Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide
Name: Jami Merchant
Current job title: Mother
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: Appointed to Corona Library Board of Trustees
City where you reside: Corona
Campaign website or social media: www.Jami4CNUSD.com, Elect Jami Merchant for CNUSD School Board (Facebook)
How can the school district best meet the needs of all students, including those learning English, those who need mental health service, those in special education programs and those from low-income backgrounds?
The school district can best meet the needs of all students by taking an inclusive approach that addresses their diverse needs. For English learners, increasing access to language development programs and bilingual education provides essential support. Embedding counselors and mental health professionals ensures students can access mental health services without stigma. Strengthening special education through individualized education plans (IEPs) involving collaboration between educators, parents, and specialists will give students with disabilities the personalized instruction they need.
For students from low-income backgrounds, expanding access to transportation, after-school programs and tutoring is vital. Fostering strong family-school partnerships and providing community resources can create a more equitable learning environment.
By tailoring programs to address language, mental health, socioeconomic status or disabilities, the district can ensure all students have the support they need to reach their full potential.
Some school districts have adopted transgender notification policies to notify parents if a student says they are transgender. If your district has such a policy, do you support or oppose it? Why? If yours does not, would you support or oppose such rules? Why?
CNUSD does not currently have a policy regarding transgender notification. I believe parental involvement in every aspect of a child’s education is vital, as parents play a central role in supporting their child’s well-being. Ensuring a child’s health, safety, and emotional well-being is a top priority.
What is the biggest issue the school district faces, and how would you address it?
One of the biggest issues the school district faces is the widening achievement gap, particularly for students in special education, which has been worsened by the effects of COVID-19. Many students, especially those who were young during the pandemic, are experiencing social delays and learning challenges, further increasing the gap in academic performance. Additionally, parents often find it difficult to assist with homework, especially in Common Core math.
To address this, I would advocate for more targeted support in special education, ensuring that students receive the services and individualized instruction necessary for success. This involves enhancing collaboration between educators, specialists and parents to monitor student progress effectively.
We should also provide more resources to help parents better understand Common Core standards, such as workshops and online tools, enabling them to support their children at home. Additionally, addressing the social and emotional needs of students impacted by the pandemic is essential, and we must prioritize programs that promote social development and mental health support. By focusing on these areas, we can work to close the achievement gap and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities within the school district?
I would make a good leader because I am easily accessible, a great listener, and deeply committed to advocating for all students, especially those with special needs. As a parent of school-age children, I understand the challenges many families face, and I am personally navigating those same struggles. This connection helps me empathize with parents and students, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.
With my experience serving on various boards, I have developed strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of how to work collaboratively toward solutions. I believe in fostering open communication and building relationships with families, teachers, and community members to ensure that diverse perspectives are represented and valued.
I am passionate about making sure every student, regardless of their background or abilities, has the opportunity to succeed. My goal as a leader is to ensure that all families feel supported, and I will work tirelessly to address the needs of our district’s diverse communities, ensuring their concerns are addressed and their children receive the education they deserve.
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