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: Marcelle Williams
Current job title: Business owner
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: President, Riverside Republican Women Federated
City where you reside: Riverside
Campaign website or social media: www.Marcelle4RUSD.com, @MMW4RUSD (Instagram), Marcelle Williams 4 RUSD (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 prioritizing individualized support. For English learners, offering language development programs, bilingual educators, and culturally responsive instruction is essential to overcoming language barriers and ensuring academic success.
Students from low-income backgrounds need access to essential services such as free meals, after-school programs, and tutoring. Bridging the digital divide by ensuring access to technology and internet services is also critical for these students.
For students in special education programs, individualized education plans (IEPs) should be comprehensive, with well-trained staff and sufficient resources to support diverse learning needs. Inclusive classrooms that promote interaction between special education and general education students can also enhance learning experiences.
Students in need of mental health services should have access to counselors, social workers, and on-campus mental health programs that promote emotional well-being.
Collaboration with families and community organizations is key to providing a holistic support network. By focusing on these targeted solutions, the district can create a learning environment where all students, regardless of background, can thrive.
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 am aware of a movement organized by parents to implement parental rights policies, which I strongly support. Parents have the right to be informed about all aspects of their child’s wellbeing. WIthholding important information about a student’s mental, physical and emotional health from their parents is wrong. Parents need to be treated as partners in their child’s education and there should be full transparency in the classroom.
What is the biggest issue the school district faces, and how would you address it?
The majority of students at RUSD are not meeting the grade level standard in math, reading and science. I have several solutions to address this issue:
Use assessments to identify struggling students early and implement targeted interventions like tutoring, small group instruction or remedial programs tailored to their specific needs.
Provide professional development and resources for teachers, enabling them to use innovative teaching methods and differentiated instruction that meets the diverse learning needs of students.
Engage parents and the broader community through workshops, regular communication and volunteer programs to create a support system for students both inside and outside of school.
Offer after-school programs, extended learning opportunities and extracurricular activities that foster engagement and help students develop skills beyond the classroom.
Ensure that schools have access to necessary resources, including technology, mental health support and learning tools, so students are fully equipped to succeed.
Start addressing learning gaps as early as possible, particularly in reading and math, to prevent long-term academic struggles.
By combining these strategies, RUSD can improve student outcomes and foster a culture of academic excellence.
Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities within the school district?
With a 24-year career in business and a background in education, I’m uniquely qualified to serve on the Riverside Unified School District board. My husband and I are proud parents of five children who graduated from Riverside schools.
I’m dedicated to our community’s children. I volunteer as a youth mentor, helping at-risk youth. I also worked as a secretary for the superintendent, where I advocated for students. I’m not a politician; I’m a concerned citizen, businesswoman and parent committed to giving back to our community.
As your representative on the Riverside Unified School District board, I’ll be a strong advocate for parents and students:-Provide every student with a high-quality education-Reverse the declining enrollment rate-Take political agendas out of the classroom-Empower parents as partners in their child’s education-Ensure all graduates are ready for college or the workforce-Provide a safe learning environment for students and teachers-Ensure a balanced budget
I’ve earned endorsements from local leaders, education advocates and public safety leader.
I legally immigrated to the United States, worked hard, pursued an education, and started a successful business. I want to ensure every student has the same opportunity to succeed.
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