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: Karen Coleman
Current job title: Retired teacher
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Riverside
Campaign website or social media: www.karen4rusd.com, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566008721607
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?
RUSD can meet the diverse needs of all students by focusing on inclusion, targeted support and community collaboration. For English learners, RUSD should expand the Dual Language Immersion program to offer tailored language development programs, integrating bilingual education and dedicated support staff to ensure language barriers do not hinder academic success.
For students needing mental health services, the district can expand access to on-campus counseling, provide mental health professionals at every school, and foster a culture of emotional well-being through social-emotional learning programs.
Special education students deserve individualized learning plans (IEPs) with sufficient resources, trained staff and inclusive classrooms that encourage peer interaction while addressing unique learning needs.
For students from low-income backgrounds, RUSD should prioritize access to essential resources, such as free meals, after-school programs and technology. Ensuring access to quality education through tutoring, mentorship and extracurricular activities will help bridge the opportunity gap.
RUSD must create an environment where all students, regardless of their background or needs, can thrive academically and personally.
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?
RUSD does not have a transgender notification policy. I strongly believe that parents and guardians should be involved in every decision that affect their child. Schools have an obligation to keep parents informed of any changes in their child’s physical, mental, and emotional health.
What is the biggest issue the school district faces, and how would you address it?
RUSD faces many issues, from budget challenges to declining enrollment, but the most significant is the widening achievement gap. Riverside students are struggling, with 55% not meeting the grade level standard in reading, 68% in math and 72% in science.
To address this, we must focus on targeted interventions and enhanced support systems for students. First, implementing intensive academic recovery programs, such as extended learning opportunities, tutoring and summer enrichment programs, can help students regain lost instructional time during the pandemic.
Second, we need to prioritize early identification of struggling students. Special attention should be given to English learners, students in special education, and those from low-income backgrounds to ensure they receive the support they need to succeed.
Third, mental health services must be expanded, as emotional well-being directly impacts academic performance.
Additionally, building strong partnerships with parents and communities is essential to creating a support network that fosters student success. By focusing on personalized learning, mental health and community engagement, we can work to close the achievement gap and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities within the school district?
As a proud graduate of the Riverside Unified School District, I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree from UC Riverside. With a 20-year career in education, I dedicated my professional life to working as an elementary school teacher within the Riverside Unified School District, bringing firsthand experience and a deep commitment to our community’s schools.
Riverside students are struggling, with 55% not meeting the grade-level standard in reading, 68% in math and 72% in science. We need to do better.
I’m not a politician, and I’ve never run for elected office. I’m a concerned citizen and educator committed to giving back to our community.
I’ll be a strong voice for students and parents:• Provide every student with a high-quality education• Improve student performance by focusing on core subject areas• Empower parents as partners in their child’s education• Ensure all graduates are ready for college or the workforce• Support special educational needs students• Provide a safe learning environment for students and teachers• Promote accountability and transparency in budgeting
I’ll work hard to ensure every student and parent has the tools, resources and support they need to thrive.
Learn more: www.karen4rusd.com
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