By Dr. John Lee Evans, Ph.D., Trustee, San Diego Unified, District A
As we approach the 2016 election voters need to decide who will best lead the San Diego Unified School District for the next four years. As a former classroom teacher, a child psychologist and a parent I have led the effort to truly reform San Diego public schools through Vision 2020 for Quality Schools in Every Neighborhood. Candidates often make general promises, but I am running on my record and what we have accomplished.
- We made a high school diploma more meaningful with more rigorous requirements. While the graduation rate was 78% ten years ago, we have risen to 92% this year.
- Test scores across the district continue to rise. Among California’s largest districts we rank #1 in English Language Arts and tied for second on Mathematics. We are consistently above the state average. We recently ranked among the top four urban districts in the nation.
- We have streamlined administration and sent more money to the classroom.
- We have a nationally recognized technology program, as well as national awards for music and the arts.
- I led the effort for more stringent ethical guidelines for board members to avoid conflicts of interest.
- We encouraged greater parent and community participation through cluster school councils.
- We have a construction program that has resulted in 96% of our school facilities rated by the state as good or excellent. The taxpayers’ money is being well spent.
How are Clairemont schools specifically improving?
- Higher graduation rates. At Clairemont 97% of students met all of the rigorous graduation requirements and 99% at Madison.
- All of the above changes in Clairemont schools have been guided by open and transparent local school cluster councils to make the changes Clairemont residents have wanted.
- As a sign of greater community participation the Clairemont Mesa Educational Foundation was formed to bring more funds and programs to our schools.
- Clairemont High is one of two in the nation with a grant to prepare our students for careers in healthcare, technology and business.
- Our middle schools are vastly improved with the arts programs at CPMA, the technology programs at Innovation and the many new electives at Marston.
- Our quality neighborhood elementary schools have been protected. I have successfully fought against all efforts to close small schools in Clairemont and now the enrollment is increasing.
You can now find quality schools in your own backyard here in Clairemont. My leadership as vice president and president of the Board of Education has brought attention and resources to Clairemont. I am committed to accelerating these reforms and improvements in the next four years. Clairemont can once again be proud of our neighborhood schools. Voters will vote for all open seats on the school board.
I am also enthusiastically endorsing Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne to stay on the board representing District E. As a former classroom teacher and administrator her experience has served her well in her first year. She has already made a great contribution to our schools. Be sure to go down the ballot and vote.
John Lee Evans is the incumbent candidate for San Diego Unified School Board, District A
