My Top Priorities for BHUSD
A more comprehensive approach to student success that fosters academic achievement while also emphasizing personal growth, physical and mental health and safety, and strong community connections for every single student.
1
Studies show a distinct correlation between a strong sense of belonging among students and improved academic performance. Additionally, nearby districts are seeing more improvement with fewer resources – we must identify what top-performing districts and schools have in common, and determine how BHUSD can apply those practices to improve our rankings state and nationwide.
A restoration of trust between district leadership and the community, emphasizing partnership over antagonism.
2
Personal attacks on parents and teachers, using district resources for public intimidation, and making public comment procedures onerous and inaccessible are just a few examples of conduct that is beneath us as a district and as a community. It’s not fair to expect better behavior from our children than we do from the leaders meant to serve as their role models.
A renewed focus on responsible and informed governance.
3
The Board must lead by example through implementation of disciplined, transparent, and consistent fiscal controls. Uneven application of financial oversight procedures, constant employee turnover, and expensive legal missteps can endanger even the most well-resourced districts — BHUSD is no exception. Board trustees should also be deeply knowledgeable about all aspects of BHUSD, as well as the laws that govern and protect them. The Masters in Governance course offered by the California School Boards Association should be mandatory for all trustees.
A comprehensive review of all technology usage in our schools.
4
The district’s recently-enacted policy on this issue is a promising development, but we can and must go even further to protect our students. For example, additional action is needed with respect to internet content filtering, security and surveillance, and the district’s educational technology contracts and expenditures.
Attract and retain the best and brightest – and let them do their jobs.
5
The role of a school board is not to micromanage teachers, staff, and school sites, and teacher turnover is disruptive to the fiscal and educational health of the district. We will continue to see an exodus of talented educators if we do not commit to adequate staffing, professional development opportunities, dependable compensation, and a working environment in which all are treated with respect.
Get in touch with Kim
Fill out the form below to get in touch. If you prefer email, you can reach Kim directly at kim@kim4bhusd.com