why i am running

Our public schools are in crisis. Parents, and taxpayers are looking for real solutions not endorsements from those who have failed students.  Students are graduating with limited skills, less prepared than previous years, but fluent in social and political ideologies. Even in our highest performing school districts in area 2,  20% of students are not at grade level in reading nor math.  In some schools fewer students are taking and passing the AP exams than before. Parents must hire tutors to make up for what is not taught at school. Instruction from TK to 12th grade is infused with sexual confusion, political theories, promotion of unlimited identities and efforts to create student activists who will transform the culture and right all societal wrongs. However, most parents want academics, grade level reading, writing, spelling, math proficiency,  merit based grades, not activism. 

Time is finite. Activism and social theories consume academic  instructional time. Funding for activism, social and political agendas reduces funds for academic services for individual students..  Adults get jobs, consultants get work, new conferences and programs make money for publishers and trainers while direct  student services are left with less money again. This is the common ten to twenty year cycle of California education. Students academic needs are  thrown under the bus while adults prosper. Affluent parents can afford private schools or tutors but working class families can not, especially in today's difficult economy. 

Are we the voters of Contra Costa willing to continue this familiar cycle or will we vote for change? Will we  direct our schools to place student's academic needs first in instructional time, first in budgeting, and first in hiring based on professional merit not political compatibility? Will we, as parents and taxpayers, teachers and board members focus on the gift of learning for every child?

 Sadly, it is necessary to clarify that children belong to their parents. This bond is sacred. Children need the wisdom and protection of their parents.  Our teachers and board members should not undermine these family ties that last forever.

Our schools belong to all of us, to we the people, the public. Our schools are to reflect the values of our families, our communities, and our citizens. Our schools do not belong to those with teaching credentials.  

The County Office of Education provides additional services for specialized groups of students: the incarcerated, English learners, students with disabilities and students who are homeless or in foster care. It is vital that these students also receive high quality instruction. I will help them have the best in materials, resources and specific services to progress academically. Their futures deserve our maximum support.

If elected I will be a voice for students, parents, taxpayers and educators who believe public education's responsibility is to teach reading, chemistry, music, science, history based on facts and other academic content diligently with respect and dignity for all students and parents.

We need budgets that focus on providing vital materials so teachers can teach skillfully. Many classrooms are lacking essential instructional materials which reduces learning and severely burdens teachers.

We need to teach students to respect our schools, our teachers, the materials and services we the people of Contra Costa sacrificially provide for students. Gratitude for the teachers, services, materials and instruction they receive from the pockets of others is good for students hearts and minds.

Parents and the public have the right to hold schools accountable for their performance and students need to be accountable for their performance. 

Now is the time for new leadership that will focus on the gift of  an academic education, on the joy of learning and the unity that comes when we respect  all community members. 

Those in elected office who ignored the suffering of our students, parents and communities do not deserve four more years. Those who voted to ignore the isolation, misery and depression of our communities so they could qualify for Covid dollars should be held accountable. Their past decisions, which allowed for enormous despair, should not have access to influencing our futures.

We can refocus our schools on academic performance, increase student services, initiate transparency in instruction, grading and materials, increase campus, classroom and digital safety so parents will have every reason to trust their students will be prepared for their future and their pursuit of their happiness.

A vote for me is a vote for quality learning for all.

Lisa Disbrow for CCC Board of Education

LisaDisbrow2022@gmail.com