The Stockton School Board Candidate Forum, hosted by Fat City Feed in collaboration with Teach for America-California Capital Valley, was held on October 2nd at The Well, providing Stockton residents an opportunity to hear directly from candidates running for school board positions. The event brought together community members, educators, parents, and students to learn more about the candidates’ perspectives, plans, and visions for Stockton's education system ahead of the November 2024 elections.
The forum kicked off with an opening statement by the moderator, welcoming the audience and emphasizing the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of Stockton’s schools. Each candidate was given two minutes to introduce themselves and explain why they wanted to serve on the school board, outlining the skills and experiences that prepared them for this role.
Candidates addressed key issues facing the Stockton school district during a structured Q&A session that lasted nearly an hour. Among the questions posed by the moderator were topics such as cell phone policies in schools, student absenteeism, student safety, and initiatives to support Stockton's diverse student population. The candidates shared their thoughts on how to tackle these challenges and their strategies for creating a positive learning environment for all students. They also discussed plans to attract, support, and retain high-quality educators, a crucial factor in improving educational outcomes.
The forum featured the following candidates in attendance:
- District 1: Isabel Perez
- District 4: Shauna Priest, Gwendolyn D. Dailey
Throughout the forum, the audience had a chance to learn about the distinct platforms of each candidate, including their priorities for the school district and their approach to issues like equitable access to resources and community engagement. Each candidate concluded with a two-minute closing statement, summarizing their campaign’s key message and encouraging voters to consider their vision for Stockton's schools.
The event concluded with the moderator's closing remarks, thanking the candidates for their thoughtful participation and the audience for supporting the democratic process. Attendees were encouraged to stay involved in local education and remember that their voice and vote matter in shaping the future of Stockton's schools.
The forum wrapped up with an opportunity for attendees to meet and converse with the candidates informally, allowing community members to ask further questions and share their thoughts. Fat City Feed will also feature candidate profiles in the coming weeks to help voters make informed decisions in the upcoming election.
