Santa Clara County Board of Education, Trustee Area 4

Tomara Hall

https://www.votetomarahall.com

My philosophy is: support our most vulnerable students so all students will be successful. I advocate to ensure all students get the education they deserve. I have worked ten years as a Special Education Teacher and Case Manager, and collaborated with my colleagues, administrators and service providers to provide the best education possible.

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?

   My top three issues are Special Education, Early Childcare and Learning and a Community School Initiative. I will Increase Special Education services, with prioritized funding for Special Education staff and programming. We need childcare for all educational employees, and that should include early learning literacy, parent education and engagement. I support a Community School Initiative with PBIS, Restorative Justice, and Safety Care training. I have done this in my capacity as a special education teacher, union representative, and school organizer. This can only be accomplished if me and the board are collaborating and listening to staff, students and parents in all districts.

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?

   As a Board of Education Trustee, I will advocate for more funding to support childcare and preschool programs for diverse communities. Additionally, I support educational staff having priority enrollment for childcare and preschool. In order to provide adequate services for all young students, and not just those who can afford it, we need to grant opportunities for low income families. Since all school districts are now required to provide preschool, I support developing a transition plan for these educational providers and local district teachers in the form of negotiated agreements. I would be an advocate for funding these services!

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?

   When elected, I will continue free breakfast and lunch programs for all students, and increase preschool offerings, academic tutors and activities to support further development of all students. I will advocate for funding and support school districts by supporting districts in identifying grants to support programs for low-income families. Last school year, I was an academic tutor in the mornings at my school thanks to the grant funding my district was able to earn. As a Trustee, I will build relationships with agencies and organizations to have academic resources, wellness services and responsive programs available to our low-income students and families.

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

   As a Special Education Teacher who has four years of co-teaching experience, I know how impactful inclusion classrooms and practices are for children with disabilities! I will support the further development of the inclusion collaborative. I will advocate for training and guidance from the SCCOE for teachers throughout the county to learn how to work with inclusion specialists and special education teachers to provide education in the least restrictive environment. I have had the pleasure to be in classrooms with myself and another teacher, and by co-planning, meeting with families and working as a team, we are able to support our most vulnerable students to be academically successful!

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?

   Our students are more vocal now about their social emotional health and wellbeing, and education institutions need to be prepared to meet the needs! In order to do this, we need to commit to hiring mental health practitioners that need the American School Counselor Association recommendation of 250 students to 1 counselor. Many of the schools in our county do not have that practice. As a bargaining team member of the teachers union in my school district, I have successfully fought for the inclusion and support of mental health therapists to be a part of our teacher’s union. I will support any educational union who does this in addition to implementing a community school initiative.