With your support, we can reach and inform more voters.
Donate now to spread the word.
Board Member — Lakeside Union Elementary School District
Get the facts on the California candidates running for election to the Board Member — Lakeside Union Elementary School District
Find out their top 3 priorities, their experience, and who supports them.
Access additional information about this contest in the tabs in this section. For most screenreaders, you can hit Return or Enter to enter a tab and read the content within.
You must select at least 2 candidates to compare them.
Use tab to activate the candidate button. Use "return" to select this candidate. You can access your list by navigating to 'My Choices'.
Supervisor Dianne JacobFrank Hilliker Lakeside Water BoardGelia Cook, Kevin Howe, Bonnie La Chappa, Lakeside School BoardBarona Band of Mission IndiansPete Liebig-Lakeside Fire BoardBetty McMillenAbby AndersJacquelyn SpacekDoyle and Annie BarnesRyan and Kelly MortonMichael and Melanie McGrathPriscilla Schreiber-Grossmont High School BoardOlympia KyriakidisJoe and Debbie GonzalesTerry Burke-EiserlingHolly FerranteTerry CallenRon and Karen BaylessMatt and Cookie Davis
Use tab to activate the candidate button. Use "return" to select this candidate. You can access your list by navigating to 'My Choices'.
For more in-depth information on this candidate, follow the links for each tab in this section. For most screenreaders, you can hit Return or Enter to enter a tab and read the content within.
Candidate has provided information.
Thank candidate for sharing their information on Voter's Edge.
My Top 3 Priorities
Students are the focus of all decision making, and the first priority in budgeting for financial stability.
Provide high quality programs and staff. Expand opportunities for all students in arts, sciences, technology.
Parent and community involvement, well trained staff working in partnership for students to achieve mastery in core academic subjects.
Board of Trustees, Lakeside Union School District — Elected position (1992–current)
Biography
As a member of the Lakeside School board, I have completed the California School Board's Master of Boardsmanship and Masters of Governance programs. I currently serve as an elected member of the CSBA Delegate Assembly representing region 17 (San Diego County) and am Vice President of the San Diego County School Board's Association. I was chosen SDCSBA School Board Member of the Year in 2015. I have attended the annual CSBA conference, ASCD (Association of Curriculum and Supervision) conferences as well as many workshops to stay informed about current education trends, laws, and programs. As a member of the Delegate Assembly, I meet regularly with other school board members from all over California to share current educational issues and concerns with CSBA. I have served in PTA as a local president for Lakeview Elementary, El Capitan High School, and Foothills Council. I was financial secretary, treasurer and Unit Council Chair for 9th District PTA (San Diego and Imperial Counties) as well as on the Leadership and Finance Commission of the California State PTA. I am currently treasurer for Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary. I have a life long committment to the welfare of children.
Who supports this candidate?
Featured Endorsements
Supervisor Dianne Jacob
Frank Hilliker Lakeside Water Board
Gelia Cook, Kevin Howe, Bonnie La Chappa, Lakeside School Board
Organizations (1)
Barona Band of Mission Indians
Individuals (15)
Pete Liebig-Lakeside Fire Board
Betty McMillen
Abby Anders
Jacquelyn Spacek
Doyle and Annie Barnes
Ryan and Kelly Morton
Michael and Melanie McGrath
Priscilla Schreiber-Grossmont High School Board
Olympia Kyriakidis
Joe and Debbie Gonzales
Terry Burke-Eiserling
Holly Ferrante
Terry Callen
Ron and Karen Bayless
Matt and Cookie Davis
Questions & Answers
Questions from League of Women Voters of California Education Fund (1)
A recent law made major changes in the way that the state allocates funding to schools. What will you do to ensure that the public understands your local control formula for school spending and your plan to measure outcomes?
Answer from Twila C. Godley:
Parent and Community meetings are held at each school to inform about the process and receive input. The PTA Council, school site councils, and district advisory councils also meet with district representatives to discuss the plan. Staff and department representatives meet to discuss their input. Surveys are sent out to all parents and staff. The superintendent meets with community groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, Women's Club, River Park Conservancy, etc. An all day meeting is held with parents, community representatives, staff representing all schools and departments to review the results of the previous year's plan and progress and submit a list of priorities for the new plan. The plan is developed and submitted to the board for approval. It is then published on the district website.
Questions from League of Women Voters of San Diego (1)
What is the most significant challenge facing the Lakeside Union School District, and if you are elected, what steps will you take to address it?
Answer from Twila C. Godley:
The long term fiscall health of the district is a continuing challenge. We are facing increases in electric rates such as last year's 38% increase. Another major concern is the increased contributions that district are required to contribute to the state retirement systems, STRS and PRS for our employees increasing from $2.5 million to $5 million over the next 5 years and the continuing increases in the cost of health care for employees. These are fixed costs that cut into the operating budget for which we have to make wise decisions when planning and maintaining a healthy reserve to protect us from the next recession.
Political Beliefs
Political Philosophy
School boards are non partisan offices made up of 5 community members working together for all students. Individually, we have no power, only when we make decisions as a board in open meetings. We work well together when we understand that we may not always agree, but have respect for diverse opinions and support decisions when made. We are accountable to the whole community and parents to provide well maintained, safe schools, quality teachers and support staff, and excellent leadership by principals and superintendents. I believe in open communication and collaboration. Many of our excellent programs are the result of ideas first generated by parents and/or staff such as our multi lingual immersion program, the many visual and performing arts opportunities, before and after school care program, and River Valley Charter School to name a few.
Use tab to activate the candidate button. Use "return" to select this candidate. You can access your list by navigating to 'My Choices'.
For more in-depth information on this candidate, follow the links for each tab in this section. For most screenreaders, you can hit Return or Enter to enter a tab and read the content within.
Candidate has provided information.
My Top 3 Priorities
Ensure that students have everything they need to compete in an increasingly global society
Improve communication between the school board and the employees. Bring the feeling of "family" back to Lakeside Union School District.
Ensure that LUSD maintains financial responsibility, and places minimal financial burden on the community.
Experience
Experience
Profession:Elementary School Principal
Elementary School Principal, Poway Unified School District (2015–current)
Principal on Special Assignment with Common Core and Technology, Lakeside Union School District (2013–2015)
Elementary School Principal, Lakeside Union School District (2008–2013)
Vice Principal Lakeside Middle School, Lakeside Union School District (2006–2008)
Elementary School Teacher, Lakeside Union School District (1997–2006)
Education
University of San Diego, National University, Alliant International University — Doctor of Education Candidate, Master of Education, Administrative Credential, Bachelors Degree , Education, Brain Development, Early Childhood Education, Technology in Education (current)
Biography
My name is Rhonda Taylor; I am running for a seat on the Lakeside Union School Board. I would like to say first and foremost, thank you to the members of the current school board who have served for so many years! The guidance has been appreciated. In the past few years, there has been a growing feeling of disconnect between the employees, and the school board. It's time to bring the feeling of "family" back to the Lakeside Union School District!
In addition, the educational landscape is changing at a rapid rate, I have studied the changes, and I am poised to help Lakeside make the most of these changes. I am qualified and passionate about running for a seat on this board, as I have spent 21 years helping to cultivate the dream of LUSD. I began as a student teacher at Lakeview Elementary School. After teaching 12 years at Lakeside Farms Elementary, I became Vice-Principal at Lakeside Middle School and assisted the amazing Mr. Mull in the early stages of creating the Lakeside Middle School of Performing Arts. I then became the principal of Lakeview Elementary School. My talented staff and I began a comprehensive music education program, a 50% bilingual program, and watched our students soar to success! I eventually moved to the LUSD District Office where I helped to transition our staff to the Common Core State Standards and led two curriculum pilots, adopting the curriculum now used in Math and Language Arts. Ultimately, I moved to the Poway Unified School District to see how a different district operates. I am planning to bring the insight gained right back to Lakeside!
I am grateful for your support!
Who supports this candidate?
Featured Endorsements
Lakeside CSEA Chapter 240
Lakeside Teacher's Association
Questions & Answers
Questions from League of Women Voters of California Education Fund (1)
A recent law made major changes in the way that the state allocates funding to schools. What will you do to ensure that the public understands your local control formula for school spending and your plan to measure outcomes?
Answer from Rhonda Taylor:
I will ensure that the LUSD sends annual survey's to parents and the community to gauge the thoughts and feelings of the parents and the community about programs and activities regarding student education offerings. I will keep open communication with our parents and community to ensure that their voices are being heard, and the finances are being spent in the best interest of our students and staff.
Questions from League of Women Voters of San Diego (1)
What is the most significant challenge facing the Lakeside Union School District, and if you are elected, what steps will you take to address it?
Answer from Rhonda Taylor:
There are two significant challenges facing LUSD right now. The first challenge is the breakdown of communication felt by the teachers and the classified employees of the district and the current school board. If these two entities can't function in unison, and with trust, our students will suffer. Lakeside has always been a family, and currently, that feeling of "family" no longer exists for the employees.
Another significant challenge facing the Lakeside Union School District is keeping up with the rapidly changing educational landscape.The introduction of new testing procedures, curriculum, and technology have caused stress for our students and teachers. Allowing teachers to have appropriate training, and time to implement these new systems is vital to student success.
Political Beliefs
Political Philosophy
I believe it is the responsibility of all politicians to promote healthy practices and good for the collective group. Ego should not be a driving motivation in serving the best interest of the public.
the content of this video discusses the challenges and unpredictability facing today's students. It also discusses how I have spent the past years studying the changes that are necessary to prepare our students for an unpredictable future.
This video discusses the growing sense of loss of communication between the LUSD school board, and the district employees. A united view and a sense of family is needed to ensure that our students have access to all they need.
Use tab to activate the candidate button. Use "return" to select this candidate. You can access your list by navigating to 'My Choices'.
For more in-depth information on this candidate, follow the links for each tab in this section. For most screenreaders, you can hit Return or Enter to enter a tab and read the content within.
Candidate has provided information.
Thank candidate for sharing their information on Voter's Edge.
Ensuring a clean and safe Learning environment, providing and sustaining a Top quality 21st century learning for all students in Reading, Math ,language arts Science, the Arts , technology ,duel Language programs
Experience
Experience
Profession:20 year Pubic school Employee at the San Diego County Office Of Education .
clerk, board member , Current Board President, Lakeside Union School District Board of Trustee — Elected position (2008–2016)
Use tab to activate the candidate button. Use "return" to select this candidate. You can access your list by navigating to 'My Choices'.
For more in-depth information on this candidate, follow the links for each tab in this section. For most screenreaders, you can hit Return or Enter to enter a tab and read the content within.
Candidate has not provided information.
Encourage candidate to share their information on Voter's Edge.
Use tab to activate the candidate button. Use "return" to select this candidate. You can access your list by navigating to 'My Choices'.
For more in-depth information on this candidate, follow the links for each tab in this section. For most screenreaders, you can hit Return or Enter to enter a tab and read the content within.
Candidate has not provided information.
Know this candidate? Tell them about Voter's Edge.
