Candidates Alena Brinton and Zana Carver are vying for Position 4 on the Walla Walla Board of Education in the upcoming general election.
The two candidates will appear on the general election ballot on Tuesday, November 7th. His mail-in ballot must be postmarked by Nov. 7, and official ballot drop boxes will be open until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
As of Friday, Oct. 20, Brinton had raised $11,623, according to data from the state Public Disclosure Commission. Brinton’s two biggest sources of giving are private donations and self-giving. Carver, meanwhile, has raised $6,240, with most of the money coming from individual and corporate donations.
Below are Mr. Brinton’s Q&A answers. Mr. Carver did not submit a Q&A response by the deadline.
What are your top priorities as a school board member?
Brinton: As principal, my focus is on children’s mental health, equity and inclusion, and teacher support. These priorities are essential to the well-being of our entire community and the success of our education system. By focusing on these areas, we create a more inclusive and supportive environment for our students and ensure each student has the opportunity to succeed.
What do you think about the Vision 2030 strategic plan and how it should be implemented?
Brinton: We believe the Vision 2030 Strategic Plan provides an excellent framework for the future of Walla Walla Public Schools. It outlines clear goals and priorities focused on student success, academic excellence, and community involvement. To effectively implement this vision, it is important to ensure the involvement of the broader community, including parents, teachers, students, and community organizations. This collaborative effort helps align resources and strategies to achieve the plan’s objectives.
In addition, regular evaluation and adjustments must be made to keep the plan on track with its long-term goals. This ensures that we can adapt to evolving educational needs and changing circumstances. Additionally, transparent communication about plan progress and results is essential to maintaining trust and engagement within the community.
In summary, the Vision 2030 Strategic Plan is a valuable roadmap for the district’s future. Implementation requires a collaborative approach, adaptability, and transparent communication to achieve the best outcomes for students and communities.
How should school districts ensure the safety of students and staff?
Brinton: Ensuring the safety of students and staff in our schools is a top priority and requires a multi-pronged approach. Districts should prioritize implementing comprehensive safety measures. This includes increased security through controlled access to buildings and regular safety drills to prepare for emergencies.
Additionally, investing in students’ mental health is critical, and counseling services and support programs are key components. This proactive approach helps identify and address potential safety concerns before they escalate.
Promoting anti-bullying and inclusion efforts also plays an important role in creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Open communication and cooperation with local law enforcement is a key component of this safety strategy, along with the use of technology to improve communication and reporting.
Additionally, school districts must work with the community, including parents, students, and teachers, to co-design and implement safety measures. Regular evaluation and adjustment of these measures is necessary to address evolving threats and ensure the safety of everyone in the school community.
What do you think is the role of the school board in determining what materials are and are not included in public school libraries?
Brinton: The school board’s role in determining what materials do and do not belong in public school libraries is primarily related to governance, processes, and procedures, rather than making individual decisions about specific materials. I am. School board members serve as stewards of the district’s policy and governance framework, ensuring that they are consistent with the principles of academic freedom, intellectual freedom, and community values.
The committee’s responsibilities include establishing clear policies and guidelines governing the selection, review, and potential removal of library materials. These policies should reflect a commitment to providing a wide range of educational resources, promoting critical thinking, and respecting diverse perspectives while addressing legitimate concerns from the community.
School board members should foster an environment in which professional librarians, educators, and curriculum experts are empowered to select materials based on their educational value and alignment with curriculum goals. When concerns arise regarding specific materials, the board’s role is to ensure a fair and transparent review process that includes input from educators, librarians, parents, and community members.
Are your district’s strategies to combat learning loss due to the pandemic effective? Why not do something different?
Brinton: School district strategies to combat learning loss due to the pandemic must be evaluated through data-driven and evidence-based approaches to determine their effectiveness. Although we do not have access to specific data or information regarding district strategies, it is essential to evaluate the impact of these strategies on student learning outcomes.
If elected, I will emphasize continuous evaluation and flexibility in approach. We need to continually monitor student progress, identify areas of concern and adapt strategies accordingly. This may include personalized learning plans, additional tutoring or support services, and targeted interventions for students most affected by pandemic-related disruptions.
It is important to involve educators, parents, and students in the evaluation process.their Parent and student insights provide valuable feedback on the effectiveness of current strategies and provide information for adjustments to better meet student needs.
It is important to recognize that the effects of learning loss due to the pandemic can be long-term and multifaceted. Therefore, a comprehensive and adaptive approach is essential to help students regain lost ground and grow academically.
My approach is guided by a commitment to data, collaboration, and a willingness to adjust strategies to ensure students have the support they need to overcome pandemic-related learning challenges.