Editor's Note: Fat City Feed does not endorse any candidate in this election.
On October 2nd, Fat City Feed hosted a Stockton School Board Candidate Forum where Shauna Priest presented her structured and focused approach to accountability, both in student behavior and district operations. She emphasized the need for clear policies, collaboration, and transparency to improve the quality of education in Stockton. Priest has a deep and lifelong connection to Stockton, especially Area 4, where she was born, raised, and currently serves as a vice principal. Her extensive experience as a former SUSD teacher and current administrator positions her as a strong advocate for students, teachers, and families in Stockton.
Campaign Website: shaunapriest.com
Connection to Stockton: Priest attended Stockton Unified School District (SUSD) schools and returned to the community as a teacher. Now a vice principal, she’s raising her family in Area 4 and is committed to giving back to the area that shaped her. Her history and involvement in the community fuel her passion for positive change and student success on the school board.
Top Priorities: Priest's top priorities include fiscal transparency, teacher support, and open communication. She plans to advocate for clearer, accessible communication about how district funds are allocated, involve the Area 4 community in decision-making, and ensure that teachers are equipped with the resources they need to succeed in the classroom.
Cell Phone Policies: Priest highlighted that cell phones can be a significant distraction, particularly at the high school level. She cited data showing that students often misuse their phones during class time, affecting academic performance. Priest supports implementing clear policies, such as keeping phones in backpacks, to minimize distractions.
Student Safety and Absenteeism: Priest discussed the importance of establishing structured safety procedures and partnerships with law enforcement to improve school safety. She also emphasized creating an environment that students want to attend, noting that a positive school culture can significantly reduce absenteeism.
Diversity and Equity: Priest advocated for culturally responsive curricula and professional development for teachers to better understand and meet the needs of students from various cultural backgrounds. She called for leadership opportunities for students, allowing them to share their voices and contribute to the school community.
Retaining Teachers: Priest emphasized the need for competitive salaries, better resources, and professional development tailored to teachers' needs. She believes that holding teachers accountable, while also providing them with the tools to succeed, will ultimately benefit students. Additionally, she is committed to supporting teachers through mentorship and ensuring their voices are valued in decision-making processes.
Motivation to Serve: As a former SUSD teacher, current administrator, and parent, Priest’s motivation stems from a commitment to the success and well-being of Stockton students. She wants to ensure that all families have access to high-quality schools and resources that empower students to thrive.
In her closing remarks, Priest called for a unified vision for success on the Stockton School Board. She expressed her belief that collaboration and respect are essential to moving forward and achieving meaningful change for students, teachers, and the community as a whole. Her experiences in education and administration, combined with her deep connection to Stockton, make her a dedicated advocate for equitable policies and positive transformation in SUSD.
The event provided a neutral platform for candidates to share their views and engage with the community. Stay tuned for more candidate profiles as we continue to provide in-depth coverage of the upcoming Stockton School Board election, ensuring voters have the information they need to make an informed decision at the polls in November.