Union School District Governing Board

Thomas E. Rossmeissl

https://www.unionsd.org

There is nothing more important than the education of our children. At Union School District we strive to provide our students with the best education available, in a caring, supportive and student-centered culture, without the intrusion of national politics or political agendas.

1. In a recent poll by Choose Children 2022 of likely general election voters, more than half of parents with children under age 18 say they are likely to move out of the Bay Area in the next few years. What do you think are the top three issues affecting our children and families and how will you make our region a place where all families can thrive?

   The cost of living in the Bay Area is the greatest challenge to our children and families, as is providing after-hours care for students during the parents' work hours. While the School Board cannot do anything to affect the local cost of living, we have worked diligently to provide extended care hours at most of our school sites to enable working parents to have a safe place for their students before and after school.

2. As we have learned over the past three years, without quality, affordable, childcare, parents can’t go to work. What will you do to address challenges accessing childcare and preschool programs in our diverse communities?

   Union School District has been a leader in providing extended hours at our school sites, offering parents a safe place for their children while the parents are at work. As a member of the Board of Trustees for the past five years, I have been part of the leadership team to promote and expand our extended care school programs

3. Much of the student achievement gap has been linked to the opportunity gap that children in low-income families and children of color confront (e.g., lack of access to healthy food, preschool, tutors, and enrichment activities). If elected, what will you do to increase equity of opportunity?

   At Union School District, we place a heavy focus on equity of opportunity, ensuring that resources are dedicated to provide healthy and nutritious meals to students, and dedicate resources to educate all of our students from TK through 8th grade. If re-elected to the Board of Trustees, I will continue to support this mission.

4. What steps will you take to support inclusion and outcomes for children with special needs or with disabilities and their families to be fully included in our community?

   No student is left behind at Union School District and our children with special needs or who have disabilities receive the support and services that they need, including where appropriate dedicated resource specialists, speech and occupational therapy, behavioral intervention, and other services. Ours is a community of inclusion.

5. There is a mental health crisis among children, youth, and those who care for and educate them. If elected, how will you use the resources of your new role to improve access to mental and behavioral health services?

   The challenges posed by the pandemic have hit our community members hard, and at Union School District we recognize the importance of educating the whole child. We will continue to offer appropriate services and counseling to our students who could benefit from them and to support all of our teachers and staff where that extra support is needed.