Ron Burner, 42, Real Estate Agent
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR SCHOOL BOARD?
I decided to run because I want to see more done on school security. I have two kids who attend elementary school in the district. For them and their friends I want to ensure they are safe at school. I was also surprised that parents were taking their kids to Lakeside for middle school. I would like to expand the options for the Jr. High students in Santee.
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?
This problem is real. The state testing results showed this. I think the district needs to invest in tutors to get the kids caught up. I know they are working on a plan and I support their efforts to get this fixed
ARE YOU A PROPONENT OF ARMED TEACHERS IN CLASSROOMS AS A WAY OF ADDRESSING SCHOOL SAFETY?
I am not a proponent of armed teachers in classrooms. I would like to see Sheriff Resource Officers on campus. I would also like to see the district hire veterans or retired police as security officers at the schools.
HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS SCHOOL SAFETY SO PARENTS AND VOLUNTEERS COULD ACCESS CAMPUS WHILE UNWANTED INDIVIDUALS ARE KEPT AWAY?
I think the district is moving in the right direction on this. They have approved putting cameras on all campuses. They have closed all the campuses to make them secure. I would want to make sure any volunteers are being cleared in advance prior to coming on campus. There is a program called Raptor that the high schools are using. It’s a way to scan volunteers IDs and make sure the volunteer or visitor isn’t on the register sex offender database for all 50 states. This also tracks all visitors and gives them a printed name badge. Making it easy to identify if they should be on campus and if they were checked in. I think it’s important to let parents and volunteers be allowed on campus.
HOW CAN THE DISTRICT SUPPORT HOMELESS STUDENTS?
Keeping the free meals is a good start. No child should ever be hungry. I would want the district to partner with a local nonprofit to help the students get the resources they need.
UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES IS IT APPROPRIATE TO BAN BOOKS FROM SCHOOL CLASSROOMS AND LIBRARIES?
I would defer to current Santee School District Policy
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE GOALS, IF ELECTED?
1) Get school resource officers on campus. 2) Expand electives for junior high students 3) Attract and retain top talent for the district
WHAT CURRICULUM OR ACTIVITIES WOULD YOU ADVOCATE FOR TO BETTER CHALLENGE ADVANCED STUDENTS?
I want to see more options for junior high students to get them ready for high school. Spanish is the first elective I would like to see. Music, drama/theater, and coding are other classes I would like to see available.
HOW WOULD YOU CONNECT WITH THE NEIGHBORING COMMUNITY?
I have lived in this community my entire life. I went to Hill Creek Elementary K-8 and Santana High School for High School. I also have coached football and baseball in the community.
WHICH PAST EFFORTS FROM YOUR BOARD WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO AMPLIFY OR GROW, AND WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO END OR PHASE OUT?
I would like to keep the accessibility of the board. I have found it easy to contact board members and address my concerns. If I was elected, I would be the same way. I would like to see more participation from parents at board meetings. I believe in full transparency. I would like to see board meetings broadcasted online like city council meetings. Not everyone can attend a meeting in person. I would like to see term limits. I don’t think the same people should run the board forever.
