03/10/2023
Hello all!
I wanted to acknowledge everyone who has an opinion, whether for or against something that the board had voted on at our last open board meeting, on 03/07/23, and give a little bit of insight to why I voted the way I did.
After careful consideration, the board voted unanimously to move forward with the opening of a new Middle College Academy at Yuba College. There was a presentation sharing some of the benefits to this, both to it's future pupils, and to the community. There was also several that clearly, and dutifully, stated their concerns, and shared why they were opposed.
Let me start by giving a little more about myself, and why I decided to run for this position. Out of the 7 member board, I am the only one that does not come from a background in academics. My background is in finance, banking, and investments. Though undoubtedly my background will come in handy, it is not my primary role here. My primary role is that of a parent. I have 2 children in this district, whom I love very much, and would go to the ends of the earth for. My thinking, and that which guides my vote as a trustee is that of a parent. I made this clear while campaigning, and this is what made my campaign a success.
As an involved parent, if my child was driven academically, and showed such dedication that an option like this academy would be fruitful for them, and I being dedicated to them and their success, why would I ever tell them no? Why would I do anything other than give them every single opportunity to be successful, and give them a jumpstart to that success?
I am a husband, and parent first. Everything else comes second.
In these times it is apparent that not every student has the same quality of home life. Not every student has an invested parent. This is why I ran. My first encounter with the very board I now sit on was one of odds during the fiasco of covid. I felt I needed to express my views of parental rights to protect our children. Unfortunately, there are children in this district that do not have that person who would do that for them, so I will be that advocate. There are others on the board who will be as well.
This academy is not for every student. It isn't even for every AP student. Like one of the AP teachers wonderfully said in the prior meeting, "...these AP students serve on the student body, they are athletes, they are musicians, they are more than just academics..", he's right, they are, and they will remain those things. For those students, they will probably be happier, and more successful where they could continue being those things. This school isn't for them. This new option will require much, including sacrifice, from both the student, and their parents. This isn't about comparing AP students to middle college students. There is no competition. This is simply a different route, for different people.
To those who shared their concerns, believe me, those concerns are also shared by the members of the board. Many steps have been taken to address them, including opening several wellness centers on campus for our students. Addressing more of these concerns is a priority, have been discussed by the board, and will be confronted. Frankly, we need more involved parents at home, and a focus on stability needs to be every family's priority. There are many negative outside influences that affect our children's daily lives. As parents and guardians, we need to be our children's strongest protector, their greatest filter, and their biggest fans.
That said, both of these things can happen. We can have a new option for our students, and we can also focus on our struggles. One thing doesn't mean we don't have the other.
Please, to all, parents, teachers, administration, staff, feel free to reach out to me whenever, however. My ear is at your disposal.
-Seth
