Why are you running for the school board?
I am running for the school board because ensuring our children’s academic preparedness is of paramount importance to our community. Over the years, I have observed a decline in academic standards, from 2014 when my eldest entered high school to 2023 when my youngest graduated. The current grading policy, which appears to apply to all students except those in honors courses, lacks deadlines for homework, allows for multiple retakes of tests, and permits a minimum grade of 50%, even if no work is submitted. These practices deeply concern me, as they do not equip our students for the challenges of real life. Additionally, I have noticed an increasing promotion of ideologies that conflict with many family values. I strongly believe that schools should remain politically neutral and focus solely on academic excellence, leaving value-based teachings to parents in our diverse community.
What is your vision for the future of our school district?
My vision is to maintain a district where academic excellence is prioritized. In order to do that, we need to create an environment where teachers feel heard, valued, and included in decision-making. Transparency is crucial; I believe parents and the community should be involved in decisions regarding curriculum, policies, and budget.
What do you believe are the most critical issues facing our schools today?
The most pressing issue is ensuring academic excellence. I strongly believe that our teachers are the true experts in education, and their insights are essential for addressing key challenges. Through extensive discussions with educators, several critical concerns have come to light. One of the most significant is the lack of discipline in some schools. Teachers report that they often lack the authority to enforce order, and receive insufficient support from the administration, resulting in frequent disruptions that hinder the learning environment. Another concern raised by teachers is the district’s implementation of “Grading with Equity” policies. These policies, which apply to all students except those in honors programs, allow for multiple test retakes, lack firm homework deadlines, and guarantee a minimum grade of 50%, regardless of effort. Many teachers believe that these practices lower academic standards, fail to prepare students for the real world, and dilute accountability in education. Additionally, we have seen a sharp increase in non-English-speaking students. In February, the administration reported the enrollment of approximately 400 new Multi-Language Learners in just seven months. More non-English speaking students are enrolled daily. The administration reported that in 7 months, there has been a 132% increase in the number if students who speak no English at all. This rapid growth poses significant challenges for teachers, who are often unequipped to address the needs of such a diverse student population. Addressing these needs requires immediate attention and additional resources. Lastly, many elementary and middle school teachers feel overwhelmed. Instructional Assistants earn a maximum of $17 per hour, and substitutes receive only $85 per day. This makes it increasingly difficult to attract and retain high-quality staff, despite the district’s 1/4 of a billion dollar budget.
What experience do you have that prepares you for this role?
I bring a wealth of experience from leadership roles in both military and business sectors. As a West Point graduate and Six Sigma Black Belt, I excel in data-driven decision-making and process improvement. I’ve also served as Executive Director of the Trinity Free Clinic for five years, working with a diverse group of staff and volunteers from nearly 100 countries. My background in nonprofit management and community service has given me the tools to work well with others in a diverse environment. Finally, I am a mom with three children who have attended variety of schools, including private, parochial, and 12 years at CCS. Having all of these different perspectives will be beneficial as I made decisions on the board.
How will you ensure that the voices of parents, teachers, and students are heard in board decisions?
Parents are the primary educators of their children, and their opinions must be prioritized. I’m committed to actively listening to parents and community members. I’ve already heard from thousands through door-knocking and meet-and-greet events, and once on the board, I’d like to form committees that include parents, such as those focused on curriculum and budget matters. Teachers spend eight hours a day with our children and in my opinion, that makes them the most important people in our schools. Teachers should play a key role in all decisions including policies on discipline and budget priorities. Once on the board, I would like to explore a process by which the teachers’ feedback will be formally sought by the administration and the board.
What are your priorities for the school district’s budget?
The highest priority for our budget should be to ensure that teachers are fully equipped to help our students succeed. Achieving this requires substantial input from educators, and I am committed to directing the necessary resources towards supporting both teachers and students in the classroom first. In addition, transparency is a key concern. I will advocate for the creation of a budget committee that includes community members to enhance accountability and ensure the responsible allocation of taxpayer funds. For instance, when voters approved the safety tax referendum, we were assured that these funds would primarily be used to improve school safety by ensuring every school has a dedicated Student Resource Officer (SRO). However, only 45% of the funds have been allocated to SROs, with the remainder being diverted to social workers, mental health services, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. While mental health services are undoubtedly important, blending safety funds with other initiatives such as DEI undermines the specific intent of the referendum and the commitments made to voters.
How would you ensure that the district is prepared for future challenges, such as growth or changes in educational standards?
First and foremost, we must emphasize academic fundamentals—particularly in subjects such as mathematics, science, and reading—ensuring that the curriculum remains rigorous and competitive. As state and national standards evolve, we must evaluate them meticulously to guarantee alignment with the district’s goals. Teachers will play an integral role in this process, as their insights are crucial for maintaining educational quality. Secondly, as the district experiences changes, it is imperative that we remain financially responsible. This involves the efficient management of taxpayer resources, directing the majority of funds to classrooms where they will most directly benefit students. Minimizing unnecessary administrative overhead, while continuing to support teachers, maintain facilities, and manage class sizes, is essential for our long-term success. In terms of growth, although the district is currently experiencing declining enrollment. However, we are seeing a vast increase in non-English-speaking students. This introduces a new set of challenges that require careful planning. Open and ongoing discussions with our educators are necessary to develop effective strategies to meet the needs of these students while ensuring overall academic success. Finally, community engagement is vital. Parents, teachers, and community stakeholders must have a voice in shaping the future of the district. Regular curriculum reviews will ensure that it not only meets evolving educational standards but also addresses the unique needs of our diverse student population.
What else would you like voters to know about your candidacy?
I strongly believe that our children are the foundation of our community, and it is our collective duty to provide them with the highest quality education to ensure their future success. Educational decisions should be informed by teachers’ expertise, and educators must feel empowered to share their perspectives openly, without fear of reprisal from the administration. As a steadfast advocate for parental rights, I am committed to making fact-based, data-driven decisions that uphold academic excellence. Additionally, I am dedicated to fostering a school environment that respects the diverse values of all families within our district. It is imperative that politics, whether from the right or the left, have no place in our curriculum. Our focus must remain on core academics, leaving social and political values to be taught within the home.
How can voters contact you or learn more about your campaign?
I am eager to hear from the entire community, especially parents and teachers. As a member of the board, it will be my responsibility to represent everyone, regardless of political affiliation. I encourage all members of the community to share their concerns and ideas with me, and I will do my utmost to represent them faithfully. To learn more about my campaign, please visit dinaferchmin4ccs.org.