Holly Ferrante, 64, Lakeside Union School District Trustee, Retired Lakeside Business Owner
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR SCHOOL BOARD?
I have been on the Lakeside Union School District Board for 5 years. While on the board, I have worked hard to earn the trust of the parents and staff. My calm, knowledgeable leadership style has benefitted the students in Lakeside. I care about the youth of Lakeside and want the best for them. I believe I am the right person to continue to help lead the district.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE PRIORITIES IF ELECTED?
If re-elected, I would continue to support:
The socio-emotional needs of the students –
Learning Loss Mitigation Effort –
Arts and Sciences
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?
I would support budget allocations for the staff to participate in professional learning which offers new ideas and strategies related to how to best support those students who regressed and/or struggled to learn as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am proud my fellow board members, and I were an integral part of ensuring Lakeside students returned to in-person learning earlier than 40 of the other San Diego County Districts.
ARE YOU A PROPONENT OF ARMED TEACHERS IN CLASSROOMS AS A WAY OF ADDRESSING SCHOOL SAFETY FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND STAFF?
No. I do not support arming teachers. The proposal to arm teachers is a reactive stance to a serious societal concern that has a more proactive, appropriate, and immediate actionable solution in the school setting. A review of past school shootings indicates that situational awareness and reporting potential dangers should be a focus of school safety. We need to ensure regular safety training and emergency drills are conducted so students and staff are able to effectively respond, if it were necessary. As a veteran and mother of a veteran who was a sharp shooter, I am aware of the enormous hours necessary to learn and maintain skills related to gun safety and shooting. The time of our teachers is better spent in honing their skills as a teacher not a sharpshooter. The sheriff and emergency responders should be the individuals who are armed and trained to react in any situation that may require the use of a gun.
HOW CAN THE DISTRICT SUPPORT HOMELESS STUDENTS?
The district has had amazing staff that have worked with homeless students for many years. They continue to play a vital role in helping these students stay engaged in school through a difficult time in their lives.
UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES IS IT APPROPRIATE TO BAN BOOKS FROM SCHOOL CLASSROOMS AND LIBRARIES?
I do not believe in banning age-appropriate books from the classroom or libraries.
WHAT PAST BOARD EFFORTS WOULD YOU AMPLIFY OR GROW, AND ARE THERE ANY WHICH YOU WOULD PHASE OUT?
We have a very cohesive board in Lakeside. We review our Board Goals annually and I support our current goals. I would like to see the district continue to offer innovative programs at all of our schools to attract students to our district.
WHAT POLICIES OR PROCESSES WOULD YOU PROPOSE TO SUPPORT STUDENT LIFE SUCH AS ANTI-BULLYING TRAINING, EFFORTS TO REDUCE STUDENT VAPING AND DRUG USE, AND EXTRACURRICULAR EVENTS?
The Middle Schools both have CREW classes that encourage students to be kind and live healthy lives and address concerns related to bullying, vaping, and drug use. Additionally, the Middle Schools have a “See Something, Say Something” anonymous tip texting/online for students to report incidents that concern them. The elementary schools also have age-appropriate curriculum to address similar behaviors. As a whole, the Lakeside District offers parent training opportunities to assist parents while they support their children to make healthy decisions, as well as effectively communicating with their children.
LAKESIDE UNION IS WELL-KNOWN FOR ITS MULTI-LANGUAGE IMMERSION AND STEAM PROGRAMS. DO YOU FEEL THERE IS EQUITY TO THESE PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT, AND IF NOT, WHAT WOULD YOU PROPOSE TO GIVE ALL STUDENTS ACCESS TO THESE PROGRAMS?
All Lakeside students are able to attend our language programs at Riverview/Wintergardens and Lakeview. Both Middle Schools have excellent STEAM programs that are available to all students. The entire district is using an amazing new science curriculum that will benefit all LUSD students. Each of our schools have their own programs that equitably encourage students to excel in the pathway of their choice.
WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES THE LAKESIDE UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL TO YOU, AND WHY?
I have lived in Lakeside the vast majority of my life. My children attended Lakeside schools and received a fabulous education. My nephew currently attends a school in LUSD and is also receiving a top-notch education. I believe in the teaching staff, administration, and district office staff. I truly believe that everyone is daily “Igniting Passion in Today’s Students for Tomorrow’s Opportunities” and I am honored to support the staff as a Lakeside Union School District Governing Board member.
