Coalinga Candidates Forum
On October 15, 2024, Spencer attended the Coalinga Candidates forum hosted by the Coalinga Chamber of Commerce. At this event, it was apparent that the vision Spencer has for the Coalinga-Huron Unified School District and the vision his opponent has are very different.
Spencer highlighted the need for parent-led committees to tackle critical issues and the importance of working closely with our teachers and staff to identify problems and collaborate on solutions. My opponent, however, stated that the board’s role is simply to write policy and that she is satisfied with the current direction of our schools.
This simply isn’t true. While it is true that the district has administrators in place to handle daily tasks, the board is the governing body responsible to ensure there are adequate checks and balances, and the board must approve all budgets, expenditures, policies, staff hires/fires, instructional materials, field trips, etc. The board are the elected officials designated to ensure resources are being spent and utilized efficiently and that administrators are carrying out their duties appropriately. I also believe it is the boards responsibility to ensure the CHUSD staff have the resources and tools necessary to do their jobs effectively. After all, if our staff don’t have proper resources, then they aren’t able to provide the quality education to our kids that our kids deserve.
According to Great Schools ratings, Coalinga High is rated 4/10, Coalinga Middle 1/10, Sunset Elementary 4/10, and Dawson Elementary 2/10. These ratings don’t suggest we’re moving in the right direction. I often hear the term “Toad Pride.” As a graduate of Coalinga High School, I too have “Toad Pride,” but I must ask the question, what are we proud of? Are we proud of these school ratings? Are we proud of our literacy rates? Are we proud of our low test scores compared to State standards?
With my proven track record as a senior union representative and chief negotiator, I bring a unique skillset that is missing from the current board members. I work with legislators daily to accomplish goals, and can use this experience to work with legislators to bring funding and resources to Caolinga. My goal is to bring transparency to the board, make meetings more accessible, involve parents in decision-making, and work with teachers to identify and address challenges. I'll also collaborate with local leaders to secure funding for our aging schools. The board needs the voice of a parent with a current CHUSD student, and I’d be honored to represent you.
Vote Spencer Davison for CHUSD Trustee 2024.
