7 candidates in crowded Petaluma school board race

3 incumbents face 4 challengers in the race for the city’s largest school district.|

Seven candidates are seeking three open seats on the Petaluma Joint Union High School District. The city’s largest school district, it represents 7,493 students across eight elementary schools and 10 secondary schools.

With a budget of $74 million, the district is one of the largest employers in Petaluma with a total staff of 878.

The candidates seeking office include the three incumbents, running as a slate - Michael Baddeley, Sheri Chlebowski and Phoebe Ellis. They face challengers Mady Cloud, Joanna Paun, Caitlin Quinn and Kimy Ruiz Seitz.

The Argus-Courier sent each candidate a questionnaire. The following is an abridged version of each candidate’s responses, in the order they were received. Ruiz Seitz did not return the questionnaire. See the full responses at Petaluma360.com.

Name: Caitlin Quinn

Age: 25

Occupation: Nonprofit Communications Coordinator

Education: BA, UC Berkeley in Political Science

Community activities, boards, volunteer work: Petaluma City Youth Commission, Associated Students of the University of California, Petaluma City Animal Services Advisory Committee Chair

Why are you running for a seat on the school board?

I am young, but that doesn’t mean I am inexperienced. As a student leader at UC Berkeley, I led efforts to register over 8,500 new voters in 2012 and another 2,500 in 2014. I know how to engage young people. I know what students’ issues are. I want to see our board be proactive in solving problems, not reactively scrambling to cover its bases.

How do you think the current school board has handled technology in the classroom, and what, if anything, would you do different?

I love to see that the District uses Google Drive and Google Calendar. I’m glad that the district has managed to find funding for some technology, but iPads and tablets are simply not as useful as laptops are. The students I work with lament their inability to use keyboards to type.

What improvements to school facilities would you recommend doing with the remaining bond money?

I would like to see funds committed to pay for Chromebooks or other light laptops that faculty actually requested instead of iPads. I am certain we could sell the iPads to recoup some of the initial costs to pay for them. I would also want to use some of this funding to provide furniture upgrades and the building a few more classrooms on campuses. I also think it would make sense to evaluate what vocational programs we want to see or expand. Better technology in art classrooms would be a huge asset. I also think opening up the drawing board to students would be a magical idea, giving seniors a way to use some of this funding to make a senior project that improves their current or former school.

What should the district do to keep children safe on campus?

I think queer and transgender students and faculty should all feel safe presenting their identity in whatever way they see fit, feel safe using whatever bathrooms and locker rooms they prefer. All students and families should know that ICE is not allowed on our campuses and that any information about undocumented members of our community will never be shared with ICE. Seeing all students as complex human beings with emotional needs is key to addressing the toxic culture that allows for things like school shootings to happen. Our kids should furthermore be breathing healthy air and consuming healthy food and drinks when at our school.

Are there other key issues facing the district that you would like to address if elected?

Between my own personal experiences with sexual violence at public schools and my professional experience working at Sonoma County’s rape crisis center, I know a lot about public schools’ requirements to follow Title IX law. Students deserve to feel safe from the threats of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and bullying. I would be highly interested in learning more about the restorative justice practices that schools in Santa Rosa are implementing and seeing if we can incorporate those practices.

Name: Phoebe Ellis

Age: 49

Occupation: Business owner/attorney, Lace House Linen

Education: BS, Boston College; MSW/JD, Loyola University of Chicago

Community activities, boards, volunteer work: Grant Elementary PTA President and School Site Council, Sonoma County Juvenile Justice Commission, PHS Athletic Boosters Club President, Miracle League North Bay board member

Why are you running for a seat on the school board?

I was appointed to the Petaluma City Schools Board in 2013 and then elected to a four-year term in 2014. I would like to continue to serve on the board in order to complete the lengthy list of bond projects that the citizens of Petaluma approved. We hired a new superintendent three years ago and we have been active in supporting his transition and building innovative programs and curriculum in our schools. The board has also focused on college and career readiness for all of our students. I am involved in the Petaluma community and I talk to many parents and students who are involved with our schools. I have children attending Petaluma City Schools, and I remain firmly committed to actions that are in the best interest of our students.

How do you think the current school board has handled technology in the classroom, and what, if anything, would you do different?

The district spent the past three years focused on professional development with our teachers so they would be able to use technology as another learning tool in the classroom. There was a crew of “teachers on special assignment” who spent two years working closely with classroom teachers to develop and integrate curriculum and technology. The district has spent the past six months reviewing the programs, the devices, the integration and listening to teacher and student feedback in order to make an assessment of our technology programs moving forward.

What improvements to school facilities would you recommend doing with the remaining bond money?

The district included a list of desired projects gathered from principals, community and students. I believe that a performing arts center is a high priority for our students and families as well as further modernization at many schools.

What should the district do to keep children safe on campus?

The safety and well-being of our students is a number one priority at Petaluma City Schools. Teachers and staff receive updated trainings on fire, earthquake and active shooter preparation. Also, the administration continually updates students and families with information about drills and what to do in an emergency.

Are there other key issues facing the district that you would like to address if elected?

The school board will continue to advocate for a more equitable funding among public schools in California. I also believe in alternative education and different learning environments for all of our students. Petaluma City Schools has always had a rich, alternative education program, and I truly believe that those programs our essential to our students and families.

Name: Mady Cloud

Age: 69

Occupation: Retired English teacher

Education: BA in English literature, San Francisco State University; MA in literature, SFSU; Single Subject Secondary Teaching Credential, Dominican University

Community activities, boards, volunteer work: Driver for Meals on Wheels, American Association of University Women, Petaluma Educational Foundation volunteer

Why are you running for a seat on the school board?

I have lived in Petaluma for over 31 years. I raised my children here and they attended west side schools, where I was an active, involved parent. I taught English and was a college/career counselor at Casa Grande High School.

How do you think the current school board has handled technology in the classroom, and what, if anything, would you do different?

The district didn’t follow their own technology committee’s recommendations and purchased thousands of dollars worth of equipment with little input from experts or users. I would have asked for significant input from teachers, then provided extensive professional development to all teachers that was focused and relevant. The budget planning process should have been transparent, with regular updates on changes, corrections and additions.

What improvements to school facilities would you recommend doing with the remaining bond money?

Each of the sites is different, so the allocations must be equitable with substantive teacher, parent, staff, as well as administrator input on prioritizing these projects. I would love to advocate for the Performing Arts Center. Also, the need for air conditioning at Kenilworth became strikingly apparent during a heat wave last spring. I would also ask for overhangs throughout Casa Grande’s campus.

What should the district do to keep children safe on campus?

I applaud the district for getting the funding for the addition of two school resource officers. I would advocate for additional funding to provide on-going, full time, mental health and counseling services to compliment the presence of the officers. Another essential piece to student safety is to ensure that students’ Title IX and Title VI rights are honored and protected by all. An incident at Petaluma High School recently, when the valedictorian’s graduation speech was cut short highlights this issue. The #metoo and the March For Our Lives student rights movements require the district to acknowledge the changing culture in order to better provide a safe environment for our students, free from harassment and discrimination.

Are there other key issues facing the district that you would like to address if elected?

I am fully aware that the state funding formulas in addition to declining student enrollment create financial challenges for our district. I plan to establish more effective, genuine outreach with the community in order to help guide the district and school board in prioritizing how these funds should be spent. This would result in a more engaged, informed community where all stakeholders feel empowered and their voices heard. The other issue that the district faces involves the broken relationship between the teachers, the district administration and school board. There needs to be a sincere effort by both parties to come together to mend the rift, to rebuild trust by making all decision making processes inclusive and transparent, and to collaborate as partners in the education of our children.

Name: Joanna Paun

Age: 40

Occupation: Director of University and Academic Guidance/ advisor at St. Vincent de Paul High School

Education: Master’s in Counseling, Bachelor’s in Psychology

Community activities, boards, volunteer work: Raise money through church for a well to be built in Africa, Children’s Shopping Spree with the Petaluma Active 20-30 Club, Mobile Food Pantry

Why are you running for a seat on the school board?

My hope is that families feel supported by teachers, site administrators and District administrators, that they would know that their voice matters. There seems to be a lack of trust between teachers and the district. As a former Petaluma Federation of Teachers (PFT) member, I would hope to be a bridge between these two groups. I do not lack the courage to stand against the majority if a decision is being considered that goes against my convictions or the will of the people. If someone feels the need to come before the School Board on an issue, then we must respect, listen to and let that person know they have been heard.

How do you think the current school board has handled technology in the classroom, and what, if anything, would you do different?

The iPads that were purchased District-wide for student use are slowly dying and have a myriad of issues. Then there is the issue of equity - not every family has WiFi in their home. When groups of parents came to the school board and administrators with their concerns, they were dismissed and labeled as “crazy” because they had concerns about the reliability and effectiveness of the filter and the levels of radiation their kids were being exposed to.

What improvements to school facilities would you recommend doing with the remaining bond money?

Security; making sure each classroom has doors that lock from the inside and blinds that fully close and cover windows in case of a lockdown, and adding cameras. We also need to make sure the schools have proper ventilation, heating and air systems. I would also love to see the district invest in piloting programs aimed at lowering suspension rates and raising graduation rates of special education students.

What should the district do to keep children safe on campus?

I believe safety has to do with the emotional well being of children just as much as the physical well being. I have spoken with parents whose kids are scared to use the bathroom at one of the local high schools during the day because of the rumored drug use in the bathrooms, another is sexually harassed on at least a weekly basis and others are called the N-word, others are worried that their students will be bullied because of their sexual orientation.

Are there other key issues facing the district that you would like to address if elected?

I am open to listening to the opinions of the citizens of this town who send their students to PCS schools everyday. They feel like their voice does not matter and are discouraged from coming to board meetings and expressing themselves. I would also like to work with the other members of the board, administration and teachers to negotiate higher salaries for teachers so that we can stay competitive with surrounding districts.

Name: Sheri Chlebowski

Age: 47

Occupation: Attorney, Police Officer (left law enforcement when I became a mother)

Education: UC Davis BA, JFK School of Law JD

Community activities, boards, volunteer work: Petaluma City School Board of Education, PTA vice president, volunteer art docent for Petaluma City Schools, volunteer coach with Petaluma Girls Softball and Petaluma Youth Soccer League, Co-Founder of Moms for Clean Air

Why are you running for a seat on the school board?

Our board only has two members that have the hindsight of longevity. Maintaining longevity is extremely important for the board to fulfill its roles. While I have been on the board we have hired two superintendents, navigated the state’s Local Control Funding Formula including the development of our new Local Control Accountability Plan, implemented a one-to-one iPad program for students and passed our general obligation bonds for both districts which have allowed us to upgrade all our facilities. I want to make sure that our tax dollars are spent as intended.

How do you think the current school board has handled technology in the classroom, and what, if anything, would you do different?

The Technology Department did a wonderful job of working with our teachers to incorporate the use of the iPads in the classrooms in educationally meaningful ways. In December of 2017, the superintendent commissioned a review of our technology practices, bringing in leading technology educators in the state to review our program. We may have to take a closer look at providing keyboards for classes that do a lot of writing at the secondary levels.

What improvements to school facilities would you recommend doing with the remaining bond money?

This summer we replaced the entire blacktop at Grant, installed a new playground structure at Valley Vista, roofed PHS and Casa Grande, added portables to San Antonio, upgraded the kitchens at PJHS and McNear, renovated student space at Penngrove, among other things. We are looking at ways to increase student exposure to the arts and developing a Performing Arts Center is exactly what we need.

What should the district do to keep children safe on campus?

The first step in making sure that students are learning is to create an environment where they feel physically and emotionally safe. I am proud of Assistant Superintendent Dave Rose’s ability to obtain a grant to return two full-time School Resources Officers back into our secondary schools this year. Organizations like the Petaluma Parents Against Drugs work very hard to educate our community about the dangers facing our teens. Considering the funding hardships that we face, continuing to reach out and utilize all our communities’ resources should always be a priority to the district.

Are there other key issues facing the district that you would like to address if elected?

One of my top priorities this past year, which I will continue if I’m fortunate enough to be reelected, is to continue to push back on our next Governor and our legislatures to increase school funding by taking a deeper look at the Local Control Funding Formula as it is currently structured. I have made two trips to Sacramento and I plan to make many more to advocate for better funding.

Name: Michael J. Baddeley

Age: 63

Occupation: Attorney and president of Baddeley, Oliker & Sartori law firm

Education: BA from UC Davis, Golden Gate University Law School

Community activities, boards, volunteer work: Current member of the Petaluma Joint Union High School District Board of Trustees, Rotary Club of Petaluma, Petaluma Recreation, Music & Parks Commissioner (2005-09)

Why are you running for a seat on the school board?

I am well versed in the budgetary process, finance priorities, and fiscal responsibility. I am very familiar with board service, government procedures, and consensus building to achieve group goals, and I enjoy solving problems. I want to continue to help ensure that our district always does what’s best for students and works to provide as many educational programs and opportunities as possible for each of them to establish a strong foundation for their academic and vocational achievement.

How do you think the current school board has handled technology in the classroom, and what, if anything, would you do different?

Transition to technology in the classrooms and as an everyday educational tool was a huge task, but our district met and exceeded the state mandated technology directives. We have budgeted to make sure our district has sufficient funds in place to keep our technology current. There were a few things we could have done differently, such as having greater bandwidth to start with, offering devices with keyboards and other features the iPads lack, and having a more user friendly, flexible Internet filter to better allow student access according to their class level and research needs.

What improvements to school facilities would you recommend doing with the remaining bond money?

I want to see the upgraded swimming pool at Petaluma High school completed, and get started with a modern performing arts center that will allow our district to expand our visual and performing art programs to increase student access to art and music in as many disciplines as possible.

What should the district do to keep children safe on campus?

Not only do we have systems, equipment, facilities and staff in place to promote the physical safety and well-being of our students, but all of our campuses have developed tailored positive behavioral intervention systems to ensure that students feel emotionally safe and have positive connections with their peers and staff. We also have comprehensive counseling and mentoring services on our campuses and provide intervention supports for our students. We have campus supervisors at our schools, and recently received grant money to fund the return of two full time School Resource Officers from the Petaluma Police Department.

Are there other key issues facing the district that you would like to address if elected?

Our board has made a concerted effort to meet with our local State Assembly member and other state government officials and committee heads to impress upon the dire need for additional school funding and the restructuring of how the state currently allocates the funding to school districts of our size and composition. I also want to continue expand student programs to match student interests, including increased offerings and participation in accelerated/advance placement courses and career technical education programs, and increase the flexibility of high school students to access desired coursework.

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