CAMPAIGN 2022 SCHOOL BOARD

Martha Naomi Emerald, 67, Journalist, former San Diego city council member Candidate SUHSD Trustee Area 5

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR SCHOOL BOARD?

To help Sweetwater students receive the world class education they deserve.

Marti Emerald

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE PRIORITIES IF ELECTED?

School safety, restore public confidence in the district, engage students in studies that help them be successful in life, college or in vocations/trades they are introduced to in high school through career training programs.

WITH STUDIES SHOWING STUDENTS ARE BEHIND DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON THE POLICY LEVEL IN ENSURING STUDENTS BEHIND ARE ABLE TO CATCH UP?

Budget more money and resources in remedial classes. Support emerging programs at Sweetwater offering counseling to students who have fallen behind in the studies, extra attention to students who have become victims of behaviors that have increased since Covid:   bullying, hate speech, of drug problems associated with isolation or self- medicating because of stressors from Covid.

ARE YOU A PROPONENT OF ARMED TEACHERS IN CLASSROOMS AS A WAY OF ADDRESSING SCHOOL SAFETY FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND STAFF?

No

HOW CAN THE DISTRICT SUPPORT HOMELESS STUDENTS?

I understand Sweetwater has experience supporting students who are homeless. I would team with staff to learn about their efforts. Over the past 42 years in San Diego, I have been deeply involved in homeless issues and engaged with service providers. I would bring my extensive experience as an advocate and collaborate with Sweetwater staff to partner with agencies and access resources for students in need.

UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES IS IT APPROPRIATE TO BAN BOOKS FROM SCHOOL CLASSROOMS AND LIBRARIES?

I do not believe in banning books.

WHAT PAST BOARD EFFORTS WOULD YOU AMPLIFY OR GROW, AND ARE THERE ANY WHICH YOU WOULD PHASE OUT?

Past Sweetwater Boards took the school district down the wrong road, engaging in criminal behavior that cost the district financially, compromised public confidence, and put students and staff at risk   I believe the new Board and Superintendent recognize their responsibility to repair the damage. That will come with a commitment to fair dealing, being transparent and honest brokers, and a Board that is committed to snuffing out district practices that invite trouble. It may take years but I am personally up to the task.

DO YOU SEE ANY INEQUITIES IN YOUR DISTRICT?

Yes. Attention to many west side, older schools has been seriously lacking in large part. I am thrilled to see newer schools thriving with district attention and parent and community support. These well- equipped schools with AP classes offered tremendous opportunity for students. And every student in the district should share in this abundance and the difference it makes in the quality of education and inspiration to achieve. I will work with fellow trustees to close that gap with dollars, technology, and teachers trained to motivate their students, in the interest of equity.

EARLIER THIS YEAR, STUDENTS AT CASTLE PARK HIGH SCHOOL TOOK TO SOCIAL MEDIA TO SHOW THE POOR CONDITIONS OF THE SCHOOL. WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO AVOID SUCH CONDITIONS?

The district needs a more comprehensive facilities plan, especially with older schools. It is not enough and frankly, not good business to continue just patching up these older buildings. I would pursue a long-term maintenance plan for all facilities, and sell bonds needed to replace the older schools with new state of the art facilities. I would also, as a rule, establish budgets to continually maintain them. If I was one of those students struggling in dilapidated schools, I would be angry and resentful, too.

WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES THE SUHSD DISTRICT YOU WOULD SERVE SPECIAL TO YOU, AND WHY?

First, I love the kids. They all deserve a solid education that opens their minds and hearts to the world around them and inspires them to keep learning their entire lives. It may seem like a hackneyed expression, but these young women and men are the future.

During my eight years on the San Diego City Council, I served the most diverse community in the region:  City Heights.  A community where purportedly 60-plus languages are spoken. A community where refugees from 50 years of wars, injustice, and hardship have settled to begin new lives. And they continue to come.  I have never been so inspired and humbled. The story of the South Bay region is not so different: A culturally diverse community with a rich history of determination, struggle, and accomplishment.

I can’t think of anyplace else I would rather be at this time in my life.