Area B is a tough call, with former student Trustee Jacob Yuryev, community volunteer Daniel Torunian and principal Mary Beth Thompson all bringing terrific perspectives to the board. Yet, the race really comes down to Thompson and Yuryev, who both exhibited a comprehensive understanding of the district’s issues and are exceedingly comfortable in educational parlance. Yuryev has the most experience as he currently serves on the board in a youth role and understands the nuances of the student experience, especially when it comes to the importance of providing well-balanced course offerings so all students can excel regardless of their feeder district. Thompson understands that detracking is a step in addressing the achievement gap but wants all students to succeed.
Thompson is an educator, working as executive director at Summit Prep, a charter of the district, and brings that all-too-important-but-sometimes-ignored perspective to the board. Yuryev is in touch with the student experience, which could also be argued is that all-too-important-but-sometimes-ignored perspective to the board. And while one could argue that Sathvik Nori, a former student, fits that bill on the board, that doesn’t preclude another point of view from that perspective. In fact, isn’t the point of the student trustee role to include that perspective while providing experience for someone interested in serving in an elected capacity at some point?
Besides, Yuryev can and does hold his own and should not be thought of as just a youth perspective. He has ideas on the budget to pay teachers more; deeply understands the importance of a variety of classes, particularly for high-excelling students who are not affluent; and places a priority on a high-quality public education for all, with a focus on the student. He makes a ton of sense. Thompson would be great on the board too, with her education and administration experience. But Yuryev has a better grasp of the details without getting bogged down in educational jargon. He deserves your vote.
For Area E, the nod goes to Tonga Victoria, who has a deep understanding of the needs of the area’s students and overall population. She could use study in the district’s budget to ensure her ideas can meet reality, but she will provide a very much-needed practical perspective to the board.
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