Oak Grove School District Governing Board, Trustee Area #5
Robyn Lynette Schlice
Our community’s greatest asset is our Children. By encouraging and engaging parents, we positively impact the lives of our children. When schools, families, civic and private partners work together, there is a greater likelihood of building systems that lead to positive outcomes. The education they receive today is the key to their future success.
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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?
Approximately 608.000 households in the Bay Area are not earning enough income to cover the costs of housing, food, medical and childcare, among other daily essentials. Our educational system has provided funding for food and nutrition assistance that ensures every family has healthy food to support their growth and development. These programs need to be extended to include health and childcare issues. The schools should be a “community hub” where families can go to get their basic needs met. The County Public Health Department has Mobile Medical Units that can be deployed to campuses. Families could utilize their services to access healthcare screenings and other medical needs.
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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?
Quality and affordable childcare and preschool/afterschool programs that meet the needs of our families should be available in our diverse communities. I believe it is important to work with families and employers to ensure childcare, tutoring and enrichment activities are available to all. I will work with community-based non-profits to provide afterschool and summer programs. I will work with public agencies, community-based organizations, and private employers to promote subsidized childcare and after school enrichment programs. I will work to eliminate obstacles to participation in extended care programs. I will work with the City/County to promote the inclusion of childcare benefits
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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 am an advocate for providing services to underserved populations. I have devoted my career to addressing disparities effecting low-income families and children of color, especially those that are impacted by justice-system involvement. Much of my work has been successful by using grant funding opportunities and collaboration with government agencies, private businesses, and community-based organization. These relationships have been a bridge to provide the material needs, food, support and enrichment programs to the lives of individuals who otherwise would not have had the opportunity or access. My extensive partnerships and resources will be fully utilized to increase equity and quality
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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?
I was afforded the opportunity to supervise a County-wide Special Education Project (Project YEA) in collaboration with Social Services. To improve outcomes for children with special needs or disabilities, we need to invest in and update our programs and curriculum. We need to hire, train, and support special education teachers and aides. We need to proactively reach out to families because stakeholder communication is essential. We need to listen to the families of special needs children. We need to adequately address their concerns, identify what supports and programs they want/need for their children to be successful, and figure out a way to deliver. IEPs must be unique and appropriate
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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?
Congress passed legislation dedicating $1 billion in funding for school-based psychological support over five years. School based Behavioral Health services is a necessary tool that Districts must employ to help combat the mental health crisis. Utilizing professionals trained in restorative practices to provide meaningful trauma-informed services for students, staff, and families on campus is critical. Emphasis should be placed on growing partnership with civic and community-based organizations to deliver quality on-site services and supports which would help to reduce stigma and improve access for all. Curriculum-based wellness programs would assist in the development of lifelong skillsets