An educator supporting our students, teachers, and families
My name is Michael Vargas. I am a long time educator, and I’m running to be a Trustee on the Elk Grove Unified School District, representing Area 2. I would love to have your support!
Here are my priorities:
Supporting Students & Families
With the transition to managing the impact of the pandemic, our first priority needs to be supporting our students and families as they readjust to this new normal. We know that the academic and developmental impacts of the pandemic will continue to emerge over the next decade, and the district needs to be ready with the resources and support our community needs. This includes physical and mental health services, expanded enrichment opportunities for students, and improved engagement with families.
Educational Equity
We know that the impact of the pandemic was most pronounced within our most marginalized and underrepresented communities. This reality should serve as a reminder that we have a responsibility to engage and support the children and families who come from those communities. We need to continue to develop our equity plan in the district, work to re-engage with our unhoused children and families, ensure access for and representation of our LGBTQ+ students, and ensure that all of our students see themselves and their families represented in the curriculum.
Closing Budget Gaps
Our schools are lucky to be receiving new funds from the state this year, and we need to put those funds to work to fill in the gaps in our services. We should be fully staffing our paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and other key staff positions that we haven’t been able to fill. And it should go without saying that all positions should receive competitive compensation. Our teachers and staff faced the brunt of the pandemic, and some of these new funds should be set aside to ensure that they have the support and resources they need to support our students.