Santa Clara County Voter's Guide On Children's Issues

Santa Clara County Board of Education, Trustee Area 4

Shane Lewis

https://www.shanelewisfortrustee4.com

Teachers impart knowledge that turns student interest into opportunity, and parents provide mentorship and support that turns opportunity into meaning and purpose. Together, the parent-teacher partnership lays a resilient and firm foundation for student success that helps to mitigate learning and/or home environment challenges.

  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?

    1. The county board must be connected to the people they serve. I will encourage members from my trustee area to come speak at county board of education meetings, and listen to my constituents to drive broader conversations among the trustees that leads to meaningful change for our county.
    2. I will inform my constituents about board policy before it is passed. State guidance should be excluded from county policy- the county board is responsible to set education policy for our schools.
    3. Districts must remain independent- Compartmentalization encourages strong parent-teacher partnerships and focuses on measurable outcomes. The county can step in when necessary to supplement needs.

  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 County Office of Education is equipped with many valuable resources for students and families. I will work to encourage families to take advantage of the resources available, while looking for potential gaps that leave families and students vulnerable. Challenges to school readiness and workforce participation are constantly changing; therefore, while funding is important, purpose is paramount. I will make sure that funds allocated for these programs reach measurable outcomes for our students and families to the greatest extent possible.

  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?

    Much of the answers we seek for education really starts at the ground level. Without input from the community, precious resources can be squandered. I would like to see county policy to enable government services to be more agile and targeted to specific needs when necessary. Healthy food is a must and we need to cut out filler foods with empty calories. Tutors are critical, and I think should be a cornerstone to any education policy as a natural extension to the parent-teacher partnership. Enrichment activities such as art and music programs stimulate the senses of our students to capture their interest and attention.

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

    Generally, any government agency is responsible for encouraging each individual to exercise freedom and liberty to the greatest extent possible. In education, this means that schools and boards of education must identify areas where children with disabilities need help to promote independent function and pursuit to secure their own future and purpose. However, since all government is responsible to promote general welfare, it should not be the sole responsibility of the education department to oversee this critical support for students. We need to reeducate government agencies on their proper role and work to achieve a holistic model to inclusion and positive outcomes for children.

  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?

    1. I'd like to implement a multi-year mentorship program for students. This program would enable a mentor to follow a student throughout the entire K-12 experience. Mentors would not come from non-profits, but proven leaders in our community. The mentors would help keep parents and teachers informed about the well-being of a student on a weekly basis.
    2. I will look for ways for students to serve other students. Empathy allows our students to feel like they are making a difference for others. It also promotes a sense of community and belonging in schools, and provides a student to take part in the success of others. This reinforces empathy through tangible and personal acts of kindness.