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Isabel Perez, a candidate for the Stockton Unified School District (SUSD) School Board, brings a personal touch to her campaign, drawing on her experiences as a parent and advocate for community well-being. With her background in public health and youth mentorship, Perez is committed to creating an equitable and safe learning environment for all students.
Perez has lived in Stockton for almost three years, purchasing her home in the community. She has quickly become deeply committed to the equitable development and support of students and teachers. Her personal experience as a former foster youth drives her passion for ensuring all students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, receive the opportunities and support they need to succeed.
If elected to the school board, Perez’s three key priorities are:
Enhancing Teacher Support and Development: Perez believes teachers are often the first line of support for students, particularly those dealing with mental health challenges. She advocates for providing better resources and training for teachers to help them succeed in the classroom while not being overwhelmed by non-academic responsibilities.
Improving Campus Safety: Perez plans to collaborate with local law enforcement, parents, and students to ensure schools are secure and conducive to learning. By involving the community in safety planning, Perez hopes to build a support network that extends beyond the classroom.
Promoting Fairness and Equity for All Students: Perez is dedicated to creating equitable educational opportunities by ensuring that resources are distributed based on student needs. She wants to provide additional support for underserved and disadvantaged students to help close the achievement gap.
Perez acknowledges the disruption that cell phones can cause in classrooms but believes that involving students in shaping school policies is crucial. By including students in the decision-making process, she hopes they will feel a greater sense of responsibility and be more likely to follow the rules.
Drawing from her personal experiences with her son, who faced bullying, Perez highlighted the need for policies that ensure student safety both inside and outside the school. She advocates for safer routes to school and anti-bullying initiatives to help reduce absenteeism and improve student well-being.
Perez is a strong proponent of involving parents in the educational process to support diverse students effectively. She believes that giving parents the necessary tools and resources will help bridge the gap between school and home life, ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.
Perez believes in respecting teachers' voices and ensuring they have access to adequate resources, such as mental health support and fair compensation. She advocates for policies that will help retain high-quality educators by valuing their input and providing a supportive working environment.
Perez’s motivation for running for the school board is deeply rooted in her commitment to community service. Throughout her career, she has worked with vulnerable populations, and her experience in public health and youth advocacy has equipped her with the tools to support Stockton’s students and teachers. Her goal is to create a positive, inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
In her closing statement, Perez reiterated her passion for community service and her dedication to advocating for those who seek justice and support. She aims to bring that same level of dedication to the Stockton School Board, ensuring that students and teachers alike have the resources they need to thrive.
Stay tuned for more candidate profiles as we approach the upcoming election.