Campbell Union School District Governing Board, Trustee Area #5

Vivian Mills

https://www.vivianmills4schoolboard.com/

I believe every child deserves quality education. That the parents (not teachers) hold the key to their child's success in academics and that parents should have a voice into their child's education. Teachers (& school administration) are a support to our students & their families - I support parents & teachers to pursue what's best for students.

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?

   1) Need to focus on academic achievement (demand this, report & celebrate achievement)
   2) Anxiety and fear for the future. Parents & children need hope and a future here.
   3) Commitment to aiding all our families to succeed in school basics - reading, writing & math.

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?

   Provide a hybrid program and/or extend learning hours for those who really need after school child care programs - expand this and make more available to those who qualify for this type of service and aid. Concentrate in providing more ESL programs emphasizing help with language, math & homework. Also access faith-based programs who volunteer their services so as to keep the expenses down for working parents or families with special needs.

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?

   I want to increase the opportunity for assistance or aid for all those who are disadvantaged. There should be a working plan to get kids who are disadvantaged to be mentored, tutored and given 1 on 1 attention for their studies & academics. This is not limited to federal, state & govt funding but also to 3rd party assistance equipped to aid this community or segment of the population (e.g. faith based or non-profit organizations for kids education).

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?

   These needs should be met on a case by case basis. Children with special needs or disabilities have a wide spectrum of needs and should be top priority and given special attention to detailing the needs of each and every child that needs our services - whether it be academics, nutritional, in-home aid & assistance and overall quality of living.

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 way to improve mental and behavioral care is to (1) not approach it by "self-affirming" diagnosis (this is not quality medical or healthcare); (2) parents should receive notice and be included in the attention and care of their child's mental health care in the hands of their schools & its programs therein; (3) in order to address this "mental health crisis" we must provide options other than in-school counselors, equity coaches & transition coaches/councilors. Parents and their children should have options that they can choose, opt-out and negotiate where to get this type of help or aid. Not just be giving an "assigned counselor" by their school. The goal is provide quality care.