, we can make smarter decisions that benefit students and save resources.

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?

   The first step to improving our district is making sure our money is used as efficiently as possible. A full evaluation of spending, its impact, and return on investment will help identify opportunities to better support childcare in our communities. I’m committed to working with existing state and federal programs to implement effective solutions using available resources. By optimizing our budget, we can strengthen childcare and other vital services for the benefit of all 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?

   CUSD has done well in supporting families by ensuring students have access to food and essential resources. However, we can do more. My goal is to work with state and federal programs to expand these resources for low-income families, providing access to preschool, tutoring, and life enrichment programs. By increasing support where it's needed most, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive, both in and out of the classroom.

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

   As a PTO Co-Director and board member, I’ve worked to create inclusive events that help every student feel valued and connected. I want to bring this same approach to the district level, ensuring that each school has the infrastructure to implement systems like the one we’ve successfully built at Eaton Elementary. By fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion across all schools, we can create a more supportive and unified community for our students.

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?

   Addressing mental health requires both short-term and long-term solutions. In the short term, we can integrate simple, daily mental health practices that help prevent crises before they arise. Long-term, we need to increase support by offering resources such as meditation rooms and creating more opportunities for centering and mindfulness. By focusing on proactive mental health initiatives, we can foster a healthier, more balanced environment for students and staff alike.