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: Marla A. Matime
Current job title: CEO/president
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: Appointed to Moreno Valley Traffic Safety Commission
City where you reside: Riverside
Campaign website or social media: https://www.marlamatime.com/elect-marla-a-matime, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564445411055
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?
In 2021, RUSD adopted a resolution declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month. This is an essential declaration to ensure the safety of all of our students. Additionally, the district has taken steps to ensure that they are meeting the needs of all students in SPED, ELD and students from low-income families. I believe continued accountability measures, processes and support will ensure that the district is meeting said needs.
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 currently have a policy in place. Should a policy be presented, I would oppose it. I believe that if a student felt comfortable telling their parent, then they would. Coming to a teacher, counselor or administrator to share something that intimate may signal that their home environment is not safe. Protecting the safety of students are top priority so that they can learn and thrive in a safe environment.
What is the biggest issue the school district faces, and how would you address it?
To date, there is a lack of fiscal accountability. In recent news, the district has become a victim of a fraud scam. There must be measures in place for staff that will safeguard a situation from happening like that again. I also think that there have been financial decisions made that negatively affect our students and staff. Hiring more teachers will alleviate the pressures of creating combo classes.
Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities within the school district?
I operate under the mindset of being a transformational leader. There is greatness in everyone, even when people aren’t performing at their optimal state. Encouraging and empowering others to just keep going and to do their best is something that I live by. I believe that as a woman of color, lending my voice to speak on behalf of others who may not have the strength to do so, is important. When people feel a sense of belonging and that they have someone who supports them, they do better in all aspects of their lives. I have a sense of awareness and optimism that helps others to operate in those same attributes.
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