☆ CUHSD board candidates on overcoming divisiveness amidst political diversity
Campbell Union High School District board candidates James Kim and Elisabeth Halliday address pursuing unity on boards with ideologically diverse members. In the thick of contentious conversations around CUHSD board campaigns, Kim and Halliday emphasize that school boards must serve constituents first and foremost — not squabble and build petty divides. Other CUHSD candidates have not yet replied. An Opp Now exclusive.
Opportunity Now: Some conversations surrounding this school board race have been remarkably partisan and heated, leading some to wonder if the CUHSD community is really this politically divisive.
Is there an issue or needed action through which advocates on all sides can be united? Overall, how will you cultivate trans-ideological collaboration as a board member?
James Kim: I believe that boards operate best when members have a diversity of opinions and lived experiences, and everyone respects and appreciates these differences. I believe board business can be conducted smoothly despite ideological differences, and that it is not necessary for every school board vote to be unanimous. School boards need to align on end goals and work towards the common purpose of providing the best education for students. As a parent of a current CUHSD student, that is very prominent in my thoughts.
At the same time, in democratic elections, I believe that the electorate has the right to have a clear understanding of candidate positions so that they can make informed voting decisions. In the current CUHSD board race, there are stark ideological differences between the candidates in each of the open seats. Three candidates, Jason Baker (Trustee Area 3), Elizabeth Halliday (Trustee Area 2), and me (Trustee Area 1), prioritize improved teacher and staff relations, ensuring equity for ALL students, and bringing transparency to the actions of the school district and school board.
Our opponents have very different priorities. For example, Trustee Area 3 candidate Adam Rocha cites Critical Race Theory as his key issue. Trustee Area 2 Candidate Michael Winter has said that he does not believe the district needs a policy to address institutional racism, and Trustee Area 1 incumbent Robert Varich was the sole board member that did not support a board resolution condemning Asian hate in April 2021. In an area as diverse as Silicon Valley, in a school district where two-thirds of students are people of color, I believe that Jason, Elizabeth, and I are better suited to move the CUHSD schools forward and ensure they provide excellent educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds.
Elisabeth Halliday: School board policies should not be politically divisive. We should all be unified in a common goal to provide the best education for our community's students, and to provide safe and welcoming campuses that promote stress-free learning. I will always put the needs of our students first, and will keep an open mind to listen to the concerns of our community (students, parents, teachers, staff, and all who live in the district).
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