Re-Elect
ASHLEY ANDERSON
for School Board 2022
Newport-Mesa Unified Board of Trustees Area 7 Westside Costa Mesa
2022 PRIORITIES
1
21st CENTURY
MODERN EDUCATION
Together we have recently seen that education can look very different than we ever imagined. We need to be preparing our children for work life in 2040 and beyond. Each student should have access to district-funded technology-infused teaching and learning, as well as the opportunity to learn visual, creative, and performing arts, languages, civic engagement, and hands-on science. I continue to be passionate about increasing dual immersion options in Area 7. This fall, we will begin high quality before and after school programs in addition to other expanded learning opportunities such as theater, Spanish, and STEM.
2
EQUAL FUNDING
Our Westside schools need more NMUSD money given directly to them - to classrooms and to update facilities, especially on elementary campuses. We do not have parent foundations with millions of dollars to help pay for extra support and options. As a community-funded district, the majority of our funding comes from local property taxes. I am proud to have been the lead in changing outdated policy that will finally enable us to use money from the Irvine Co. Endowment this fall - for the first time since 2004. I will continue to demand that more money and resources reach our students to close the opportunity gap, as well as ensure that the district budget is used wisely.
3
EARLY ED
This fall, we will add transitional kindergarten as a grade level. We will focus attention on our earliest learners from Transitional Kindergarten-3rd grade district-wide with a new early literacy initiative with the renewed goal that all students will read well by the end of 3rd grade. We need to continue to grow our developmentally-appropriate preschool programs and fulfill our mission that each child will enter Kindergarten ready to be a lifelong learner and a critically-thinking member of society.
4
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Now is the time for the district to increase the coordination and contributions that each partner makes, which will directly assist with any needs that arise. We have amazing nonprofit, faith-based, and business partnerships helping our schools, staff, and families. Many of our students are currently struggling with mental health, homelessness, and learning loss, so it is critical that we re-imagine Westside schools as family resource hubs.
5
PLAYGROUNDS
AS PARKS
Most schoolyards in our neighborhood are the only green space within close walking distance. I believe we need to safely open our school playgrounds for community use as parks on weekends and holidays, in partnership with the city. From soccer, tennis, basketball, sitting under a tree, or learning to ride a bike - our school facilities should be available for residents to use and enjoy.