Candidates share visions for Kern County schools at public forum

October 30, 2024 /

On Thursday evening, community members gathered at the MLK Community Center to meet and hear from local school board candidates seeking seats across several key educational districts. Hosted as a nonpartisan event, the Kern K-16 District Board Candidate Forum aimed to provide a platform for candidates to share their priorities and plans for the Kern County education system, from Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) to the Kern High School District (KHSD) and the Kern Board of Education.

The forum was attended by a diverse group of candidates, each vying to represent their respective areas within the county’s educational landscape.

Bakersfield City School District

Emma De La Rosa (BCSD, Area 1): Emma De La Rosa is running to tackle inequities and achievement gaps in the education system, particularly those affecting low-income communities. Drawing on her own experiences growing up in low-income housing, she has seen both the strengths and flaws of the system, which sometimes require self-advocacy. Her goals include ensuring all students, regardless of background, can achieve academically and that teachers and staff are well-supported to improve retention. She also plans to work with local partners to implement Safe Routes to Schools, enhancing community safety and infrastructure for students.

Mike Eggert (Bakersfield City School District, Area 1): A Bakersfield native, Eggert stressed the need for changes that benefit all students, including career-path support for non-college-bound students and early intervention services for special needs children. With 24 years of experience in the district, he is focused on expanding career opportunities and awareness of special education services.

In response to a question on handling parent retaliation and promoting open communication at Bakersfield City School District, Mike Eggert emphasized that any form of retaliation is unacceptable and highlighted a recent incident where staff faced repercussions after voicing concerns at a board meeting. He stated that all community members have a right to speak up without fear and that any retaliation should be reported directly to the superintendent.

Emma De La Rosa advocated for a clearly defined grievance process as part of the Family and Community Engagement Plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act. She underscored the importance of policy transparency and accountability for those retaliating against parents. De La Rosa also expressed her openness to speaking with parents directly to help resolve conflicts and foster strong trustee-community relationships.

Kern High School District

David F. Manriquez (Incumbent, Kern High School District, Area 3): Manriquez, a seasoned school board member and school safety coordinator, spoke about his dedication to student mental health, school safety, and equitable access to education. He expressed his commitment to developing policy that prioritizes student welfare and ensuring every student has a fair chance at success.

Steve Rodrigue (Kern High School District, Area 2): A longtime military officer and city employee, Rodrigue emphasized his commitment to supporting all students regardless of background. His time coaching at the high school level and his experience as a veteran shaped his passion for creating a unified and inclusive educational environment.

Manuel Ramirez (Kern High School District, Area 2): Raised in the local community, Ramirez shared his experience providing intervention services for at-risk students and the personal impact of losing a student to a fentanyl overdose. He aims to enhance workforce development, foster safe learning environments, and support educators.

In response to a question on addressing high suspension rates and the school-to-prison pipeline in Kern High School District, David Manriquez acknowledged progress in reducing suspensions, citing resources like intervention programs and adherence to IEPs and 504 plans. He emphasized involving families in understanding disciplinary actions and following state laws for severe offenses requiring expulsion.

Steve Rodrigue expressed disappointment at the high suspension rates, noting the efforts of Student Advocacy Centers, intervention specialists, and mental health staff on campuses. He emphasized the need for diverse opportunities for students, from academic to hands-on skills, to promote success. Rodrigue highlighted initiatives like Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) to support students’ mental well-being and readiness to learn.

Manuel Ramirez agreed with the need for improvement, sharing a personal story of a student who was denied intervention services and later died from a fentanyl overdose. He stressed the importance of more direct, supportive services and partnerships with community organizations that use evidence-based practices to ensure students feel supported and achieve high graduation rates.

Kern Board of Education

Paula Bray (Incumbent, Board of Education, Area 5): Originally from the Bay Area, Bray has embraced Bakersfield as her home and expressed her dedication to her community and her family. She emphasized her role in policy implementation for court and community schools, and her goal is to ensure every student has the chance to learn, grow, and graduate.

Lori Eskew (Kern County Board of Education, Area 5): Eskew highlighted her deep roots in Bakersfield and her desire to increase transparency and communication between teachers, students, and parents. She is focused on addressing issues within community, court, and charter schools, aiming to bring greater clarity and collaboration across the board.

Michael Pollack (Board of Education, Area 6): Pollack focused on attendance, education quality, and standardized test performance as critical areas for student success. He advocates for removing barriers to equal access for all students and emphasized his role as an advocate for families within the district.

In response to a question about supporting LGBTQ+ students and Assembly Bill 1955, Lori Eskew expressed concerns that withholding information about a student’s gender identity from parents could lead to distrust and complications within schools. She emphasized protecting all students and raised hypothetical safety concerns about privacy in bathrooms and locker rooms.

Michael Pollack stated that he would follow the law as a board member, emphasizing respect for students’ personal milestones and privacy regarding gender identity. He noted that the board’s responsibility is to comply with legislation and avoid legal conflicts.

Paula Bray agreed with Pollack on the board’s responsibility to adhere to state law. She explained that students within the Kern County Board of Education’s jurisdiction follow policies of their respective home districts, which can vary. Bray also highlighted that teachers are mandated reporters, which could impact how students share information if there are concerns about home safety.

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Victoria Rodgers

Victoria Rodgers is an editor and reporter for Kern Sol News. Born in Bakersfield, CA, she received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Rockford University in Illinois. She can be reached at victoria@southkernsol.org.